AMHERST – A search for a new executive director for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will begin following Friday’s sudden resignation by Donald Courtemanche after two years at the helm of the business organization.
Julie Marcus, president of the board of directors, issued a statement Friday afternoon that Jerry Guidera, who has been the organization’s secretary and member of its executive committee, will serve as interim executive director. Courtemanche’s resignation, announced Friday, takes effect immediately.
“My role is to fill in and support the staff here,” said Guidera, who was at the 28 Amity St. office Friday afternoon.
Guidera said he expects to be working full time to handle chamber business and membership needs.
“I’m here as long as they need me to be,” Guidera said. “This is a member organization and I felt compelled to offer as much support as possible.”
Courtemanche, of Springfield, said in a telephone interview Friday that he had two great years in Amherst, and loved the community and the work he was doing
“But I realized my home is in Springfield and that my heart is in Springfield,” Courtemanche said.
He said he was grateful to have the opportunity to work with wonderful people in Amherst and participate in its thriving business community.
“I made so many relationships in Amherst, many that will last until I’m in the grave,” said Courtemanche, observing that he is leaving on a high note, with the successful Margarita Madness 2016 held at the Hadley Farms Meeting House Thursday.
Courtemanche, who is a real estate agent at Sears Real Estate in Springfield, said he has another job lined up, but cannot yet reveal it.
In the statement from Marcus, she thanked Courtemanche and wished him well.
“We’ve established the appropriate steps to help with this leadership transition at the chamber,” Marcus said. “We are grateful to Don for his dedicated service to our organization and our members. We wish him well in the future.”
Marcus is asking members to provide support during the transition and notify people who might be interested in the vacancy.
“Transition is a hard but inevitable part of any organization,” Marcus said. “We are confident that there are talented people who will be attracted to this position.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
