INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 14, 2023) – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy organization, is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Vanessa Green Sinders, a former Fortune 100 executive and experienced policy strategist, has been selected as the incoming president and CEO according to a press release issued today.
She will succeed Kevin Brinegar, who will retire in early January 2024. This significant milestone marks the Indiana Chamber’s first female president. Sinders was chosen from a highly qualified pool of candidates, hailing from various sectors including business, politics, and trade associations.
Sinders’ unique ability to lead, innovate, and advocate for diverse stakeholders set her apart from the competition. With a proven track record in corporate America, government, and a national trade group, she brings a wealth of experience to the Indiana Chamber. Her collaborative leadership style, coupled with a talent for elevating organizations and improving member outcomes, make her the ideal candidate for this role.
“What really set Vanessa apart is her demonstrated ability to lead, innovate and advocate across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. She’s done that in corporate America, government and with a national trade group. That’s so important because of the varied aspects and programs at the Indiana Chamber,” states Paul Perkins, search committee member and chair of the Indiana Chamber Board of Directors, which approved the hire earlier today.
“At every place she’s led, Vanessa has earned a reputation as a strong, collaborative leader able to take organizations to new heights, improve member outcomes and develop top internal talent.”
Sinders also boasts an impressive 20-year career in policy work in Washington D.C. Prior to her move to Indiana last year, she served as senior vice president for government affairs at Charter Communications/Spectrum. In this role, she directed strategic policy and political engagement with Congress and the White House, while overseeing internal and external government affairs teams. Additionally, Sinders held senior positions at the American Hotel & Lodging Association and played influential roles on Capitol Hill.
Excited about her new role, Sinders expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Indiana Chamber. She aims to build on the organization’s successful track record and contribute to the state’s reputation as an ideal place to live, work, and do business. Through collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across Indiana, Sinders plans to identify and advance new opportunities that maximize the Chamber’s impact.
“I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Indiana Chamber and build on the organization’s strong record of success that has helped position our state as a place where people want to live, work and do business,” Sinders says. “As a believer in the power of collaboration and working together, I look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the Hoosier state to identify and advance new opportunities that maximize the Chamber’s impact.”
Those who have worked closely with Sinders describe her as a likable, genuine, and energetic leader who excels at building strong teams and finding innovative solutions. As she assumes her role as president and CEO, there is confidence that Sinders will further enhance the Chamber’s already high-performing organization.
“Vanessa is the kind of person people immediately like when they meet her,” John Thompson, the search committee chair and past Indiana Chamber Board chairman said. Adding, “She goes out of her way to make those genuine connections. She’s a real team-builder and finds innovative solutions that benefit all.
“I’m confident as the Chamber staff, members and partners get to know her that they will see such a positive, energetic and strong leader – one that is able to deliver significant results and make what is already a high-performing organization even greater.”
Sinders resides in Indianapolis with her husband and two sons – she founded Green Sinders Consulting upon moving to Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in government with a minor in economics from Dartmouth College.
Sinders will begin her tenure at the Indiana Chamber as president and CEO-elect on October 16 and will assume the full role on January 5, following Brinegar’s retirement.
The Indiana Chamber consists of eight legal entities including a political action committee, foundation, two for-profit subsidiaries and several 501(c)(3)s, including the Wellness Council of Indiana and Institute for Workforce Excellence.
