Western-Star.com

Having a strong chamber as a partner is important, said Fairfield Development Services Director Tim Bachman.

Bachman said his city department will aid the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce's board of directors in what ever they need until it finds a new president to lead the chamber's day-to-day operations.

"I think it's imperative to all of us that a strong chamber is a good partner with the city," Bachman said.

"We will work with (the chamber board) as they look for the new individual."

Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Neal Gray said it could take about three months to hire a new president to replace Ginger Shawver, who after 15 years as the chamber president resigned her post on March 6.

Gray said the core of the search committee consists of chamber board of directors Tim Boellner, of AurGroup; Greg Kathman, Fairfield economic development manager; Steve Walterman, of Millikin and Fitton; and Greg Ossmann, of Mercy Hospital Fairfield.

"The first step is to identify what are we looking for in terms of that individual," Gray said.

The chairman of the board said these four board members are encouraged to bring in outside people to provide input.

Other board members are also invited to provide input, he said.

Gray said he would not comment as to why Shawver left, citing board policy not to discuss personnel matters. However, a press release announcing Shawver's departure stated she was going "to seek new opportunities."

"The board is only just beginning the search process," Gray said.

"All chamber events and programs will continue during this transition period."

In an e-mail, Shawver responded by writing that she is "looking for a position and has a great resume."

She did not expound on why she resigned, but said she left on good terms.

Although he is not officially the interim chamber president, Gray said he will be doing some of the day-to-day duties Shawver would have handled until a new president is hired.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.