Miami Chamber Plans To Hire Chief Financial Officer

By Kristen Fidh
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce plans to hire a chief financial officer, a new position at the 96-year-old organization.

The job will be filled after the Chamber hires a president and CEO to replace the retiring William O. Cullom, said Chairman Peter Roulhac. Hiring a CFO will be the new president’s first major act.

Financial management had been part of the chief administrative officer’s responsibilities, said former chairman Jack Lowell.

Mr. Roulhac said the Chamber decided moving financial responsibilities to a CFO would be more effective.

"We felt that with our financial challenges of membership declining, a shortage of revenue goals and a turnover in the accounting department, we wanted to have a strong person in place on the financial side," Mr. Roulhac said. "Instead of having other lines of work, this person will be aware of the total scheme of things financially."

James Champion, heading the Chamber’s search for a new CEO, said the chief financial officer will need to understand financial and operational integration to provide the best services for members.

"We need to be smart and support our resources, not exhaust them," he said.

The chief financial officer will work directly with the new president, Mr. Roulhac said.

Dabney "Bud" Park, a member of the Chamber’s executive search committee, said interviews with CEO candidates are to be completed by Friday (9/5) and he expects a final decision by Sept. 11. He would not say how many candidates are still being considered.