Rudy Flores to Head Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce will have a new face at the helm as Executive Director Melissa Flynn is stepping down after eight years with the organization. 

Membership Director Rudy Flores will take over as the executive director on Dec. 1. The chamber’s board of directors unanimously voted him in the position. 

“It is the right time for change for myself, my family and for the organization. From intern to membership director Rudy has been an integral part of our team at the Chamber and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am thrilled to turn over the reins to such a talented and passionate individual," Flynn said in a release. 

In an interview with Patch, Flores said his main goal is to build off the legacy that Flynn created. Events like the Farmers’ Market, Halloween Happenings, Wine Stroll and Apple Festival that were created under Flynn allow residents to meet the faces behind local businesses, he said.

With the chamber’s recent addition of Ravenswood, Flores said he's looking forward to learning the needs of entrepreneurs in that area.

“I want to help create a place in the city where you can raise a family and not move to the suburbs,” he said.

Flores has been the Membership Services Director since 2011 after volunteering and interning with the chamber for three years.

He moved to Chicago in 2008 after living in Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

“Growing up on the East Coast, you don’t hear much about Chicago. I visited a friend and fell in love—it’s a dense urban development, but with quiet neighborhoods,” Flores said. 

With a master’s degree in urban planning, Flores helped the chamber become accredited with the United States Chamber Association.

The chamber will also add a Marketing and Events Director by the end of the year; the job opening will be posted on the Chamber’s website in the near future.