CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors emailed members Friday evening acknowledging the resignation of President Ellie Van Doornum, effective Oct. 16. However, the letter did not address why Van Doornum and two other senior staff members left or whether their departures are related.
The email was signed by Chamber Board Chairman Tommy Thurmond, in which he thanked Doornum for her service and said the board “is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for our members and community.”
As first reported by Now Habersham last Thursday, Van Doornum, Alex Michelle, the Chamber’s marketing and programs director, and Anne Minium, administrative coordinator, all resigned. Thurmond noted the Chamber has regained full access to its membership database and is arranging temporary office help to cover phones, emails and walk-ins.
“As we move forward, the Board of Directors is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for our members and community,” Thurmond wrote. “We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these details.”
A job posting for the president position will be announced “soon,” the board said, adding that upcoming events are under review to ensure preparations are in place. The message did not mention Michelle or Minium by name and offered no explanation for the leadership turnover.
The board listed contact information for several directors and pledged additional updates on office operations, the search process and hiring timeline. No timetable for naming an interim leader was provided.
The Chamber serves hundreds of local businesses and plays a central role in countywide networking and economic development.
