Chief of one of Lake Co.'s biggest chamber of commerce resigns

The GLMV Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader.

Chamber officials said executive director Mark Foley has stepped down to pursue "other interests," opening the door for a new executive director of the chamber that represents businesses in Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills.

Foley stepped down on March 9, chairman Mike Allison said today.

"I think Mark just wanted to pursue some other avenues," Allison said, adding the chamber board will discuss how to fill the vacancy in the future.

He said the chamber will take time to find the right candidate, and existing staff will assume Foley's duties until a new director is named.

"We're not going to move very quickly forward on it," he said. "We're having volunteers and the two staff members working on things."

Allison said he anticipated the full slate of activities in 2009, including mixers and luncheons, would proceed as scheduled.

"Obviously, for the chamber, it's important," he added. "We want to show (the members) value for their memberships. A lot of it is networking."

Foley became executive director in late 2007 after working for 10 years as director of development and auxiliary services with Advocate Condell Medical Center.

Foley succeeded Dwight Houchins, who resigned in May 2007 after nine years in the position.

"We wish Mark the best as he moves on to future endeavors," Allison said. "The Chamber is a big part of the community and we will keep providing the leadership and programs that continue to make the GLMV a worthwhile organization."

The chamber has nearly 800 members, and is considered the one of the largest and most active chambers in Lake County.