Greater Spokane Incorporated announced this morning that it has appointed Steve Stevens as its new president and CEO.

Stevens, who will take over the position July 1, replaces Rich Hadley, who will retire on May 9.

Stevens most recently has served as the president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, an 1,800-member chamber that serves three counties in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. He has 30 years of experience in small-business management, international trade, state chamber advocacy, and bi-state regional chamber advocacy, GSI said in a press release.

Linda Elkin, incoming chairwoman of GSI and regional president of U.S. Bank, said of Stevens, “His level of experience will continue the momentum of moving our community forward, and he will take GSI to the next level.”

The announcement ends what was nearly a year-long search for a successor to Hadley, who has served as GSI’s top executive for just over 20 years.