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 After serving for fourteen years as the chief professional officer of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, Carolyn McHugh, announced she is stepping down as the organization’s President/CEO.Her last day at the Chamber is September 18.

Sonja Cox, Chair, confirmed the Board of Directors was informed of the resignation at a Board meeting on June 20. Cox indicated that steps are being taken to form a Search Committee to determine important details such as job descriptions, salary, etc.

“We are in the process of determining next steps and how to get the information out as quickly as possible so that anyone interested in applying can do so,”  Cox said. “We appreciate that Carolyn has given us more than adequate notice, but searches of this nature do take time and the Board is prepared to take whatever time it needs to ensure that we find the right person for the position. We’re pleased that Carolyn has agreed to use her knowledge to assist the Search Committee in the process”

Cox said, “McHugh came to the Chamber with over 10 years of experience in non-profit management and her experiences helped turn a financially beleaguered organization around so that now the organization is on sound financial footing.  During her fourteen years at the Chamber McHugh introduced the first Chamber web-site, managed and staffed two Tourist information centers, managed the physical relocation of the Chamber to its present site on Dares Beach Road, maintained and grew membership, introduced new programs, wrote a newspaper column which highlighted chamber members,  and much more.  We’ll be looking for someone who can build on the solid foundation she’s leaving behind.”

The Board of Directors annually engages an independent auditor to assist the management and finances of the Chamber on behalf of the membership.   McHugh’s announcement to the Board followed another favorable annual auditor’s report in which an  independent auditor indicated that the Chamber was a well-managed organization on firm financial footing. 

“I have been blessed to work with a wonderful staff, inspiring business and community leaders, and many hard working and dedicated business owners.” McHugh said. “I will miss them all, but I expect I’ll see many of them as I get involved in other things in the community, things that will interest me but give me more personal time to enjoy our beautiful county.”

The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization, business membership organization set up to operate like any business with monthly financial reports, services bid out, costs maintained, facilities maintained, and employees hired and supervised.

The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce has over 700 members and representatives.  Collectively the businesses represented in the Chamber employee over 9,600 workers.  The Chamber’s serves as a central agency to unite the business community towards the goals of building strong relationships with other resource organizations in the area, improving the business climate, and maintaining a strong community in which to live and work.

Encouraging the growth of tourist, a major economic driver for the county, is also a goal of the Chamber. Through a contract with the County, the Chamber’s President ensures that the County’s two Information Centers are staffed with knowledgeable tourist specialists.  During the fiscal year 2010-201 the centers provided assistance to nearly 15,000 county visitors