Commerce Lexington President & CEO Bob Quick Marks 25 Years of Service

Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Bob Quick for his 25 years of service to the organization and our region.  Bob became president and CEO of the then Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2001, guided the organization through a merger of three organizations that would become Commerce Lexington, and now leads a nearly 1,900-member investor-driven chamber of commerce and economic development organization that has been recognized with numerous national awards and honors.
 
Bob has 37 years of experience in the chamber profession with previous service as the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Evansville (IN) Chamber of Commerce and as the executive vice president of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. ​During his tenure at the helm of Commerce Lexington, the organization has received multiple awards, some of which include:

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• Top 20 Mac Conway Economic Development Agency by Site Selection Magazine (2018, 2020 & 2021).
• Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (2016).
• Top 3 chambers of commerce by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (2014 & 2015).
• Unity Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that have carried out the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (2022)
• Commerce Lexington named Economic Development Organization of the Year by Business Facilities (2024 & 2025).
• Greater Lexington Region named a top place for business and industry (2023 & 2024), according to Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings of the top metros based on economic development activity.

 
“When we moved our family here to Lexington in 2001, we were impressed by the area but had no idea what to expect,” said Bob Quick. “Lexington and its region have a way of pulling you in and making you part of a larger family. It turned out to be one of the best decisions, because our family has thrived here. Leading Commerce Lexington has been a joy thanks to the many great partners, investors, leadership, and volunteers who are committed to making Greater Lexington the very best place in the world.  I have also been blessed with wonderful hard-working staff members who serve in a way that uplifts our community and region.”
 
Nick Nicholson, current Board Chair from Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, said, “I’m excited to congratulate Bob on his 25 years of success. Although I’m a new Board Chair this year, I have worked with Bob and his team on many occasions in my other roles with Commerce Lexington. He is a man of high integrity who knows how to pull people together to find solutions to our biggest issues. Lexington would not be where it is today without his tireless efforts promoting our city and region.”
 
Two-time Board Chair, Carla Blanton (2017 & 2025), said, “Bob's steady leadership and commitment to collaboration have helped Commerce Lexington become one of the top chambers in the country. But more importantly, his efforts have made significant, long-lasting impacts on the community and the region. Serving as board chair twice, I saw firsthand how he brings together a variety of voices and talents to tackle tough issues on behalf of the community.”
 
Luther Deaton, chairman, president and CEO of Central Bank & Trust Co., served two terms as Board Chair (2004 & 2005) when the organization became Commerce Lexington, and he was part of the committee that hired Bob Quick. Luther said, “I can still remember when Bob came in for his interview. He was very well prepared, and he was honest about what needed to be done here. His leadership has been unbelievable, and he has assembled the best Chamber team in the country. Bob’s most significant achievement has been building our regional collaboration efforts. When he first became president of the Chamber, he went out into the region and met with every official to listen and let them tell us what they needed. He always leads for the betterment of this city. Bob cares so much about people and this place we call home. I appreciate what he’s done for our community and this organization.”
 
Past Board Chair (1995), Bill Lear of Stoll Keenon Ogden, said, “Bob Quick’s strong, steady leadership of Commerce Lexington these 25 years has given Central Kentucky businesses a more effective voice and made our community a better place. Whether it has involved building stronger relations with government officials, faith leaders and educators, reaching across county lines, or managing the merger of three organizations to create Commerce Lexington, Bob has always been there, doing the work, giving others the credit, and making it happen. If you’re looking for an example of a servant leader, you need look no further than Bob Quick.”
 
Former Kentucky American Water president, Nick Rowe, served as the organization’s Board Chair in 2002.  “I was on the search committee that hired Bob some 25 years ago,” said Rowe. “It has been one of the best decisions that we ever made. Soon after came the task of merging three organizations, including the Chamber, Lexington United, and the Partnership for Workforce Development. Bob’s leadership made that a smooth transition. Bob and his wife, Julie, have become part of the fabric of this community. Bob always has a calming voice in the storm, while fostering inclusion regionally for the betterment of all communities involved. He has led our Chamber with grace and dignity, and I would like to congratulate him for 25 years of success!”
 
2003 Board Chair, Darby Turner from Dentons, had this to say about Bob, “I am pleased to congratulate Bob on his 25 years with Commerce Lexington. It seems like it was just yesterday when the Chamber’s search committee recommended a young man from the Midwest farm belt to run the Chamber. We couldn’t have made a better choice. He shepherded the merger of entities into today’s very strong and vibrant Commerce Lexington. Under his leadership, the organization became the strong voice of the Lexington business community. He and his team have received numerous awards and national recognition, and he is now guiding the organization to the next level of regional collaboration supporting economic development for existing businesses and new businesses to the region. Bob is a true citizen of the Bluegrass and has contributed so much to the fabric of our community. I would like to personally thank him for his hard work, but most of all for his friendship.”
 
Joe Kelly, who was president of Columbia Gas of Kentucky when he served as Board Chair in 2006, said, “During Bob's 25 years as the leader of Lexington's premier business organization, he has provided steady, calm and informed leadership.  Whether during difficult times, such as the crippling 2008 global financial crisis or times of opportunity, such as reaching out to help build win-win regional partnerships with Lexington's neighbors, Bob and his outstanding team have always been ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work. His focus on the organization's membership services as well as community involvement, both delivered in a professional, caring manner have been a hallmark of Bob's tenure as Commerce Lexington's trusted leader."