Chamber Announces Retirement of COO Tammy Carnrike, Celebrates Legacy of Chamber Leadership and Connection 

Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced that Chief Operating Officer Tammy Carnrike is retiring from her role on June 30, 2025, after 20 years with the Chamber.

View the news release below.

Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced that Tammy Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer, is retiring from her role on June 30, 2025, after 20 years with the Chamber. Carnrike’s leadership as a connector of leaders from all sectors and business, government, and civic organizations has led to the Chamber’s growth and increased its leadership position and impact.

“I’m deeply proud of what our staff, members, and region accomplished together and am grateful for my time with this talented team,” said Carnrike. “After two decades, I am energized to take on new challenges and reimagine my career in this next stage.”

In addition to overseeing the organization’s operations, Carnrike leads the Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering of the state’s top business executives and government and civic leaders. Carnrike transformed the event during her tenure into a statewide event, increasing its relevance with CEOs, earning national media attention, and becoming the Chamber’s most significant fundraiser.

In addition to her day-to-day focus on the Chamber and its members, since 2018, Carnrike has also served as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), the first woman in Michigan to hold this role. Her CASA role informed her leadership in creating partnerships with the Michigan Defense community to ensure a long-term competitive economic strategy in the Detroit Region.

For her entire 30-year career in chamber leadership, Carnrike has been recognized among her fellow chamber executives from across the country, serving as national Chair for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a group that has recognized the Detroit Regional Chamber’s work on multiple occasions during Carnrike’s time with the organization.

“Tammy is a connector across the region. Her ability to bring people together for impactful work is unparalleled,” said Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah. “She has been an incredible partner to me, and I am deeply thankful for her dedication and leadership for these 20 years. I’m certain business leaders across our region who have worked with Tammy to accomplish so much will join me in thanking her for her contributions to our organization and our community.”

Carnrike will continue to oversee the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference and support the Chamber in a consulting role through the end of 2025.