The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has elected a new chair.
MJ Waste Solutions owner Mary Jean O'Donnell, who is also chair of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, is assuming the role.
Ryan Bell remains on the executive committee as past chair, which the organization says is an important role that provides continuity for the governance of the chamber.
"Given the current circumstances, we were uncertain as to when we would hold the AGM [Annual General Meeting]. Traditionally the chair is appointed at the AGM, but legally it is the board who elects the chair from among the directors, so we don't need to wait until the AGM to make this change," said Bell.
"Mary Jean has worked tirelessly for the chamber since she joined the board and especially in the last few weeks. I have served as chair for longer than expected and I feel it is time to hand over the reins to Mary Jean. I am honoured to be able to pass the torch to such a capable and passionate leader. I will stick around as past chair for a year to help however I can."
Meanwhile, the chamber is still looking at options to fill the vacant CEO position with the recent resignation of Shirley de Silva.
Bell said day- to-day operations, including member services, communications, and administration remain intact, but the future of the organization's staff leadership is an area that will require action.
"Add to the complexity of the COVID-19 upheaval throughout our community and you can see the need to move forward in a way that is thoughtful and respectful of our culture and the need to maintain a sense of continuity," he said.
"We're committed to keeping the members informed about our next steps in these challenging times."
