By Kim McDarison
Shauna Wessely has been named by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce as its next executive director.
Wessely replaces former Executive Director Carrie Chisholm who announced she would be leaving the organization in May.
According to information released by the chamber, Wessely and her family have lived in Fort Atkinson for more than 14 years.
Within its announcement, the chamber described Wessely as active in the community, writing: “Shauna brings forward a commitment of economic growth and community development, as well as contagious enthusiasm for creative and profitable programming.”
Additionally, she is a former educator and nonprofit founder, the information stated.
“Shauna values and exemplifies collaborative leadership and has a passion for diversity,” the announcement stated, adding that she is fluent in speaking Spanish.
According to her linkedin.com profile, Wessely is a graduate of UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in mass media communication.
Within her profile, she wrote that she has worked for nearly 15 years as a high school teacher, forensics, and instructional coach, serving within the School District of Milton.
She further noted that she began a nonprofit organization to support “those battling eating disorders.” The organization, called “Project Maria,” was begun in Rock County in 2016.
She has also served as a longterm substitute teacher at Westosha Central High School where she planned lessons for students taking Spanish 1 and 2 classes, among other duties, according to her profile.
After serving as executive director for eight years, Chisholm departed from her position at the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce, noting in her retirement letter that she wanted to spend more time with her family.
Wessely is not the only new face at the chamber.
Earlier this year, Chamber Associate Director Anna Jensen left her position to assume the helm at the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce where she is serving as its executive director, and former Tourism Manger Katie Carey left to fill a new role with the Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Stepping in to fill those openings are new staff members Holly Tierney, who is the chamber’s new tourism manager, and Dana Butson, who has joined in the newly created position of projects/membership manager. Tierney and Butson both joined the chamber in August.
An earlier story about the staff additions of Tierney and Butson is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/new-staff-members-tierney-butson-join-fort-chamber/.
Shauna Wessely, contributed photo.
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