PORT TOWNSEND — Fourteen have applied for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s executive director position, which will be vacant when Jennifer Wells MacGillonie leaves at year’s end.
MacGillonie, who has served in the executive director’s post since March 2009, said she is leaving for personal reasons.
The application deadline is Wednesday.
Chamber President Kris Nelson, whose term as chamber president finishes at the end of the month, said the search committee will examine all the applications during the next few weeks and will narrow the field down to four finalists by the end of the year.
Applicants’ names will be kept private until then, but the finalists are expected to participate in a public selection process that will include chamber members along with key business and government leaders.
“This is a tough situation,” Nelson said.
“Job applicants deserve to have a certain amount of privacy, but this application process requires interaction with the public.”
About half local
Nelson said about half of the applicants were local, which could give them an advantage.
“Someone who lives in the area will have an idea of who we are and where we’ve been, and that could have a better chance,” she said.
“But someone from outside the area who has worked as an executive director at other chambers and has executive management experience would also be a good candidate.”
The job’s pay range is between $45,000 and $55,000 per year.
It requires the management of fiscal operations, chamber communications, visitor center operations and annual applications for the acquisition of tourism-related funds for the 400-member chamber, among other duties.
Aside from a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, experience is required with a chamber of commerce or other nonprofit organization, marketing and public relations campaigns and running a small business.
Membership director
Chamber membership director Heather Flanagan, who runs her own life-coaching business, said she has applied for the position.
“I am not concerned as to whether I get it or not,” Flanagan said.
“But whoever is hired needs to have a good understanding of where we are and where we’ve been, and needs to have a real enthusiasm for local business possibilities in a way they will inspire others to participate.”
Nelson seconded that sentiment, saying energy and enthusiasm would be the most important traits for a new executive director.
The chamber is in the middle of developing a strategic plan, expected to be presented at a Jan. 22 board retreat.
Nelson said she hoped to have the new executive director in place by then.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
