Kristen Sharp

President & CEO

Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce

By Sovay Hansen

Perhaps it was Kristen Sharp’s master’s thesis in organizational leadership that trained her to fact-find and listen carefully to all sides of a story. 

As president and CEO of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce since October 2022, Sharp listens attentively to many – often contrasting – viewpoints on issues facing the diverse business community in Southern Arizona. 

Sharp characterizes her leadership style as doggedly pursuing the truth at the heart of these conflicts while making “sure that we don’t lose sight of the big picture.”

“Our chamber is a community organization, and we exist to help the community thrive, whether that be the immediate business community, the entire Oro Valley community, or all of Southern Arizona together,” she said. “Healthy, thriving communities cannot happen without healthy, thriving commerce.”

Sharp grew up in a rural town in Missouri, earning her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at the University of Missouri and a master’s degree at the University of Arizona. Her studies taught her that collaboration is crucial to community success. She exercises those skills every day for Oro Valley, previously as the Chamber’s events director and now as CEO. 

Less than a year into her CEO post, Sharp was tested by fire, literally. The Chamber’s offices caught fire in March 2023, destroying most of the contents and making it unoccupiable. Undeterred, she found a new, better space at Oro Valley’s Innovation Park. 

“The most difficult part after the fire was navigating the immediate chaos and uncertainty,” Sharp previously told BizTucson. “At the same time, it allowed us to reassess our priorities and focus on what’s important − our members and community. Ultimately, it led us to a new location that better suits our needs and future growth.”

In addition to direct advocacy such as regular meetings with the Oro Valley mayor and town manager to represent business interests, Sharp works to strengthen regional cooperation among municipalities, both in public forums and through ongoing relationships with elected officials and regional partners.

Greg Durnan, who has worked with Sharp for several years as a board member and Chamber sponsor, lauds her compelling communication style.

“At the annual business meeting, a guest at my table asked if she was a professional speaker – proof of the impression she leaves on everyone she meets,” Durnan said.

Added Sharp: “I emphasize the importance of focusing on the region’s many shared goals, such as better transportation and infrastructure. Let’s just get everyone at a table over a cup of coffee and chat about it. I think it is important to not get stuck in our bubbles.”