O'Brien named CEO at Greater Burlington Partnership

BURLINGTON – Following a nationwide executive search for a visionary leader to lead the Greater Burlington Partnership, the Partnership announced today that Amy O’Brien has been selected as its new president and chief executive officer. O’Brien will take the helm of the Partnership on Monday, September 16, 2024.

The Greater Burlington Partnership’s Joint Powers Board voted unanimously in favor of hiring O’Brien. Melinda Bickel, chair of the Greater Burlington Partnership board, said “Amy is a strategic, big-picture thinker with deep experience advocating for businesses of all sizes. Amy brings extensive experience spanning the public, private, chamber, downtown and economic development sectors. She has the vision and strategic focus to take the Greater Burlington Partnership to the next level, advocating for our members and community.”

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead the Greater Burlington Partnership,” said O’Brien. “I feel as if my entire career trajectory has led me to this position at the right time. The Partnership’s work is vital to the business community and economic development, and I look forward to working with the boards, members, volunteers, and staff to grow the organization and to promote the community and ensure the livelihood of all local businesses in the Greater Burlington area. On a personal note, I am also looking forward to relocating back to Burlington and to reconnect with so many friends and colleagues.”

O’Brien currently serves as the Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development for the City of Mexico, Missouri. In this role, she implemented MainStreet Mexico, arranged for a professional video marketing showcase for business attraction and talent attraction, and played a key role in securing $100,000 USDA grant to create a business incubator in downtown Mexico. Additionally, O’Brien served as the liaison with the Mexico Area Chamber and Progress Mexico providing business recruitment and retention services.

Before her position with the City of Mexico, O’Brien was the Chief Executive Officer of the Audrain Community Hospital also in Mexico, Missouri. There, she managed the transition of ownership from SSM Health System in St Louis to Noble Health and established two new specialty clinics for Orthopedics and Pain Management within the first year of operation.

In Burlington, O’Brien has held leadership roles as Vice President, Business Development & Engagement with Great River Entertainment and as Vice President of Physician Practices with Great River Health System. She holds a Master of Science degree from University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is skilled in operations management, government affairs, business development, workforce development and executive leadership.

O’Brien is married to Joe, athletic director for Southeastern Community College. They have three adult children and three grandchildren, as well as an “international son” from Croatia bringing their total number of grandchildren to six. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling to family and friends.

Ann Menke, chair of the CEO Search Committee stated, “We are pleased to have someone of Amy’s caliber lead our organization into the future. We welcome her back to Burlington and feel that her leadership, energy, and passion will complement the Partnership’s program of work and challenge us to aim higher. Amy is an experienced collaborator, consummate leader, and true professional.”

The Greater Burlington Partnership retained Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer with YGM, LLC, to provide management and oversight for the national search, working with a committee of volunteers from the Partnership’s membership. YGM specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and non-profits.

As the Partnership’s President & CEO, O’Brien will oversee the staff and will report to the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The President & CEO is responsible for providing overall leadership and management to the membership, boards, staff, and volunteers in executing the respective missions of the Partnership’s organizations, along with financial management, marketing, membership development, fundraising, and overall operations. The President & CEO implements the annual business plan to meet the objectives of the approved Strategic Plan.

O’Brien said her first priorities will be to actively engage with the members to understand both their current and future needs and to meet as many people as possible to build the strong relationships needed to be successful as the leader of the Partnership. She succeeds Della Schmidt, who announced her departure in April to accept the position as the President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth located in Mankato, Minnesota. Schmidt served as President and CEO since June of 2019.