For the first time in eight years, the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader.
Executive director Jerry Cunningham is stepping away from the part time position he has held since 2017.
“I just turned 65 and I’m just backing off some things,” Cunningham said. “This is one of them. I just need to have a little more flexibility in my schedule.”
Cunningham said it is also a chance for changes at the chamber.
“I’m still working hard but it is time for someone new to come in,” Cunningham said. “It’s time for a new direction and for someone else with fresh ideas and energy.”
During Cunningham’s tenure the chamber has added new events such as Summer Fest.
“It has become really popular with everyone,” Cunningham said.
Technically Cunningham’s last day with the chamber was Feb. 28.
“But I told the board I would do the banquet and (the chamber is) moving,” Cunningham said. “I’m supervising that move and packing things up now.”
Cunningham will also help make sure correspondence and the paying of bills is taken care of. He will also help publicize the position and help with the interview process of his replacement as the board sees fit.
Cunningham said he anticipates interviews to occur at some point in April with a new director starting the first part of May.
Cunningham will still be the director of the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, the music director at First Methodist Church of Tallassee and announcer at Tallassee High School football games. He will also still direct the Tallassee High School FFA quartet he started more than 50 years ago as a student.
Cunningham will still be an active part of the chamber.
“I will become more of a volunteer, rather than an organizer and heading up things,” Cunningham said.