Search on for new chamber director
Published 12:00 am Friday, December 20, 2013
Ten days after announcing the termination of its executive director, the search is now on for a new face for the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber board met Thursday and approved not only a job description, but also set an application deadline for interested applicants.
“We hope to have our new candidate in place by the annual chamber banquet in January,” said Chamber President Jessie Self. “We’re excited about the search and excited to see the chamber move in a positive direction for the benefit of all of our members.”
The chamber’s former executive director, Ashley Eiland, was terminated on Dec. 9 after law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dec. 7 at the Chamber office and Eliand’s home and on Eiland’s vehicle.
The board then stated that the move would allow for the “focus on the continued growth and development of Andalusia’s business community, and believes this change will allow the Chamber to move in a positive direction.”
Since then, law enforcement officers have not revealed the nature of the investigation; however, numerous cell phones and electronic items were taken during the searches.
Chamber officials and law enforcement have continued to assure the public that the investigation does not involve the Chamber in any way.
Incoming Chamber President Chris Mohon, who is leading the committee tasked with finding a new EVP, said candidates can begin to apply for the post today.
“We’re going to feature it on the state’s Joblinks website and run an ad in The Star-News,” Mohon said. “We’re going to let all the applications and résumés come in electronically, because we believe that’s the fairest and most effective way to do it.”
The board agreed that the six-member personnel committee will evaluate the candidates and select one for final board approval.
According to the job description, “the ideal candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing marketing plans, maintaining and cultivating relationships with the Chamber members and the community, recruitment and retention of members,” as well as a host of other duties. An associate’s/bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, marketing, tourism, hospitality, communications or a related field and/or a minimum of three years of experience is preferred in Chamber operations, hospitality, tourism or business management.
Pay is based on experience and qualifications. Benefits included.
Deadline to apply is Jan. 10.