Kerns Named Chamber Manager at Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance

Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance President/CEO Charlie Sparks has named Elizabeth “Liz” Kerns as the new manager of the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, effective Monday, June 3.

Kerns has a strong background in the chamber industry, previously serving as director of local chamber
relations and events for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and president of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

“Elizabeth will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Kokomo chamber,” Sparks said. “We expect the chamber to thrive under her strong leadership.”

In her new position, Kerns will facilitate the Greater Kokomo Chamber's growth, membership engagement, programming and development.

“As I looked at chamber opportunities nationally, Kokomo stood out for the progressive structure of the
organization, strategic location of the community, strong business environment, forward-thinking leadership,
and opportunities for our entire family to thrive,” she said.

She is looking forward to learning more about the Kokomo business community. Kerns earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in journalism/public relations and a minor in business.

An Accredited Chamber Executive through the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, she
has also completed doctoral coursework from Olivet Nazarene University, Seattle University, and Concordia
University Portland pursuing a doctorate in ethical leadership.

Kerns and her husband, Matt, are relocating to Kokomo from Bourbonnais, Ill., with their three sons.