NORWICH – Commerce Chenango, the economic development hub of Chenango County, is undergoing a leadership change following the unexpected departure of President and CEO Kerri Green.

The organization announced its search for a new president and CEO on Monday, expressing in a statement its hope for the transition “to be as smooth as possible for all involved.”

The Commerce Chenango board says it’s already begun the process to find someone to fill Green’s position. In the meantime, the organization’s plugging ahead without an interim president and CEO, and says it has no intentions of finding a temporary fill-in.

“Here at Commerce Chenango, we are deeply committed to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth in great Chenango County,” the company stated. “We remain committed to that mission and vision as we begin our search for a new president and CEO.”

Green joined Commerce Chenango in August, 2019. Since then, she played a pivotal role in some major developments for Commerce Chenango and its subsidiaries, the Development Chenango Corporation and the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency. She oversaw operations when small businesses sought help at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was instrumental in DCC’s plans of attracting a boutique hotel in Norwich, and was at the helm when Norwich was pegged for a $10 million dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant awarded by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.

“There are many community leaders actively involved with the DRI who will continue the work required as the process progresses,” said Commerce Chenango Communications Director Audrey Robinson.

Commerce Chenango staff are now reaching out to stakeholders who are affected by the change in leadership and plans to give updates as the search for a new president and CEO continues.

A job listing for president and CEO has been posted on the Commerce Chenango with an application deadline of Sept. 23.

In the interim, the organization has created a list of contacts for stakeholders’ questions and concerns:

Director of Membership and Programs Katie Olson is the primary contact for all matters related to membership and upcoming events. She can be reached at 334-1402 or via email at kolson@chenangony.org.

Economic Development Assistants Jenna Ostrander and Barb Knowles will be the contacts for all economic development matters. Call 334-1401 or 334-5532, or email jostrander@chenangony.org and bknowles@chenangony.org.

Audrey Robinson, Director of Tourism, is the primary contact for all matters related to tourism promotion. She can be reached at (607) 334-1429 or via email at arobinson@chenangony.org.

Brianna Miner is Commerce Chenango’s Administrative Assistant. She can help direct calls for all other inquiries. She can be reached at (607) 334-1400, ext. 1.