Deana Karem is the President and CEO of the Jeffersontown Chamber, which includes with more than 1,000 businesses working together propel financial, commercial and civic concerns for the community. The Chamber is focused on promoting economic development within the J-Town region.

Karem became the CEO and President of Jeffersontown Chamber in June 2020. Since joining, she has led the Chamber in implementing multiple networking and leadership programs, launching a new Chamber brand, creating a top investment network and hosting state and federal elected officials on various occasions.

Karem has had a long career in serving her community.  First, as a special assistant to a number of elected officials. She was an instrumental leader for the city/county merger task force and went on to hold a policy position at the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce and then as an economic development manager at Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI). In 2005, she headed to the Oldham County Chamber and led its merger to become today’s economic development organization in Oldham County.

Prior to her role at the Jeffersontown Chamber, Karem returned to GLI and served as Senior Vice President of Regional Economic Growth, heading up strategies to recruit companies and people to the Greater Louisville area. Her team was also responsible for forming partnerships that would build workforce and education capacity within the private sector.

Karem is a lifelong Louisvillian and a tireless champion of local companies and community programs.  She has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and loves cheering for the Cards. She also has two teenage boys who play a variety of sports and you can always find her in the bleachers supporting them.

To learn more about Deana Karem and the work of Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce, visit jtownchamber.com/