LANDER, Wyo. — The Lander Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Fabel as its new Executive Director.
Fabel previously served as Executive Director of the Lander Chamber from 2014 to 2019, a period marked by strengthened membership engagement and expanded programming. Following his time at the Chamber, he was recruited to join Only Co., a Sheridan-based marketing agency serving industrial businesses across Wyoming. Over the next four years, Fabel supported associations and mid-market companies with market positioning, messaging, and growth initiatives while continuing to call Lander home.
In 2021, Brian and his wife, Mandy, welcomed their son, Stokes. Looking for a position that required less time away from his young family, Fabel moved from agency work into small business ownership, founding a woodworking company specializing in handcrafted furniture. Through that experience, he gained renewed appreciation for the day-to-day realities facing local business owners — managing margins, building relationships, and serving customers.
When the Executive Director position became available, Fabel began seriously considering a return to serve the Chamber. Conversations with business leaders in Lander affirmed that interest and encouraged him to step forward. Fabel saw an opportunity to apply his statewide private-sector experience, previous nonprofit leadership, and hands-on small business perspective to the challenges local businesses face.
“An old saying goes, ‘you can’t step into the same river twice — it’s not the same river, and you’re not the same person,’” said Fabel. “While some things have changed since my previous time in the position, the heart of the Chamber’s work remains the same: it’s about relationships, listening well, building trust, and removing friction. I am excited to return to the Chamber and join a staff that is already doing strong work.”
The Chamber’s Board of Directors expressed confidence that Fabel’s previous experiences and his collaborative approach to the work ahead position him well to lead the organization.
“Brian understands both the operational realities of running a business and the broader responsibility of a Chamber as a business association,” commented Lander Chamber Board Vice Chairwoman Helen Wilson. “His combination of experience, perspective, and commitment to Lander makes him the right leader for this moment. The Board also thanks all applicants who participated in the process.”
Moving forward, the Lander Chamber of Commerce will focus on strengthening member value, fostering productive relationships across the community, and continuing to serve as a credible voice for businesses of all sizes — from self-employed entrepreneurs to long-standing community pillars.
Fabel will begin his role on Monday, February 16.
For more information, please contact:
Helen Wilson, hwilson@windriver.org.
