Brad Cheves has been named as the next president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber [Photo: SMU]
Brad Cheves, SVP for development and external affairs at Southern Methodist University, has been named as the next president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, effective Jan. 5, 2026. He succeeds Dale Petroskey, whose departure was announced in July after nearly 12 years leading the DRC, a champion of economic growth—and around 700 businesses—across North Texas.
Cheves’ selection followed a nationwide search that began in July.
“It’s a distinct honor to assume the role of president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, an organization that contributes so much to the quality of life and economic vibrancy of our region,” Cheves said in a statement. “Under the tremendous leadership of Dale Petroskey, the executive committee, and the board of directors, the DRC has been recognized as a national model for similar institutions.”
Brad Cheves [center) in a 2020 photo. [Photo: SMU]
Petroskey said Cheves is “stepping into the best job in America, leading the top chamber in the nation at this sweet moment in time for the Dallas Region, and I know he will cherish that responsibility every day, as I have.”
“Brad is a proven leader, highly respected, and well-established throughout our community—and a friend to so many of us,” Petroskey added in a statement. “He’s the perfect person to lead the DRC’s incredibly talented and hard-working team and our members into a new chapter filled with exciting new possibilities.”
Spearheaded $1.656 billion ‘SMU Ignited’ campaign
Over the past four years, Cheves spearheaded a campaign called SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow, which raised $1.656 billion and surpassed its goal three years early, marking one of the largest such fundraising drives in Texas higher education history. That was just part of his leadership in overseeing the university’s fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts since joining SMU in the late 1990s.
Cheves also directed SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign, and notably helped secure the George W. Bush Presidential Center for the SMU campus. Previously, he served as vice president for advancement and public affairs at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles County, where he created the university’s first office of marketing and modernized its advancement operations. Jim Springfield, 2025 DRC board chair and President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, said Cheves’ “experience and connection with our community will serve stakeholders uniquely well as we build upon an outstanding foundation for the future of the Dallas Regional Chamber.” Incoming 2026 DRC Board Chair Darcy Anderson, vice chairman of Hillwood, said Cheves’ record of achievement and impact at SMU “provides a strong foundation for advancing the DRC’s legacy of excellence in service and impact, while continuing the remarkable momentum built under Dale’s leadership.” “Brad’s record of achievement and impact at SMU provides a strong foundation for advancing the DRC’s legacy of excellence in service and impact, while continuing the remarkable momentum built under Dale’s leadership,” Anderson said.
Jerry Jones on Cheves: ‘The right person at the right time’
Cheves’ selection for a highly visible leadership post in one of America’s hottest business regions caught the attention of the owner of America’s team.
Dallas Cowboys GM Jerry Jones called Cheves “the right person at the right time,” according to the Dallas Morning News.
“I’m confident that he’s going to continue with his remarkable record of success that he established at SMU as he writes this next chapter of growth with the DRC,” Jones added in the DMN story.
Active in an array of organizations
Beyond his work at SMU, Cheves plays key roles in a wide array of North Texas civic organizations. He serves on the boards of Broadway Dallas, the Dallas Assembly, the Dallas Council on Foreign Relations, the Texas Lyceum, the Circle Ten Council of Scouting America, and the Honorary Board and Men’s Advocacy Group of New Friends New Life. He’s also an elder at the Preston Road Church of Christ.
Cynt Marshall—former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, 2024 DRC board chair, and president and CEO of Marshalling Resource—took note of Cheve’s impact on the wider North Texas community.
“Brad’s energy, ability to lead, and intimate knowledge of the region will serve us well as we enter a new era for the DRC,” she said in a statement. “From a very talented pool of candidates, Brad was chosen for his incredible track record of getting big things done and positively impacting communities.”
Building on Petroskey’s legacy
Cheves will be building on Petroskey’s 12-year legacy, which had a high point in July 2022 when the DRC was named National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives for its leadership and impact on the Dallas region’s business community.
“Dale Petroskey’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating the DRC to national prominence, including being named National Chamber of the Year,” said Jennifer Chandler, 2027 DRC Board Chair and Dallas President and Head of Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America. “With record growth and continued opportunity ahead, we’re confident the DRC is well positioned for its next chapter of leadership and impact across the Dallas region.” Petroskey took the helm at the DRC on April 1, 2014. Under his leadership, the DRC’s budget grew by more than 50%, allowing North Texas’ largest regional chamber to invest millions back into the community through high-impact initiatives—including the’s “Take Care of Business” COVID-19 vaccination campaign in 2021, the “Safe in the City” initiative to bolster downtown vibrancy, and regional economic efforts to position Dallas as a hub for emerging industries like life sciences and applied artificial intelligence. Since 2010, the DRC’s economic development work has contributed more than 300 company headquarters to the Dallas region, the DRC noted. During Petroskey’s tenure, the number of Fortune 500 companies in Dallas–Fort Worth grew by 33%, and more than 70 Fortune 1000 companies became DRC members.
‘A convening agent’
Cheves said the DRC “is poised to continue as a convening agent for all the elements that contribute to the quality of life for our citizens—vibrant educational institutions, effective economic development initiatives, innovative regional partnerships, unique leadership development opportunities, and a continuing commitment to our community.” “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing growth of the DRC as we enter an exciting new era of opportunity for our region,” the incoming CEO added. Cheves’ appointment followed a national search led by Russell Reynolds Associates, in partnership with a nine-member selection committee of past, current, and future DRC board chairs.
You can read more about Cheves’ appointment in the Dallas Morning News story here.
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