Tourism Director Chaney Announces Resignation

By: Eugenia Jones

During November’s regular monthly meeting of the McCreary County Tourism Commission, Tourism Director Tara Chaney announced her resignation effective January 1, 2015.
Citing her desire, as a parent, to be home with her two young sons, Chaney stated she has enjoyed working for the County and will definitely miss her work in the tourism position.
“However, my boys will only be young once,” Chaney commented.  “If I don’t take the opportunity to spend my time with them now, I will regret it.”
Chaney’s husband, Conley, will also be serving as County Attorney full time, following his win in the 2014 General Election.
Members of the local tourism commission received Chaney’s resignation announcement with obvious regret, noting that progress has been made during Chaney’s tenure as the tourism director.
“We understand her reason for leaving, but we are definitely sad about losing her,” commented tourism commissioner Nina Bradley.  “She does such a wonderful job.”
Other members of the commission echoed Bradley’s sentiments, stating that Chaney has raised the bar as to what will be expected from future tourism directors.
McCreary County Judge Executive Doug Stephens also expressed regret in seeing Chaney leave her position.
“Tara is a one-of-a-kind jewel that we’ve been very fortunate to have working for us,” Stephens remarked.  “Fortunately, she plans to still do some volunteer work and will continue helping with some of the projects she has initiated.”
The position for a full time tourism director was created by Fiscal Court in 2006, and the position has, since its inception, been filled by four different directors.  Each director held the position for approximately two years before leaving due to a number of different reasons.  Chaney was hired in December of 2012.
When asked if and when another full-time tourism director will be hired to replace Chaney, Stephens was non-committal.
“The vacancy created by Tara’s resignation will be taken into consideration as part of an overall restructuring plan,” Stephens stated.  “I’m not going to rush the process just to get something done.  I want the best for our county.”
In other business, Suzie Strunk Thompson and Trey Ball joined Jesse Kidd, Peg Taylor, Nina Bradley, Jim Cmolik, and Wanda Worley as members of the McCreary County Tourism Commission.  Thompson and Ball replace Becki Egnew whose term ended and Michelle King who resigned due to other responsibilities.