Ex-GSI CEO recognized for vision, rallying others
-KEVIN BLOCKER
Rich Hadley became the CEO and president of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1993 and led the organization, which became Greater Spokane Incorporated, for 21 years.
As Rich Hadley and his wife of 50 years, Rita, got closer to their downtown Spokane destination from their home in Colbert, she began grumbling about the increase in vehicle traffic.
Without missing a beat, Rich replied, “It’s that damn chamber’s fault for doing its job so well,” before he burst into laughter.
Hadley, now 74, served as CEO and president of Greater Spokane Incorporated, formerly the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, from 1993 until 2014, when he retired. He is viewed by no shortage in Spokane’s business community as someone whose imprint will last for generations to come.