The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new executive director after the resignation of Denny Warner.
Katie Kroeker, president of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said the organization’s board “reluctantly accepted” Warner’s resignation last week.
Warner said in a message to the Peninsula News Review that she has taken a post as community relations manager with Sidney All Care that will allow her to maintain a strong, direct connection to the community.
“I have been in this position for almost seven years, and felt it was time for someone to bring a fresh set of eyes to the job,” Warner said. “There is a highly competent board of directors in place and with [office manager] Pat Taylor assisting them, the organization is in good hands while they undertake a search for a new [executive director].”
Warner said the Saanich Peninsula has many attributes that make it one of the best places on earth to live and work. “And it has been my privilege to be a champion for the region for many years through my role with the chamber,” she said. “Interactions with business, community, and organizational leaders in this community have left me with a solid appreciation of the commitment and contribution these people make on a daily basis to this community.”
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Kroeker said Warner first joined the chamber in 2014, initially to provide event planning, bookkeeping, and administrative support.
“She made an immediate positive impact, and was appointed as our executive director in August 2014,” said Kroeker.
Over the years, Warner has effectively led chamber operations, addressed ongoing fiscal challenges, led the development of new events and member activities, and built and maintained relationships with local, provincial, and national organizations, said Kroeker, who singled out Warner’s role in the chamber’s move to its present location on the Pat Bay Highway from downtown Sidney.
“When the [COVID-19 pandemic] struck she was seconded for several months as a core member of Sidney’s Emergency Operations. Denny’s input and participation has always been in high demand from various local organizations, a great compliment to her reputation as a business leader and effective communicator,” said Kroeker.
Chamber director Cathy Larsen, owner of Departures Travel in Sidney, has agreed to step in part time as interim executive director, said Kroeker, adding she and the office manager will work together to maintain chamber operations and services while it recruits a new executive director.
“We wish Denny all the best in her next adventure,” said Kroeker. “She will be missed.”
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