One week in, Hoffman Estates chamber director resigns
Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Blodgett lasted 17 years before announcing her resignation.
Her successor was on the job for a considerably shorter amount of time.
After just one week, Michael Hearn announced he was leaving the chamber's top spot.
Blodgett said Hearn cited health reasons for his sudden resignation. No specifics were provided, and Hearn couldn't be reached for comment.
Chamber President Dave Strahl said he was disappointed Hearn had to resign.
"I think it was a big hiccup for us," Strahl said. "But all things, I think, work out for a reason."
With Blodgett's last day at the end of this week, chamber officials moved quickly in naming Hearn's replacement.
Starting next month, Cheri Sisson, formerly on the sales team at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hoffman Estates, will be the chamber's new executive director. Before working for Hilton, Sisson spent 10 years in the hospitality industry.
Strahl said Sisson has a strong working knowledge of the community and has solid relationships that will help the chamber move forward, including having previously worked with Linda Scheck, the village's new tourism and business retention coordinator.
"She has a natural relationship with Linda that will help us build a more positive relationship with the village," he said.
After Hearn's resignation, Strahl said the chamber returned to its list of 37 applicants for the position and chose Sisson, who had been one of the finalists for the job.
"She was an easy second choice," Strahl said.
Blodgett said she thinks Sisson will do a great job.
"She has a good idea of what we do here," Blodgett said. "She is a good person."
Having been a chamber volunteer and worked in the village, Strahl thinks Sisson, who couldn't be reached for comment, will hit the ground running when she starts next month.
"I think Cheri is going to help us move forward faster than Michael would have," Strahl said.
Sisson's first day is scheduled for June 9.