Brad Cheves, a senior executive at Southern Methodist University (SMU), has been named the next president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. He will begin his new role in January, succeeding Dale Petroskey, who stepped down after nearly 12 years leading the organization.
Cheves’ appointment comes after a search led by Russell Reynolds Associates and a nine-member selection committee composed of past, current, and future board chairs. Among them was Darcy Anderson, vice chair at Hillwood Development, who was the only commercial real estate representative on the committee and is set to serve as the chamber’s board chair next year.
The chamber plans to formally introduce Cheves at its annual meeting scheduled for January 27 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
At SMU, Cheves served as senior vice president for development and external affairs for two decades. He oversaw key functions such as fundraising, marketing, and community engagement. Notably, he led SMU’s $1.65 billion “SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow” campaign, which achieved its goal three years ahead of schedule.
“I love SMU, and there’s never a good time to leave a place you love, but if there is a time, it’s now,” Cheves said in an interview with the Dallas Business Journal. He stated that his priorities at the chamber will focus on education and workforce development to help sustain economic growth in Dallas.
Petroskey described Cheves as “a proven and highly respected leader,” adding that he is taking on “the best job in America” during what Petroskey called “a sweet moment in time for the Dallas region.” During Petroskey’s tenure, Fortune 500 companies in DFW increased by one third and over 70 Fortune 1000 firms joined the chamber.
Cheves has extensive civic involvement through service on boards including Broadway Dallas, Circle Ten Council of Scouting America, Texas Lyceum, and Dallas Council on Foreign Relations. His broad connections are expected to benefit the chamber as it works to further establish Dallas as a global business center.
Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and past DRC chair, said Cheves is “the right leader for a new era.” Jerry Jones, owner of the Cowboys, highlighted Cheves’ “remarkable record of success.”
Cheves expressed confidence about Dallas’ prospects moving forward.
