Rhonda Carlson, President and CEO of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, has built a career rooted in service, connection, and a deep belief in the power of community. Her journey began in the nonprofit sector in Cleveland, where she was first introduced to organizations doing meaningful, hands-on work to support vulnerable populations. That experience stayed with her, shaping both her perspective and her purpose. As she reflects, “I was inspired by their work… and immediately had the spark lit to do similar work,” a moment that ultimately set the tone for everything that followed.
While continuing to work full-time, Carlson decided to return to school to earn her master’s degree in public administration with a focus on nonprofit management. That commitment quickly paid off. Just days after receiving her diploma, she accepted an executive leadership role with Arizona Disabled Sports, packing up her family and making the 30-hour move to Arizona. The transition was both personal and professional, placing her in a space that naturally aligned with her passions. “I would say calling me a sports enthusiast is a bit of an understatement,” she shares, noting that the role allowed her “to create more equity in the field by providing adaptive sports and recreation programs.”
After four impactful years, Carlson felt ready to expand her reach beyond a single sector. That next chapter brought her to the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, where she has now spent nearly four years leading with intention and heart. Her work is centered on advocacy, growth, and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive. “Serving in my role, I feel honored to help play a piece in our growth and value being an advocate for our local, small business community,” she says, a sentiment that reflects both her leadership style and her commitment to Peoria.
If there is one word that defines Carlson’s approach, it is connection. It is not just something she speaks about, but something she actively builds into every initiative and interaction. “That’s what we feel a chamber of commerce is all about,” she explains, emphasizing that the connection goes far beyond simple networking. “Connection is how you build community… It’s creating hundreds of advocates that know, care, and want to support your business.” Through that lens, the Chamber has continued to evolve, offering programs and events designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.
From Launch & Learn events with the City of Peoria and SCORE, to new initiatives like the AI, Cybersecurity & Technology Committee, we continue to equip businesses with tools for growth. Carlson notes, “We believe that every business should leverage the benefits of AI and effective technologies to create operational efficiencies,” reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to keeping local businesses both competitive and supported.
Even with the rise of digital tools, Carlson believes that real impact still happens face-to-face. “True growth and development is still best accomplished away from a computer screen,” she says, highlighting the importance of in-person connection. That philosophy has helped shape a thriving network of businesses that are not only focused on their own success but also on the success of the community as a whole.
Peoria itself is experiencing exciting growth, with new developments, industries, and opportunities emerging across the city. Carlson sees this as a pivotal moment. “Peoria is in a really unique position right now,” she explains. “We’re seeing growth across multiple sectors at once, which creates a wide range of opportunities.” Yet what stands out most to her is the community's role in shaping that growth. “I have been extremely impressed with the strong voices of our residents,” she adds, noting how businesses are responding to what the community wants Peoria to become.
At the core of it all is Carlson’s servant-minded approach to leadership. “The gratification we feel from making a positive impact on even one life is what keeps us going every day,” she shares, a reminder that her work is ultimately about people. As Peoria continues to grow and evolve, Carlson remains focused on strengthening connections, supporting businesses, and helping build a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“Serving in my role, I feel honored to help play a piece in our growth and value being an advocate for our local, small business community.”