DOWNEY − The Downey Chamber of Commerce is in search of a new executive director this month after newcomer Carlos Cruz resigned his position just three months into his tenure. While Downey chamber officials maintain Cruz wasn’t a good fit for the organization, sources say the former executive director stepped down after a Downey business owner accused him of sexual harassment.

Immediate Past President Patty Kotze-Ramos would neither confirm or deny the allegations, but in a statement said, “it is not the Chamber’s practice to disclose confidential employee issues publically.”

“It was unfortunate that our organization was not a good fit for Carlos, but we respect his decision to resign and wish him the best wherever he lands,” Kotze-Ramos added. “And we’re very excited to find a candidate for this important leadership role.”

Cruz declined to comment when reached by phone.

According to a July press release, the chamber is hoping to fill the vacancy by early September with a “dynamic individual who is self-motivated, hands on, and goal oriented with strong interpersonal and external communication skills.”

Kotze-Ramos said the executive director will provide leadership, general management, and coordination for all activities associated with the chamber, which currently has more than 450 members.

“We will be doing a broad search for a new executive director including local publicity and advertising, state and regional outreach through other Chamber related organizations as well as through word of mouth among our board and within our local business community,” she said.

Earlier this year, Cruz replaced outgoing director Sue Nordin who was let go after 22 years with the organization. Cruz now serves as the executive director of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the executive director position at the Downey Chamber of Commerce, visit downeychamber.com. All applications must be submitted by Aug. 11.

Chamber officers and board of directors include president Elizabeth Trombley, president-elect Cindy Kovach, immediate past president Kotze-Ramos, vice president Dave Gafin, treasurer Delores Bacus, Dr. Joel Bird, Joanna Peterson, John Casillas, Steve Lopez, Karina Madariaga, Ozzie Carranza, Laurie Tyler, Tatiana Paton, and Jeannie Wood.

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Published: Aug. 7, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 17