Gord Johns, executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, has tendered his resignation as of June 30. Jen Dart will assume the executive director role in September.
Johns has been with the organization four years. Highlights of his leadership listed in a press release from the chamber include growing the organization's membership by 75 percent, created the Tofino Ambassador Program, and implementing sponsored Chamber luncheons featuring high profile speakers.
"Gord has been an invaluable, motivated leader for our organization and Tofino,†said Jennifer Steven, president of the TLBCC. “His ability to advocate for business, build partnerships, and drive the organization forward serves as a model for those to follow. While the Board of Directors and I are sorry to see him go, we are so very fortunate to have benefited from Gord's leadership. We wish Gord all the best in his future career goals."
Johns said he felt grateful and honoured for the opportunity to work with chamber staff, board, membership and the community.
“It was not without a great deal of conflict on my part that I made this decision, but it was time for me to explore some new and exciting opportunities. I have met such incredible, community-minded people at the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and have witnessed the passion that you all have for our community.
“The Board of Directors should be commended for the creative, innovative and inspiring dedication that they give to this organization, and the unending support they have given to me as an employee. It is these qualities that set Tofino apart from any other community that I am aware of. Tofino is in a league of its own, and I thank you from the bottom of
my heart for your support and the ability to serve you all,†he said.
Jen Dart has been working within the organization for the past six months as communications and membership services assistant. She will become the executive director Sept. 1.
Dart will be stepping into this new role with her knowledge of communications, a passion for Tofino, and a new energy, the release said.
“The board and I are very excited to have her at the helm of the organization,†said Steven.