The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce will be looking for a new Executive Director following Lorna Hunt's resignation following more than 18 years in the position.

Hunt's resignation was effective December 29th.  Chamber President Linda Bruce says the move came as a surprise, but not that big of a surprise.

"We didn't see it that she was going to submit her resignation anytime soon but, you know, when somebody's been with any organization for almost 20 years you know that they're starting to think about either moving on or retiring.  I guess that's why it was a surprise, but not really at the same time."

Hunt is the only Executive Director the Airdrie Chamber has ever had and gave it the profile it needed to develop over the years, says Bruce.

"She took it from hardly having an office to having a full storefront office and a big profile in our community and really an important organization in the City of Airdrie.  It was practically the time of stone tablets and chisels up until the age of social media.  It's been her stewarding the Chamber through many of the changes we've seen in our community."

After over 18 years of attending grand openings, early morning and late evening meetings, Hunt is going to take a well-deserved rest for a while, then look for something to keep her busy in the community. 

Bruce says the Chamber has enlisted the services of an HR person to begin the search for a new Executive Director.  Marie Lauer will be stepping into the role on an interim basis.  Bruce knows the task of finding a replacement for Hunt will be a big job.

"We know that those are giant shoes to fill.  Despite the loss of Lorna, it is an opportunity to really take a look at any changes we need to make at the Chamber and implement those changes now.  It's easy to do that when you're starting fresh and starting in a slightly new direction.  It's going to be about taking a bit of time to look at what we need to do, what the qualifications should be, if we should change anything.  It's going to be very introspective.  Once we're ready we'll put out the call for applicants and I imagine we're going to see some pretty incredible people come forward.  This community has a lot of skill and talent and I think we'll see that in trying to fill her position."

Bruce says she hopes the position can be filled by early to mid-spring.  

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