The Greater Topeka Partnership is pleased to share that today marks CEO Matt Pivarnik’s five year anniversary with the economic development organization. Pivarnik, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, previously served as the executive vice president and COO for the Tulsa’s Future Economic Development Organization, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Visit Tulsa, Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Tulsa Sports Commission, Tulsa Film and Music Commission and the Tulsa Small Business Connection.
“This anniversary marks so much more than starting a new job in Topeka. It represents the anniversary of my family joining this community. This leadership position has allowed me to meet amazing people and participate in the growing momentum we’ve seen in Topeka,” said Pivarnik. “This community is filled with great people – change makers, innovators, entrepreneurs and just all-around good and decent people. I’m so proud to have been able to call Topeka home these past five years, and I’m overjoyed to be leading the wonderful team at the Greater Topeka Partnership, who continue to significantly impact economic development in Topeka & Shawnee County.”
“Matt is part of the infectious energy that has helped transform Topeka. As soon as he came in, he met with everyone he could within the community. I will never forget Matt having over 300 meetings in a short span of time to ensure that everybody was included. His energy and positivity towards this community has helped us grow significantly and exponentially,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “Matt, thank you and happy anniversary.”
“Matt’s ability to bring people together and to focus on what is most important has led to a new positive community attitude that has changed Topeka & Shawnee County,” said Keith Warta, Bartlett & West CEO and chair of the Partnership’s Chairs Council. “His leadership has been perhaps the greatest factor in this transformation. In a short time, Matt has become integral to our community’s present and future.”
“It has been an honor to work with Matt over the last five years. His work with the Greater Topeka Partnership and the Shawnee County community has made a tremendous positive impact to not just the business community but for all citizens. I look forward to what the future will hold under his continued leadership,” said Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook.
Pivarnik earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. He is a past Chairman of the US Chamber Institute for Organization Management’s National Board of Trustees, is past Chairman of the Board of Regents for the US Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management at the University of Arizona, is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management, has completed the program at the Center for Creative Leadership, is a Certified Chamber Executive, a Commissioner for the Certified Chamber Executive Program, and has served on the American Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Ross at Bob.Ross@TopekaPartnership.com.