Brendan Cossette has been named the chief operating officer of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the state’s largest business association representing more than 50,000 Missouri employers. In his new role, Cossette will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day operational direction to senior management and staff across the Missouri Chamber organization. In addition to directing daily operations and overseeing back-office support functions, Cossette will ensure the Missouri Chamber team is working together toward the Missouri Chamber mission to advocate and support employers and position Missouri as the leading place in the world to do business.
“The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has undergone significant growth in the last year as a result of the implementation of our strategic plan, Missouri 2030,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “Because of the strong support from Missouri employers, we are fortunate to continue to expand our operation. Brendan is a strong addition to our Missouri Chamber team, and as COO, Brendan will ensure that growth is strategic and sustainable.
Cossette brings to the Missouri Chamber more than 12 years of lobbying and management experience working with the Missouri Legislature, advocacy organizations and private industry. An attorney, Cossette held several positions as support to the Missouri Legislature, including serving in the role of chief of staff for former Senate Presidents Pro Tem Charlie Shields and Michael Gibbons. In addition, Cossette previously served as director of legislative affairs and assistant general counsel for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
From 2011-2013, Cossette headed up TMC Innovation for Truman Medical Centers, an initiative to promote healthy lifestyle behavior and economic development within Kansas City’s urban core. Since 2013, Cossette has been a lobbyist with a primary focus on health care.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Missouri Chamber,” said Cossette. “The Missouri Chamber is recognized as one of the most respected and effective lobbying forces in Missouri and is well-positioned to become an even stronger power for Missouri employers through the direction of its strategic plan, Missouri 2030. I look forward to working with the Missouri Chamber staff as we grow and expand our services to our members.”
Cossette has a bachelor’s of art and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.