From Staff Reports
ELK RAPIDS — The former head of the Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority will lead the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board announced Thursday that Jean Derenzy will start the executive director job on Sept. 1.
“We are confident we have found the right person to fill this important position,” Chamber Board President Gene Davis said in a prepared statement.
Derenzy’s “wealth of experience” as DDA CEO and her previous work with Grand Traverse County will lead the chamber forward, he said. The statement made mention of Derenzy’s experience in promoting Elk Rapids business community.
Derenzy gave notice in January that she would not renew her contract when it expired at the end of February.
The DDA is still in the hiring process to replace her; the board will interview two candidates Friday starting at 8 a.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Governmental Center. The interviews will be broadcast live through Traverse Area Community Media on public access channel 189 or 191 on Spectrum cable.
Derenzy grew up in Elk Rapids and graduated from Elk Rapids High School.
“Elk Rapids is a very special place for me, I have deep roots in the community,” Derenzy said in the statement.