Monday, Jul. 30, 2012

Apex chamber director resigns

Steen leaving for personal reasons

After five years as executive director of the Apex Chamber of Commerce, Brenda Steen has resigned from her post.

Steen said she left the job to spend more time with her teenage son, who is suffering from health issues. Juggling the nonprofit’s responsibilities became too much, she said.

“At the end of the day, being a mother is significantly more important to me than any job,” Steen said. “My kids are the most important.”

Out of privacy for her family, Steen declined to describe her son’s health condition.

“It’s a stressful job,” she said. “I just ran out of energy. I need to recharge my personal battery.”

But Steen said she has enjoyed her time with the chamber. She started working with the Apex Chamber of Commerce in 2002 as a membership director and became the executive director in February 2007.

“I’m proud of the reputation we have built,” Steen said. “I hope the members of the community will continue to support the chamber. I will miss the people. I’ve met a lot of fantastic people who are community spirited.”

Her last day in the office was July 16, but Steen said she remains on the payroll to help with the transition while the chamber’s executive board searches for her replacement.

Steen’s resignation is not expected to affect the day-to-day operations for the 518-member group.

“I’ve always worked ahead, and I left things on solid footing,” Steen said. “I’ve put operating manuals in place, and the new executive director should be able to step in easily.”

The chamber supports its business members and is actively involved in the community. The nonprofit hosts a teacher of the year event and a school-supplies program and partners with the Apex High Youth Leadership program. The group also awards the Apex citizen of the year, small business of the year and large business of the year.

Until Steen’s replacement is named, Apex Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Hastings is running the office.

The chamber sent out a letter to its members on Tuesday, the same day the board formed a search committee.

Hastings called Steen an asset to the chamber who will be missed. He credits Steen with helping to build the chamber’s membership in the past few years.

“I’m surprised, but we wish her the best,” Hastings said. “A majority of (our membership) are sad to see this happen. She’s done a good job at fostering relationships.”