Deana E. Karem
President & CEO
Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce
Deana Karem is currently the President and CEO of the Jtown
Chamber of Commerce.
Since joining the Chamber in 2020, she has initiated
multiple new networking and leadership programs, launched a new chamber brand, created
a top investment network, and hosted state and federal elected officials on
multiple occasions.
Before joining the Jtown Chamber she headed up regional
economic and workforce development for GLI (Greater Louisville Inc) as the
Senior Vice President for Regional Economic Growth. She led strategies
focused on attracting companies and talent to greater Louisville. Her team was also responsible for forming
partnerships that would build workforce and education capacity within the
private sector.
Some of her most significant accomplishments include lifting
up the 15-county regional economic development partnership, hosting the first
local annual Fam Tour inviting national consultants who support business
attraction, the launch of Live in Lou (a regional talent recruitment effort),
the passage of alcohol sales laws in Oldham County, the creation of the annual
Celebration of Women event recognizing women’s contributions to the economy,
and the initiation of a new Bluegrass Business Park coalition.
Most of Deana’s career has been focused on economic and
community development. She is a passionate and visionary leader who
genuinely cares about the region and the opportunities it provides for others.