By Jeanne Sager
LIBERTY — May 13, 2005 – Just six months after assuming the presidency of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Jon Westergreen is leaving.
The Livingston Manor resident took over the helm of the Chamber in December with the resignation of longtime president Jacquie Leventoff.
Thursday morning, Chamber board members learned he’s heading out.
A release issued late yesterday afternoon by the executive board said Westergreen has tendered his resignation because of personal reasons.
Officials did not release his departure date, and Westergreen himself could not be reached for comment.
“The Board of Directors extended their best wishes to Mr. Westergreen,” the release said.
The Chamber’s executive board conducted an executive session upon hearing of Westergreen’s decision to determine how best to proceed.
A search committee has already been established to fill the position – a familiar process for the Chamber, which hired not only Westergreen but Vice President Terri Hess just last year with the resignation of Jim Law.
Hess will be stepping into the role of president while the search is under way for Westergreen’s successor.
Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Chris Cunningham was surprised to hear of Westergreen’s announcement.
Just last week he met with the Chamber president to discuss the county’s future.
“At this point, any interaction I’ve had with Jon has been very positive,” Cunningham said.
“Jon had a lot of energy and a lot of ideas,” he added. “We hope that will continue.”
Although Cunningham said this shouldn’t have a negative impact on the county’s relationship with the Chamber in the long term, it’s sad to see him go.
“We wish him well,” he added.