John Rolfe, President & CEO
Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
John Rolfe is the President & CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. He supervises a team of 25 employees and his responsibilities are leading the chamber’s team and its strategic initiatives to create a positive economic impact and advocate on behalf of Wichita’s regional businesses and the chamber’s 1,400 members.
John is married to local KWCH TV anchor Felicia Rolfe and they have two daughters: Evan Rolfe, 2024 college graduate from Loyola University – New Orleans, and Erin Rolfe, college freshman at Indiana University.
Prior to joining the Chamber, he served as the Chief Business Officer at the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), where he directed all business operations, business development and community outreach efforts. Before joining KLC, John served as Chief Operating Officer for Houston First Corporation, Houston, TX and was the CEO and President of Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has also served as Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Share a piece of wisdom you received or learned that substantially changed your work-related path.
Do things with a sense of excellence and urgency. This was shared with me at an early stage in my professional career and has been very valuable. We should always strive for excellence in everything that we do and do it with a sense of urgency instead of procrastination.
The difference between “Ordinary” and “Extraordinary” is a little “Extra.” We should always strive to give a “WOW” factor. This can often be achieved by doing a little extra and creating an extraordinary experience.
What are some of the criteria you consider when making a career move?
There are several criteria that I consider. However, a few of those that are most important are that I will have enjoyment in my career, that the opportunity for continued growth exists and that my leadership abilities can be utilized and be a valuable contribution.
Luck, hard work, or connections?
All three factors have had an influence in getting me to where I am today. Luck, by being in places where opportunities were presented. Hard work by preparing myself and being prepared for when a new opportunity became available or one that I wanted to pursue. Connections by building relationships with people from all walks of life.
What advice would you give a young professional starting out on their career?
I always enjoy sharing advice with our young professionals as I have been given some great advice, both personally and professionally. A few that I have found to be of value have been:
Take your first job for the experience, not for the money. Learn all aspects of the company that are available, whether you get paid for the extra learning or not, as it will be of value to you at some point. Always come prepared and have a positive attitude. “It’s not your aptitude but your attitude that will determine your altitude in life.”
In what organizations and in which ways do you give back to the community?
I served on multiple boards to give back to the community. A few are:
The Kansas African American Museum
Sigma Pi Phi
The Gathering
Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement, Barton
School of Dean’s Advisory Board, SPERO Committee
Wichita Collegiate School Board
How do you balance work and life for the greatest amount of fulfillment?
My role with The Chamber is very time consuming, however, I make a strong effort to ensure the time spent with family and other life pleasures are quality time.
Please complete the following sentences:
Be open to… listening to others whose thoughts and ideas may be
different than yours.
As a kid I wanted to be…. Pediatrician
In five years, I’ll be…. continuing to live the best days of my life.
Wichita or Kansas needs…. to be prouder and more boastful of what
we have and what we offer to the world.
I’ve been known to binge watch…. Family Feud
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy dining out, trying new restaurants, having a great workout and spending time with family and friends.