Today we’d like to introduce you to Dewan Clayborn.
Dewan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in the chamber industry in 2015 as a Director of Special Events. It was there that I quickly realized how much I loved this work, helping small businesses tackle big challenges and creating opportunities for growth. During my tenure, I was fortunate to break multiple fundraising records and help the Chamber achieve Accreditation status, placing it among the top 3 percent of chambers nationwide.
After 3.5 years, I earned my first opportunity to serve as President and CEO of a chamber in Texas. To my surprise, I inherited an organization on the brink of closure, deep in debt and only a couple of payrolls away from shutting its doors. Within six months, I eliminated all the debt and even scaled the organization in the midst of COVID. Over the next 3.5 years, I transformed that chamber into a 4 Star Accredited Chamber, doubled both its membership and annual budget, and most importantly, watched two of my former staff members go on to become Presidents and CEOs of chambers themselves. That legacy of leadership development remains one of my proudest achievements.
Today, I have the honor of serving as President and CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber. When I stepped into this role, the organization carried sixty five thousand dollars in debt. Within my first year, we paid off forty thousand, setting the stage for a record breaking year ahead. We are now on track to make history as the only Accredited Chamber in the entire State of Maryland.
I am also the author of the book The Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership, which shares the strategies I used to turn around struggling organizations and position them for growth. In addition, I serve as a national public speaker, working with nonprofit leaders and CEOs across the country on how to embrace innovation to scale their organizations and teams.
My journey reflects what chambers are all about: turning challenges into opportunities, elevating the businesses and communities we serve, and raising the bar for what is possible in our industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a change management leader, the road is never smooth. It is rocky and bumpy until the organization is fully transformed from the inside out. Early in my career, one of my biggest struggles was trying to please everyone. I thought keeping people happy was the key to success, but I quickly learned that is the fastest way to fail.
I also discovered that doing things the way they have always been done will keep an organization stuck. Real progress requires courage to innovate, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Another challenge I faced was learning to be at peace when people said false things about me or wished for me to fail. I had to remind myself that it was not about me, those individuals were wrestling with their own internal battles. I also had to accept that I should never dim my God-given talents and light just to make others feel comfortable. God placed me here with a purpose: to lead, to serve, and to conquer the challenges before me.
The struggles shaped my resilience. They made me relatable to other leaders walking through adversity, and they remind me every day that transformation is never easy, but it is always worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Central Maryland Chamber is the fastest-growing regional chamber in Maryland, serving businesses across eight counties and Baltimore City. We are known for being the only chamber in the state that has a longstanding relationship with Fort Meade, the largest employer in Maryland. That level of trust and credibility speaks volumes about our brand and the influence we carry in the business community.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine advocacy, connectivity, and innovation. We are not just hosting networking events, we are building ecosystems where entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, and government partners come together to solve real challenges. We specialize in helping businesses grow by providing visibility, access to decision-makers, professional development, and opportunities to influence policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that the Central Maryland Chamber has become known as the chamber of results.
The Central Maryland Chamber is not just another membership. It is an investment into a proven platform that elevates businesses, drives regional economic growth, and creates measurable impact. If you want your business to have influence, visibility, and a seat at the table where decisions are made, the Central Maryland Chamber is where you belong.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As a leader, I believe you never stop learning and sharpening your tools. A few resources that have been game-changers for me are:
Books: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek and Good to Great by Jim Collins have shaped the way I think about servant leadership, culture, and building organizations that outlast challenges. I also revisit John Maxwell’s leadership books because they keep me grounded in timeless principles.
Podcasts: I regularly listen to the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast and How I Built This with Guy Raz. These remind me that leadership is both about values and about courage in execution.
Apps: My daily routine relies on the Bible app for inspiration, Audible for constant learning on the go, and Evernote to capture ideas, strategies, and reflections.
Blogs and Articles: I track content from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Harvard Business Review to stay ahead of trends in business, workforce, and innovation.
What ties all of these together is that they help me grow as both a professional and a person. I have learned that if you pour into yourself consistently, you can pour into others effectively. That mindset has allowed me to guide organizations through tough transformations and inspire teams to achieve record-breaking results.
Pricing:
- The Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership Book – $20
- Business Builder – $500
- Sponsorship – $3,000
- Email Blast/Advertising – $300
- 5-Star Chairman Circle Investor – $15,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centralmarylandchamber.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralmarylandchamber/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CentralMDcc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centralmarylandchamber/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@centralmarylandchamber8346
- Other: https://www.dewanclayborn.com
