Chamber chief resigns her post
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on January 24, 2013 1:46 PM
For the second time in seven months, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is preparing an interim leadership team now that President Bonnie Grady has resigned.
Ms. Grady formally submitted her resignation Wednesday, Chamber Chairman Tom Bradshaw said this morning.
Ms. Grady began her work with the Chamber Oct. 1, but Bradshaw said that, less than three months later, she explained she didn't feel right in the position.
"She just decided this was not a good fit for her and that it was best she resign and seek another opportunity," he said when asked what she had cited as the reason for her resignation.
Ms. Grady began her chamber career in Maryland as president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce from 1999 until 2005 before leaving to begin consultant work.
She returned to chamber work, as president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley in West Virginia, for 14 months before returning to her independent consultant work.
Prior to being hired in Wayne County she was working as membership director of the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber received 50 applications for its leadership position, which was left open by Marian Mason in June when she and her husband moved to China so he could pursue a teaching opportunity.
Bradshaw said the Chamber will develop a search committee to pursue new candidates for the position, but said the strength of the Chamber staff should suffice in the interim.
"I think we'll be fine," he said. "We really have a strong staff."
The Chamber's board of directors is expected to appoint Beverly Carroll and Ed Wilson as the interim leaders of the organization, he said. That meeting was scheduled for noon today.