Today, the Grand Rapids Chamber announced two promotions on its executive leadership team: Kate Wezeman has been named Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations and Omar Cuevas has been named Senior Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations.
Kate Wezeman joined the Chamber team in June 2017. During her tenure, Kate has demonstrated a commitment to improving internal financial reporting and providing consistent processes and tools for team members to be efficient. She has also assumed additional responsibilities including overseeing human resources and technology for the organization.
Highlights of Kate’s contributions to the Chamber team include a complete rebuild of the organization’s accounting and financial reporting system, leading the implementation of a new CRM, and being a key part of the original move and expansion of the Chamber office. Under her leadership, the Chamber’s financial position has increased 150% and the implementation of new hiring processes has resulted in the consistent recruitment of strong subject matter experts to the Chamber team.
“Kate’s promotion is a reflection of her exceptional leadership and the value she brings to our organization,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “I am confident that her passion, vision, and dedication will lead to continued success for both the Chamber and the local business community. I look forward to Kate’s continued contributions as we work together to support the growth of businesses in our vibrant community.”
As Senior Vice President, Kate will have a higher level of responsibility and accountability for the Chamber’s overall financial and strategic planning and achievement of the Chamber’s long-term vision, as well as investor engagement and community leadership.
In her time at the Chamber, Kate has earned human resource certifications and completed the U.S. Chamber’s 4-year Institute for Organizational Management program. Kate serves on the Board of Directors for Family Business Alliance.
Omar Cuevas joined the Chamber team in June 2017, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to our mission and a tireless commitment to fostering strong relationships with our investors and corporate partners. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership skills have contributed immensely to the Chamber’s growth and success.
Omar’s innovative approach to investor and corporate relations has yielded remarkable outcomes, from driving business development to enhancing the organization’s community engagement efforts. As Senior Vice President, Omar will play a pivotal role in shaping the Chamber’s strategic direction and further strengthening ties with the business community.
“Omar’s promotion reflects his outstanding contributions and his capacity to excel in this new role,” said Baker. “We have full confidence that under his leadership, the Investor and Corporate Relations division will continue to flourish and make a lasting impact on our members, partners, and stakeholders.”
Omar has been recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential Latinos in Michigan, and as Hispanic Advocate of the Year by the State of Michigan Hispanic Caucus. This year he was also a finalist for Hispanic Business Person of the Year from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was nominated for the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards as best supporting man. In 2023, Omar received his designation as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He has served on the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority Board, the Michigan State Police Bridge to Blue Citizen’s Advisory Board, Grand Rapids Sister Cities, City of Grand Rapids Local Officers Compensation Commission, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc Alliance 4 Committee, Grand Rapids Community Foundation Latinx Advisory Committee, and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Membership Division Board. Omar is part of the leadership team driving the work of the Kent County-City of Grand Rapids Welcome Plan for New Americans.
