Casey Steinbacher, Founder of Finding Next, is widely recognized as a national expert in urban innovation strategies. Her company identifies and creates NEXT opportunities for communities, organizations, and the women who lead them. She is credited with authoring the strategy that targeted entrepreneurs and millennials as key components for the place based renaissance of downtown Durham, NC that MSNBC named the "start up capital of the south". Her clients include Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development organizations, talent development/attraction organizations, private sector businesses, non-profit organizations, music festivals and sports organizations.
Prior to founding her own company, Casey served as President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce from 2007 until 2015. Under her direction, the Durham Chamber received national and international acclaim, including the World Chamber Congress, for its leadership in innovative economic and entrepreneurial development. A 27 year veteran of Chamber and Economic Development work, she also served as President and CEO of Chambers in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Casey has served on numerous boards throughout the US including as Chairman of the Board of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, representing Chamber professional across the United States and Canada. She holds a Certified Chamber Executive designation and a Lifetime Achievement honor from the same association.
A sought after speaker, Casey addresses audiences on topics that include Reimagining the Model, Innovative Organizational Strategies, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Eco-Systems, Community Vibe, Why Coolness Matters, Woman in Leadership, Place-based Economic Development and Equitable Talent Development.
Her book, From Relevant to Essential, a successful look at Why Chambers need to reimagine their model is available now. The follow up book on How Chambers can create that new model is scheduled for release in April 2021.