Brad Cheves Named President & CEO of Dallas Regional Chamber | SMU News

Brad Cheves has been named the next President & CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, following a career spanning more than 20 years at Southern Methodist University. The announcement was made at last week’s Dallas Regional Chamber Annual Meeting, where Cheves was welcomed by over 1,000 business and civic leaders.

A New Leader for the Dallas Region

Cheves succeeds Dale Petroskey, whose departure was previously announced. He is described as possessing “deep civic credibility,” a “track record of turning vision into results,” and a “long-standing commitment” to the community.

Did You Know? Brad Cheves’ appointment follows a nationwide search for a new leader of the Dallas Regional Chamber.

Prior to joining the Dallas Regional Chamber, Cheves served as Senior Vice President for Development and External Affairs at Southern Methodist University. His operate at SMU included leading fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts.

Implications for SMU

The appointment is also seen as a positive development for Southern Methodist University, the SMU Cox School of Business, and the broader region. The change is expected to perpetuate momentum for these institutions.

Expert Insight: The Dallas Regional Chamber plays a significant role in shaping economic development and quality of life initiatives. Selecting a leader with a strong background in institutional advancement suggests a focus on building relationships and securing resources to support regional growth.

Cheves’ experience in fundraising could be applied to new initiatives within the Dallas Regional Chamber. Analysts expect the Chamber to continue focusing on “bold ideas shaping what’s next for North Texas,” as highlighted during the Annual Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Brad Cheves?

Brad Cheves is the newly appointed President & CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. He previously served as Senior Vice President for Development and External Affairs at Southern Methodist University.

When will Brad Cheves begin his new role?

Brad Cheves began his role as President & CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber in January 2026.

Where was the announcement made?

The announcement was made at last week’s Dallas Regional Chamber Annual Meeting.

As Cheves transitions into his new role, what priorities do you believe will be most critical for the Dallas Regional Chamber to address in the coming years?

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