by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

After 2½ years Vickie Maples is stepping down as executive director of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.

She announced the decision at the monthly board of directors meeting Feb. 10.

Maples said she was reluctant to submit her notice but has long-term family and real estate commitments in Morro Bay, Calif.

“I’ve been running back and forth a lot since the death of my father in September 2009 and there are times I need to be there,” Maples said.

“The chamber needs somebody who can be here all the time. It’d be nice to be in two places at once, but I didn’t want to affect the chamber.”

The board accepted Maples’ resignation and thanked her for her efforts and dedication to the chamber. Maples’ resignation becomes effective April 15.

She voiced her complete support for the chamber members, the board of directors, chamber staff and volunteers, indicating that she thoroughly has enjoyed working with them.

Next steps

A selection committee met for the first time on Feb. 14 to discuss plans for selecting a new executive director. The board’s intent is to hire someone with Maples’ cooperation before April 15. Christy Rookard, chamber board president, said she and the board support Maples’ decision.

“We are going to be in full gear for recruitment as soon as possible but of course to get the right fit,” Rookard said. “She’s definitely a positive role model for businesses and a professional representative who has both the people skills and administrative skill set. We’ll be looking for both.”

Bill Littlejohn, past chamber president, said one aspect he respects in Maples is her familiarity and willingness to attend City of Sequim and government meetings.

“She had quite a bit of government experience in California and knew her way around city hall,” Littlejohn said. “It’d be nice to have someone who has had some government experience.”

Between now and April 15, Maples will be preparing for the Irrigation Festival kick-off and the lavender weekend on July 15-17 and looking toward working with the City of Sequim on the continuation of the downtown plan.

“It’s full steam ahead,” Maples said. “We’re not slowing down.”

Maples said the goal is to hire a full-time director immediately.

Maples was voted in unanimously as executive director on July 31, 2008. She followed Lee Lawrence, former executive director.

The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1192 E. Washington St., can be reached at 683-6197.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.