Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber has announced the retirement of its Chief Operating Officer, Tammy Carnrike, effective June 30, 2025. Carnrike's departure marks the end of a two-decade tenure characterized by significant contributions to the Chamber's growth and leadership within various sectors.

Reflecting on her career, Carnrike stated, “I’m deeply proud of what our staff, members, and region accomplished together and am grateful for my time with this talented team. After two decades, I am energized to take on new challenges and reimagine my career in this next stage.”

Carnrike has been instrumental in transforming the Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference into a prominent statewide event that attracts business executives and leaders from government and civic organizations. The conference has gained national media attention under her leadership and has become the Chamber’s most significant fundraising event.

Since 2018, Carnrike has also served as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), making history as Michigan's first woman in this role. Her efforts have strengthened partnerships with the Michigan Defense community to support economic strategies in the Detroit Region.

Throughout her 30-year career in chamber leadership, Carnrike has been acknowledged by peers nationwide. She served as national Chair for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives during her time at the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah praised Carnrike's contributions: “Tammy is a connector across the region. Her ability to bring people together for impactful work is unparalleled. She has been an incredible partner to me, and I am deeply thankful for her dedication and leadership for these 20 years.”

Carnrike will continue to oversee the upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference in 2025 and will assist the Chamber in a consulting capacity until year-end.