Greater Topeka Partnership CEO stepping down in May
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The face of a major Topeka association focused on growing the Capital City's economic presence has announced he will be departing for the east coast.
Bob Ross with the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) said in a press release on Friday, March 21 that CEO Matt Pivarnik is stepping down. He will be leaving Topeka to take up the role of president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce in South Carolina. His last day will be May 18, 2025.
“Matt has been a transformational leader for Topeka,” said Cody Foster, former chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership and co-founder of Advisors Excel. “While I’m sad to see him leave the community, both as a leader and a friend, I also know he’s built a solid foundation for a new leader to come and build upon. The team he’s assembled and the progress that has been made over the past decade has positioned Topeka, and the next leader of the GTP, to do some incredible things.”
Pivarnik became CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce in 2016, playing a large role in the formation of the GTP and bringing local entities such as GO Topeka, Visit Topeka and Downtown Topeka, Inc. together. He is credited with bringing a new era of economic revitalization and community growth to the Topeka area.
“The last nine years have flown by in a flash, and it has been an amazing ride!" Pivarnik said. "I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside incredible leaders in moving Topeka & Shawnee County forward, and I will forever be a ‘Super Fan’ of this community that Wendy and I love so much. While this is heartbreaking in so many ways, the time is right for us to go in a new direction. I am happy that the Greater Topeka Partnership and all its entities are in a strong operational and financial position. The Partnership Executive Leadership Team is in the very top of its class in the country, and they are in position to lead the organization into the future. Topeka has changed dramatically and positively during our time here, and I credit that to this team, our full staff, volunteer leadership, stakeholders, and elected leaders. My life has been enriched by Topeka, and I will forever be indebted to this amazing place. The momentum has exceeded all our expectations, and Topeka’s best days are ahead.”
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