Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce executive director to depart after only five months

PORT TOWNSEND — Roderick Davis, executive director of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce, is leaving his position just short of six months on the job.

The official announcement from the board is that Davis has resigned.

Davis is disputing that.

“The Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Rod Davis, the chamber’s executive director,” said Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Anderson in a news release.

“Mr. Davis stated personal reasons for his departure.”

Davis said that is incorrect.

“I did not resign. I have not resigned,” Davis said.

“I do not agree with the information in the press release and at this point I have nothing else to say.”

Anderson said he was surprised by the response from Davis.

“The chamber’s official statement is the one I sent you,” Anderson told the Peninsula Daily News.

Anderson said Davis was not fired but elected not to comment further on the situation.

The one thing both sides did agree on is that Davis’ last day will be this Friday.

“Jennifer MacGillonie has accepted the position of interim director until a permanent replacement is hired,” Anderson said.

“She was the Port Townsend 2005 Business Leader of the Year and the 2007 Chamber of Commerce president.

“Jennifer resigned her position on the chamber’s executive board before accepting the position as interim director.”

Anderson said a search for a permanent Executive Director is scheduled to begin soon.

Kris Nelson, vice president of the chamber board, said MacGillonie was the right pick for the interim role.

“We need someone starting Monday,” Nelson said.

“She is by far the most qualified person.

“She knows all bookkeeping and all the inner workings of the chamber.”

__________

Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com

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