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Kansas Chamber Exec To Lead N.C. Citizens For Business, Industry

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Lewis Ebert, the head of The Kansas Chamber, will be the new chief executive officer of

North Carolina Citizens for Business & Industry

.

The powerful lobbying organization based in Raleigh announced Ebert as its CEO on Friday. He assumes the position on Aug. 21.

Phil Kirk, the longtime leader of the NCCBI, resigned as of Jan. 1. He had been replaced on an interim basis by Barry Eveland, a former executive with IBM. Eveland is a former chairman of NCCBI and an executive committee member. He recently retired from IBM.

Under Kirk's 16-year leadership, NCCBI became one of the state's most powerful lobbying organizations.

"We are extremely pleased that Lew has agreed to join NCCBI during a time when North Carolina's exploding growth and resulting challenges will require strong leaders," said NCCBI Chairman Graham Denton. "His 26 years of state chamber experience will help us build on the strong foundation we have established as the number-one advocate for business in our state for more than six decades."

The Kansas Chamber was recognized as the fastest growing state chamber in the country over the past two years by the Council of State Chambers.

"I am eager to learn more about North Carolina's business and political climate, and hear from the business community about the most urgent challenges that lie ahead for its residents," Ebert said in a statement. "I am excited about applying all that I learn to enhance the state's business climate and positive quality of life."

Ebert led The Kansas Chamber for 3 ½ years. Before taking that position he worked for 23 years at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry in a variety of roles.

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