By Ashley Reams Dunn
News Editor
WESLEY CHAPEL — Sheri Goldberg-Mueller is no longer executive director of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, but it’s unclear whether she resigned or was let go.
“I do not discuss staff changes in the office,” said Cindy Fleming, Chamber president.
Goldberg-Mueller, who did not return phone calls from The Laker requesting comment, worked her last day Dec. 11. The announcement of her departure came Dec. 14 in the Chamber’s weekly e-newsletter.
“Last week Sheri Goldberg concluded her time as the Executive Director of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce,” the announcement read. “We want to thank her for her efforts as our Executive Director and we wish her well.”
Goldberg-Mueller was hired as executive director in April 2008, and Fleming said the Chamber flourished under her leadership. Membership grew, and Goldberg-Mueller helped coordinate well-attended events, such as the arts celebration at The Shops at Wiregrass, which saw about 50,000 people.
“The Chamber launched a few new events, which were highly successful,” Fleming said.
Goldberg-Mueller helped launch the Chamber’s first 5K run at Saddlebrook, a health fair at Wesley Chapel District Park and a craft fair at The Grove of Wesley Chapel. She helped create the first revised newsletter and the Chamber’s new Web site, which should launch around the beginning of 2010.
The Wesley Chapel Chamber was created 11 years ago, and Goldberg-Mueller was it’s third executive director. She replaced Jason Wilson, who was in the position for little more than a year. Elayne Bassinger preceded Wilson.
The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce also recently found itself without a director. Jan Slater, who accepted the position in 2006, resigned in November in order to have more time with family. She was replaced by Vonnie Mikkelsen, who was hired two weeks ago.
The Wesley Chapel Chamber is now accepting applications for a new executive director. According to a press release, applicants should have proven leadership skills, management and sales experience, proficient fiscal and budgeting skills, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and time management skills. The executive director will have to participate in regular activities, including business networking, community events, resources and special committees.
Preferred candidates will have experience working with a Chamber of Commerce or other nonprofit organization and its board of directors, the press release states. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and education is required. Compensation includes salary in the range of $37,500 with commission and bonus incentives, health insurance and mileage reimbursement. Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with references and cover letter via e-mail to .
Fleming said she expects to receive at least 100 applicants, and three board members will review the applications, narrowing the field down to about five or six candidates. She said the Chamber hopes to have a new executive director by Feb. 1.
“We’re looking forward to a good 2010,” she said.
