ASHLAND — The longtime president and CEO of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Lange announced her resignation Tuesday in a letter to Chamber members.
According to the letter, which was also shared on the Chamber’s Facebook page, her last day will be Friday, Oct. 18.
The organization’s board of directors formally accepted her resignation Wednesday, Sept. 18.
“Seasons of change are a way of life and so it is with excitement mixed with a tinge of sadness that I have chosen to step down from my position as president/CEO of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce,” Lange said in the letter. “A lot of thought and prayer has gone into this decision, but now is the season for me to focus on quality time with family, especially my four precious grandchildren.”
She had accepted her position at the Chamber in 2010.
Lange said she “fully intends” to remain an active volunteer with the Chamber and will “help in any way possible.”
“I believe we have a great community and incredible members of this Chamber,” Lange said. “I want that to continue for years to come.”
Lange didn’t immediately share what’s next for her, but she did elude to a “totally new career direction” — one that will allow her to “slow down a bit” and spend more time with family. She assured Chamber members that she’d remain a contributing member of the Ashland community.
She encouraged members to fully support the chamber’s board of directors in the leadership transition process.
“For almost a decade, we have made significant strides at shifting the needle upwards for our businesses and the community as a whole,” she said. “I will personally miss the day-to-day discussions with many friends and colleagues, yet firmly believe that we can only go higher from here.
“There is much to be thankful for, and yet, still much to accomplish. These are definitely exciting times.”
