Chamber moves closer to hiring executive director

DOWNEY - The Downey Chamber of Commerce is currently in negotiations to hire a new executive director after longtime director Sue Nordin was fired last month, sources confirmed this week.

According to individuals who did not wish to be named, Nordin was abruptly let go in January after a nearly four-month absence due to disability.

Since last fall, the chamber has operated with no functioning, full-time executive director.

Nordin was first hired by the chamber in April 1992 as a part-time secretary and later became executive director in January 2006.

If salary negotiations are successful, sources say Nordin will be replaced by Pico Rivera resident Carlos Cruz, who currently serves as executive director of the Bell Gardens Chamber of Commerce.

Those privy to the negotiations say Cruz submitted a counter offer last week to the chamber's proposed salary amount.

Cruz graduated from California State University, Los Angeles in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and sits on the Pico Rivera Parks and Recreation Commission.

Patricia Kotze-Ramos, president of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, declined to comment on the management vacancy and would not confirm whether Cruz was offered the position.

Chamber officers and board of directors include president-elect Elizabeth Trombley, vice president Steve Hoffman, treasurer Delores Bacus, Dr. Joel Bird, Jan Scott, Bob Ciatti, Roy Corral, Steve Lopez, Dave Gafin, Cindy Kovach, Karina Madariaga, Laurie Tyler, Tatiana Paton, and Jeannie Wood.

********** Published: Feb. 13, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 44