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It will take about three months for the Fairfield Chamber's board of directors to find a new president, said the board's chair.

Chamber of commerce president Ginger Shawver left her post on Thursday, March 6, the day board of directors chair Neal Gray announced the news in a press release. On Friday, Gray would not comment as to why Shawver left, citing board policy not to discuss personnel matters. However, the press release cited Shawver was going "to seek new opportunities."

"The board is only just beginning the search process," Gray said. "All chamber events and programs will continue during this transition period."

Gray said a search committee has yet to be assembled, which will begin next week. He said some members of the board of directors will be on that committee, but the rest of the makeup has yet to be decided.

Shawver could not be reached for comment.

Fairfield Development Services Director Tim Bachman said his department looks forward to working with the chamber as they go through the transition.

"I think it's imperative to all of us that a strong chamber is a good partner with the city," said Development Services Director Tim Bachman. "We will work with (the chamber board) as they look for the new individual."

The news was a surprise to Martha Tipton, UTS senior vice president and co-founder of the Ohio 4 Coalition. She said the chamber is known for throwing excellent dinners and expos, but hopes the next president has a redevelopment focus.

"The chamber has needed to focus more on economic redevelopment and the direct needs of business rather than focusing on expos and dinners," Tipton said. "I would like to see them go through what ever process to achieve that goal. If this change will facilitate that, then I think its a good thing."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.