LAURINBURG — The executive director of the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce will step down from her position early next year.
Janet C. Smith announced the decision on Tuesday following a chamber board of directors’ meeting where she informed officials of her plan to resign effective Feb. 1.
Smith said she does not think she will have the time needed to help lead the chamber and its 300-plus members. The executive director is responsible for developing and guiding numerous programs and events; developing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, citizens, elected officials and volunteers in the region; and promoting the chamber and Scotland County.
“My family and I reluctantly came to this decision after much deliberation,”she said. “At this time, I have some personal and family commitments I must fulfill and am unable to devote the attention necessary to carry out all of the responsibilities of executive director for this dynamic chamber.”
Smith has served as chamber executive director since May. She previously served as a Staff Attorney for Harnett County from 2010 until December 2014. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant City Attorney for Fayetteville.
“I have loved working at the chamber with the members, volunteers and staff throughout this year,” Smith said. “The chamber has taken on a new and powerful direction, as has Scotland County, and I wish and expect all good things for it in the future.
“I am a steadfast supporter of the chamber and look forward to continuing to work with the chamber on a volunteer basis as I am able.”
Chamber Chairman Lee Howell said the board accepted Smith’s resignation with “regret and with sincere thanks for her tireless efforts on behalf of the chamber.”
Her selection as executive director earlier this year was unanimous.
“Clearly family must come first, but we sincerely appreciate her offer to stay on until a new executive director is chosen, and to help him or her with the transition. We want to take this opportunity to thank Janet for all her hard work. We are all better off for her time in this position.”
Those interested in serving as executive director are asked to send a cover letter and resume to the chamber addressed to the Board of Directors c/o Executive Committee at 606 Atkinson St. Laurinburg, NC. 28352.