On October 13, on behalf of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, I was thrilled to announce that our Chamber named a new president & CEO: Shannon Full.

In May, we contracted with an executive search firm to work with our own search committee to recruit the next Chamber leader after the passing of Craig Whitney last December. The search committee was led by Steve Swiontek and included Anne Blackhurst, Brian Shawn, Kristi Huber, Jon Riewer, and me. As a search committee, we understood the importance of finding the next CEO; someone who could be a strong leader for our members and the FMWF community. We did not take this responsibility lightly and are grateful that our due diligence was worth the grit and grace.

Our mission was to narrow our search to a top candidate and bring that individual forward to the Executive Committee. In early October, we brought Shannon Full to Fargo. Shannon toured our community, met with the executive committee of the board, the search committee, and the Chamber staff. We were energized and excited by the enthusiasm, experience and breadth of knowledge she demonstrated. It was evident that she was the passionate leader and community collaborator we were seeking, and we were thrilled when she accepted our offer.

Shannon has over 20 years of Chamber experience, most recently as president and CEO of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce in Plymouth, Minnesota. Many of her previous chamber positions represented multiple communities (like the FMWF Chamber). Shannon is a pro-business advocate, and has experience with talent and workforce development, economic development, special events, membership programming and growing organizations. Her passion for building and sustaining prosperous communities inspired our board, and we’re eager to see what innovative initiatives Shannon will use to lead The Chamber and the entire Fargo Moorhead West Fargo community forward. We are confident that Shannon will serve both well.

In Shannon’s words: “I am so honored and eager to be taking on the role of president/CEO for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. I am energized by the vibrancy of the community, the opportunities for growth, the commitment of the leadership and Chamber team and the tremendous foundation that has already been established. The support and empowerment I’ve already received from the Board of Directors is humbling. Our family is looking forward to calling the FMWF community home.”

Shannon will begin her role here in December. We look forward to welcoming her family to the FMWF community and to our Chamber.

Sandi Piatz
2020-21 Chamber Board Chair
Site Leader, Microsoft