John L. Rolfe
Wichita,Kansas
Summary
Strategic executive leader with experience leading complex organizations across economic development, business advocacy, tourism, and nonprofit enterprise management. Proven track record of driving organizational growth, strengthening public-private partnerships, leading highperforming teams, and delivering measurable economic and community impact. Experienced in leading organizations with significant operational scale, including oversight of budgets exceeding $200 million, multi-department teams, and strategic initiatives involving government, corporate, and civic stakeholders. Known for collaborative leadership, strong governance engagement, and the ability to align diverse stakeholders around long-term economic and organizational goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
President & Chief Executive Officer
Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wichita, KS
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Served as chief executive responsible for leading the region’s premier business advocacy organization focused on strengthening the business climate, workforce development, and regional economic growth. Led all organizational strategies, financial management, membership growth, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
- Key Contributions
- Championed strategic initiatives focused on advocacy, workforce talent, and business competitiveness for the Wichita region.
- Strengthened policy engagement and relationships with Kansas congressional delegation and state leadership.
- Increased participation in Young Professionals initiatives by 10%, strengthening regional talent engagement.
- Developed the inaugural Military Affairs Committee, strengthening partnerships with leadership at McConnell Air Force Base.
- Expanded financial programming and revenue initiatives generating over $100,000 in additional annual revenue.
- Fostered collaboration with regional partners to strengthen the Chamber’s role as a central voice for business leadership.
Chief Business Officer
Kansas Leadership Center
Wichita, KS
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Held executive leadership responsibility for all operational and business functions of the statewide leadership development organization. Oversaw finance, business development, human resources, technology, and operational strategy.
- Key Contributions
- Led development of strategic business partnerships, increasing funding from $450,000 to $750,000 in the first year (70% growth).
- Implemented new revenue strategies generating $300,000 in additional alternative income.
- Designed and implemented a new business development and partnership strategy expanding statewide reach.
- Directed implementation of a new CRM system and operational infrastructure supporting business development.
- Expanded statewide and national exposure through enhanced stakeholder and community engagement.
Chief Administrative Officer
Houston First Corporation
Houston, TX
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Executive leader responsible for corporate affairs operations for one of the nation’s largest destination marketing and convention organizations. Oversaw corporate governance, board relations, community engagement, membership revenue development, and corporate office operations.
- Key Contributions
- Member of the executive leadership team responsible for Super Bowl LI (2017), generating $350 million economic impact, attracting 150,000 visitors, and supporting 4,500 jobs.
- Executive contributor to the development of the $1.5 billion Avenida Houston convention district redevelopment.
- Increased membership partners 30% to 1,300 organizations while growing membership revenue 20% to $700,000.
- Led corporate culture and diversity initiatives across the organization.
- Directed board and committee governance processes and stakeholder relations.
- Oversaw design and development of the organization’s new corporate headquarters.
- Chaired diversity initiatives for the Destination Marketing Association International.
Chief Operating Officer
Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Houston, TX
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Directed enterprise operations for the organization including 83 staff and a $21 million budget. Oversaw membership, partnerships, events, film commission operations, and convention services.
- Key Contributions
- Established strategic sales goals exceeding 550,000 annual hotel room nights.
- Created convention partnerships producing 5,000 additional annual room nights and $500,000 in budget savings.
- Implemented customer feedback and prospecting systems improving convention retention and new client development.
- Expanded Houston’s film production initiatives generating 750 annual film days.
- Strengthened membership retention to 85% while expanding benefits and engagement.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wichita, KS
01.2001 - 01.2012
- Led the organization responsible for marketing Wichita as a tourism and convention destination. Oversaw all strategic, operational, and financial functions including 23 employees and a $3 million budget.
- Key Contributions
- Doubled annual visitors from 3 million to 6 million, generating $25 million in economic impact.
- Increased membership from 200 to 550 partners and expanded revenue to $350,000 annually.
- Increased annual convention room nights 40% (80,000 to 120,000+).
- Led brand repositioning and marketing transformation of the organization.
- Developed a regional ambassador program training 500+ community advocates.
Vice President, Economic Development
Wichita Metro Area Chamber of Commerce
Wichita, KS
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led economic development strategy focused on business recruitment, retention, and expansion.
- Key Contributions
- Recruited three national call center companies, creating 500+ new jobs.
- Secured state incentives and workforce training support for aviation and manufacturing expansions.
Deputy Secretary
Kansas Department of Commerce
Topeka, KS
01.1995 - 01.1999
- Executive leadership role overseeing administration of 132 employees and a $70 million budget, including finance, research, technology, and human resources.
Vice President
Bank IV CDC (now Bank of America)
Wichita, KS
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Directed community development initiatives supporting neighborhood revitalization, housing projects, and small business growth.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Wichita State University
Skills
- Enterprise Leadership & Organizational Strategy
- Board & Governance Relations
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Economic Development & Community Impact
- Revenue Growth & Financial Oversight
- Government Relations & Advocacy
- Organizational Transformation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
Affiliations
- Workforce Alliance of South-Central Kansas – Board of Directors
- Downtown Wichita – Board of Directors
- Greater Wichita Partnership – Board of Directors
- Visit Wichita – Board of Directors
- Wichita State University School of Business – Dean’s Advisory Board
- Wichita State University National Advisory Council
- Kansas African American Museum – Board Member
- Wichita Collegiate School – Board of Directors
- YMCA of Greater Wichita – Advisory Board
- Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
- Texas Travel Industry Association
- The Ensemble Theatre – Houston, TX
Timeline
President & Chief Executive Officer
Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
01.2022 - 01.2026
Chief Business Officer
Kansas Leadership Center
01.2019 - 01.2021
Chief Administrative Officer
Houston First Corporation
01.2014 - 01.2018
Chief Operating Officer
Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2012 - 01.2014
President & Chief Executive Officer
Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2001 - 01.2012
Vice President, Economic Development
Wichita Metro Area Chamber of Commerce
01.1999 - 01.2001
Deputy Secretary
Kansas Department of Commerce
01.1995 - 01.1999
Vice President
Bank IV CDC (now Bank of America)
01.1993 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Wichita State University
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Wichita Business Journal Power 50 Honoree (2024), Wichita Business Journal CEOs to Watch, Leadership Kansas Alumnus of the Year, Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40, Wichita State University Distinguished Alumnus Award, American Leadership Forum – Senior Fellow