NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Forward Lawrence is again looking for a new CEO, a little more than two years after hiring its last one.
In a news release issued earlier this month, Forward Lawrence – the partnership between the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence County Economic Development Corp. and Lawrence County Regional Chamber Foundation – announced its executive search committee is seeking a new CEO to replace Benjamin Bush.
Bush, whom Forward Lawrence hired in May 2023 as its CEO, began a new position in September as vice president of public affairs for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, according to his LinkedIn profile. His last day at Forward Lawrence was Sept. 26, and he started Sept. 29 at the Allegheny Conference, a Forward Lawrence representative said.
Sharon-based Kismet Recruiting Group will conduct the search. Kismet previously identified Bush for the role in 2023 after a 15-month vacancy.
The role of the new CEO will be to recruit industries and businesses to Lawrence County, support and retain existing businesses and economic enterprises and collaborate closely with local, regional, state and federal agencies to advance economic growth and development, according to the release. The position will report directly to the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, with additional reporting obligations to the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp.
“We’ll select a candidate who will build upon the momentum we’ve seen over the past couple of years. Working closely with key regional stakeholders and developing strategies to drive economic development will be critical to success in this position,” Scott Stone, Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce board president, said in the release.
Candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter outlining their vision for economic development in Lawrence County, along with a resume and three professional references, to Stone at executivesearch@forwardlawrence.com. No further information was released regarding the expected length of the search or when Forward Lawrence expects to name a new CEO.