Alaska News

Wasilla chamber in no rush to replace executive director

WASILLA --The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce has no immediate plans to replace executive director Cheryl Metiva.

Board member Mike Gabel said Tuesday the board hasn't had a chance to decide what to do since Metiva announced her resignation. The board will likely take up the issue up again at its next meeting in August, he said.

In the interim, Lyn Carden, who has handled membership and visitor services, will once again serve as acting executive director, he said. Carden was previously tapped for the job in May when Metiva was placed on leave pending questions about the expenses.

Metiva announced Friday she would resign as of July 17. Her decision came after continued questions were raised about expenses during her term as executive director. The expenses included purchases at a day spa, according to a former board member. In May, five board members resigned citing concerns about the expenses and expressed the need for an audit.

Gabel said the board still plans to go forward with an audit of the chamber's books. But it was not clear yet what shape that might take. The board has struggled to raise money for a full-blown independent audit and has asked for three licensed financial professionals to volunteer to review the books. Board member Marcus Reum said two members have come forward so far.

By S.J. KOMARNITSKY

skomarnitsky@adn.com

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