President & CEO Brandom Gengelbach to transition from role effective October 31, 2026
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — September 23, 2026 — The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that President & CEO Brandom Gengelbach will transition from his role effective October 31, 2026, following discussions with Chamber Board Chair Chris Schnurbusch and the Chamber’s Executive Committee about the organization’s next chapter.
Gengelbach joined the Bentonville Area Chamber in October 2023 after being recruited to bring a fresh perspective to economic development and explore new ideas and approaches for how the Chamber could create greater value for Bentonville and the surrounding business community.
After nearly three years of service, Gengelbach and Chamber leadership have agreed that a leadership transition is the appropriate next step as the organization continues to evolve and focus on the areas where it can create the greatest value for businesses and the community.
“I am incredibly proud of what our team, Board and community partners have accomplished together,” said Gengelbach. “When I came to Bentonville, I was asked to help think strategically about economic development and the role the Chamber could play in shaping our community’s future. That work helped create a stronger conversation about the opportunities ahead for our community and business community.”
During Gengelbach’s tenure, the Chamber developed and launched Bold Bentonville, a comprehensive economic-development strategy focused on entrepreneurship, workforce development, product development, retail and tourism. The Chamber also introduced new membership levels and benefits, refreshed its brand and visual identity with a new logo, strengthened its engagement with small businesses, and expanded partnerships connecting business and education.
Gengelbach highlighted the Chamber’s work with Bentonville Schools, including the Career Insight Academy and LIFT Teacher Externship Program, as examples of the organization’s role in bringing businesses and educators together around community needs.
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of this community, and I am especially proud of the relationships we’ve built with that part of our membership,” Gengelbach said. “I’m also proud of the work we’ve done with Bentonville Schools. Programs like Career Insight Academy and LIFT demonstrate what the Chamber can accomplish when businesses, educators and community leaders come together around a shared need.”
A Strong Foundation for the Next Chapter
Board Chair Chris Schnurbusch said Gengelbach was recruited to help the Chamber think differently about economic development and the organization’s role in a rapidly growing community.
“Brandom helped us think differently about the role of the Chamber, the opportunity for economic development in Bentonville and how the Chamber could create greater value for the business community,” said Schnurbusch. “He brought tremendous experience, energy and commitment to that work, and he helped us develop a clearer vision for how the Chamber could serve businesses and contribute to the future of our community.”
Schnurbusch said the Board’s responsibility is to continually evaluate how the Chamber can best serve its members and the broader business community.
“Our responsibility as a Board is to make sure the Chamber is positioned to serve businesses effectively and sustainably for years to come,” Schnurbusch said. “We have a strong foundation to build on, and we are focused on the opportunities ahead.”
Continuing the Chamber’s Core Mission
The Chamber will continue its role as a convener and connector for the business community, creating opportunities for businesses to build relationships, access resources, strengthen their workforce and grow.
The Chamber will continue its WalStreet programming for Bentonville’s vendor and supplier community, as well as its workforce-development partnership with Bentonville Schools.
“The Chamber has an important role to play as a convener and connector,” Gengelbach said. “Creating value isn’t about doing everything ourselves. It’s about bringing businesses, people and organizations together in ways that create opportunities for our members. I believe that focus will serve the Chamber and this community well for years to come.”
Gengelbach will remain in his role through October 31, 2026, working with the Chamber board, staff and community partners to support the transition and ensure continuity for Chamber members and partners.
“My family and I absolutely love Bentonville, and we’re grateful to call this community home.” Gengelbach said. “It has been a privilege to serve a community that has welcomed our family so generously. Bentonville has given us a great deal, and we look forward to continuing to call it home for many years to come.”
The Chamber Executive Committee will announce details regarding interim leadership and next steps for the organization’s leadership transition at a later date.
About the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce serves businesses throughout the Bentonville area by connecting members, creating opportunities for business growth, supporting workforce partnerships and serving as a convener for the local business community.