Wake Forest Chamber President Jim Thompson Resigns, Interim Leader Appointed

The Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce confirmed December 18 that President Jim Thompson informed the board he will step down from his role to pursue other interests. Thompson had been hired by the town in April 2025. The Chamber released a statement that said in part, "The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Jim for his dedication to the Chamber's mission and his passion for the community."

The board appointed Tisha Baker Lowe, who had been chairperson of the Chamber's board of directors, as interim president. Lowe stepped down from her role as chairperson to assume interim leadership. The board also named Kristy Brown as the new chair of the board of directors. Brown commented on the transition, saying, "The board is confident that Tisha's extensive experience and deep commitment to the Chamber will provide strong, steady leadership during this transitional period."

The leadership change continues a period of turnover at the Chamber. The organization has had multiple presidents in the last two years. In 2024 then president Elizabeth Simpers resigned and later was charged with embezzling more than $69,000 that had been intended for the Chamber, including more than $65,000 for various personal expenses. After Simpers resigned the board appointed board member Jim Kimray as interim president prior to hiring Thompson.

For Wake County businesses and residents the shifts at the Chamber have practical consequences. The Chamber serves as a focal point for business networking, town events, and economic development programs that affect local marketing, workforce connections and small business assistance. Repeated leadership changes can slow event planning, delay grant or partnership initiatives, and complicate continuity of services for members.

The pattern also raises governance and financial control questions that matter to taxpayers and members. After a criminal charge involving substantial sums the organization faces heightened expectations for transparent accounting, stronger internal controls and consistent oversight. Local policymakers and business leaders will be watching how the interim leadership stabilizes operations and whether the board pursues reforms to restore confidence and protect the Chamber's role in Wake Forest economic activity.