Chamber President John Myrland steps down to follow call to ministry

Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce President John S. Myrland will step down at the end of this year to pursue a new not-for-profit career in the United Methodist Church. The announcement was made today by Gene Zink, chairman of the board.

Myrland, who leaves after 25 years with Chamber including the past 14 as president, will serve as a consultant to the organization through June of 2006. He has been studying for the ministry as a licensed local pastor and will begin his formal preparation after the first of the year.

According to Zink, Joe Barnette, president of Sexton Companies and past chairman of the Chamber, will chair the search committee for Myrland’s successor. “We are grateful for the years of service and talent John has shared with not only the Chamber but with the Greater Indianapolis community. Under his leadership, our chamber has grown to become one of the best in the country,” Zink said.

Myrland joined the Chamber in April 1980, as vice president of government affairs. He was named executive vice president in June 1983, and president in May 1991.

“I am pleased to have the chance to respond to a calling and appreciate the Chamber’s support during this transitional period,” Myrland said. He said that his work in the church could take many forms — in a church, a school, a hospital or other related locations. “What’s most important to me is the chance to take what I have learned in the past 25 years and put it to good use in the church’s mission,” he added.

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Founded in 1890 by Colonel Eli Lilly and a group of Indianapolis business leaders, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the central Indiana business community. Today, with a membership of nearly 4,000 businesses, the Indianapolis Chamber is still a voice of progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community. For more information on the Chamber, visit indychamber.com.