Business Matters | Volume 4, Issue 3

Departure of the CEO

At the beginning of this year, had someone bet me I’d be leaving the Chamber before the holidays, I’d have bet thousands of dollars against them. Thankfully, there was no bet because I would have lost it. My last day at the Chamber will be September 23 and shortly after that, I'll begin at the Thurston Economic Development Council as the Operations Manager.

This is bittersweet. For the better part of adulthood, the Chamber has been ingrained in everything I do. I’ve been blessed to work in the community where I grew up and have seen it changed for the better. I’ve witnessed the Chamber Awards Gala go from barely 100 people to sold out at 450 with a waiting list and from a night filled with presentations to a night of celebration. I’ve helped spearhead a Downtown Visioning Plan that is still being utilized and even expanded upon. But truly, it is the incredible leaders I’ve worked with over the years, both on the Chamber Board and within the community at large, that has been the greatest highlight.

Many of you have asked what prompted the change. I learned long ago that when God puts pressure or begins speaking in my ear that I need to listen. Over the past several months, I had some friends point out this job opportunity. I glanced at it, expecting to quickly pass over, but found that the job was made for me. I still get to work with businesses and it scratches my real estate itch by working with expanding markets and reviewing contracts. Not only that, but indirectly, I still get to work on behalf of Mason County as there are programs benefitting us as well. The potential to work directly with Michael Cade and his team was the tipping point. The plan became apparent and the path forward is clear to me.

I couldn't step away without knowing the Chamber will continue to support the community in the most integral way. The Board appointment of Deidre Peterson as my successor ensures that. In every accomplishment at the Chamber over the past decade, Deidre's support has been paramount to its success. She knows the programs, she has relationships with investors and leaders, and she will breathe fresh air into everything. Mason County will be blessed to have her serve in this capacity. She won’t be Heidi 2.0, nor should she be. This organization was not meant to be stagnant and should have a fresh, energized, and competent leader at the helm. She is this leader.

Some of you have yet to see the breadth of what Deidre can accomplish. Take it from me: you are about to be wowed. In the 11 years I’ve worked with her, I have never ceased to be impressed with her work ethic, her understanding and love of this community, or her professional demeanor while accomplishing impossible feats. I can already tell you that a decade from now, this organization will go further than our wildest dreams can imagine. When you add in the support that Jenny Anderson brings to the Chamber as well, the sky is the limit.

This is a great day for Mason County.