Spangler taking helm of White County Chamber as Charles departs

CLEVELAND - A familiar face will be returning to the White County Chamber of Commerce as it begins the search for a new president.

Today, Oct. 16, is Chamber President Melissa Charles' last day with the chamber and, consequently, Interim President Russ Spangler's first day.

Tuesday afternoon, Charles talked a little bit about her plans.

"I'm going to be going down to Gainesville to take a job writing proposals for a pharmacy benefits management company, and I'm very excited about it," Charles said. "It's going to be hard to leave everybody here in White County. They've been so good, and things are picking up here in White County. I hope it will continue to do so."

Charles has been with the chamber for about 18 months.

Spangler, who was interim president when Charles was hired, is excited to be returning.

He said he was surprised to read of Charles' pending departure on the chamber website.

"Actually I was kind of hoping I would get a call," Spangler said. "I didn't know if I'd get the job or not, but I was kind of hoping. It's nice to be wanted once you pass a certain age."

Spangler praised Charles.

"We're going to miss Melissa," he said. "She was a great candidate when we were looking. She was a great hire. She's done a good job and, like everybody who does a good job, is going to be missed."

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/10/266789