Kris Wirk, current Greater Victoria Chamber Board Chair
VICTORIA – The search has begun for a new CEO to take the helm of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, although no one will be able to replace Bruce Williams when he moves on from the role in June 2025. Williams is open to taking on new opportunities and will continue to work for the community he has served for more than two decades.
Williams joined The Chamber in June 2020, a few months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The circumstances tested everyone, including Williams who found himself in charge of a 157-year-old institution facing an existential risk as traditional revenue streams evaporated.
Fortunately, Williams was up to the challenge. His calm approach and fundraising creativity nurtured new business models and diversified The Chamber’s income sources. The organization flourished when it was needed most.
“It has been a transformative time as we experienced the pandemic and recovery and have made significant progress in DEI, Indigenous relations and diverse revenue development,” Williams said. “We have also engaged younger business people into Chamber culture, which has brought fresh energy and perspective to our organization.”
The Chamber and Greater Victoria’s business community have been fortunate to have had Bruce’s leadership over the past five years, current Chamber Board Chair Kris Wirk said.
“Under Bruce’s stewardship, The Chamber has navigated through unprecedented challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this critical time was instrumental in shaping policies and helping our members adapt,” Wirk said, adding that future leaders now have a stage to build upon and continue expanding The Chamber’s impact. “Bruce also worked tirelessly to ensure that our Chamber became more inclusive, expanding opportunities for new and diverse businesses to become members. His commitment to diversity and inclusion has enriched our network and created a stronger, more vibrant local economy.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and our members, we extend our deepest gratitude to Bruce for his dedication and outstanding service.”
Williams’s contract expires in June 2025, allowing him to focus on new projects and opportunities. He and his wife, Amanda, own Spark Strategic Group. The couple will continue to live in Greater Victoria.
Christina Clarke, the current Vice-Chair and incoming Chair of The Chamber Board, echoed praise for Williams’ efforts guiding the organization during a tumultuous time.
“Bruce joined our team as the pandemic was raging and our members were in crisis. It was one of the most difficult points in our history and yet it was an opportunity to shine. Bruce provided a calm and compassionate voice when our region needed it most,” Clarke said. “He created the Chamber Champions program to diversify revenues and support the membership of businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Bruce will leave a lasting legacy at The Chamber. Perhaps the best example is the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee, which Bruce helped to create and promote.”
A number of events will be planned in 2025 to allow Chambers members and the community to connect with Bruce Williams before he leaves his role. To send messages to Bruce, email chamber@victoriachamber.ca. Note that The Chamber is currently relocating and does not have a physical office space at the moment. The move will also result in periods of disruption to our phone system, so email is the best method of communication until our new office opens in January.
Source: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
