Chamber looking for new leader

The search is on for a new executive director for Jay County Chamber of Commerce, and those involved are going to take their time finding the right person for the job.

In the wake of the December departure of former executive director Carey Cook, who was hired in August, chamber president Scott Manwaring says the hiring process is going to be thoughtful and methodical.

“Our timeline at this point is very, very loose,” Manwaring said this week. “It’s going to take as long as it takes.”

Manwaring said the chamber board has appointed Stacie Paxson, Tina Elliott and Tami Vormohr as a search committee. Paxson is chairing the effort.

Currently that group is revamping the job posting in an effort to attract the best candidates. Manwaring said he’s hopeful that will be presented at the chamber’s annual meeting Jan. 23 at Jay Community Center.

That luncheon meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Business anniversaries will be recognized and the nominees for the annual community awards will be announced at that time.

The executive director position will be advertised in The Commercial Review and on WPGW radio, as well as being posted on the chamber’s website.

Manwaring said the search committee will review the applicants and ultimately narrow the field to two or three final candidates who will then be interviewed by the chamber’s board of directors prior to any decision.

“We’ve had several people referred or suggested that the committee is going to talk with,” said Manwaring.

Cook held the executive director’s position for less than five months. He succeeded Dean Sanders, who left the chamber in June for another opportunity.