A familiar face to those who have had interactions with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce will fill in as president and CEO until the position is filled on a permanent basis.

On Monday, Sept . 28, the chamber announced Michelle Conway will f ill that interim role until a replacement for outgoing president and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff is found.

Conway, who has served as the chamber’s director of marketing since 2009, will take over the position on Monday, Oct. 12. Wesselhoff ’s last day is Friday, Oct. 9.

“Michelle’s deep expe­rience with the business community and her critical role in developing sustainable marketing strat­egies for Sedona will keep the chamber moving forward at this critical time,” Chamber Board Chairman Lonnie Lillie said in a press release. “Her work with the Sedona Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force and in preparing the Fiscal Year 2021 Destination Recovery Plan for the City Council have demon­strated the leadership skills we need to continue our economic recovery.”

In an interview with the Sedona Red Rock News, Lillie said there is no set time frame as to when they plan to have Wesselhoff’s replacement in place but he’s hoping by the winter holidays. By having Conway in place, he said it will help with continuity when it comes to interactions with the city of Sedona or other local and state entities.

In terms of the search, Lillie said it’s going well.

A search committee, with the assistance of an outside agency, should present the board with eight to 10 candidates. From there, they will narrow it down to three before making a final decision.

“I appreciate the board’s confi­dence and I am looking forward to working with all our partners to continue moving forward,” Conway said in the release. “We have an excellent foundation in place thanks to Jennifer’s leader­ship and the commitment of our board, chamber staff, city leaders and chamber partners. They have all responded to the crisis with incredible energy, creativity and optimism.

“Challenges remain, but we will see better times ahead. I am privileged to be part of this amazing team.”

As director of marketing, Conway’s role has involved strategic planning, content and creative development, branding and vision leadership. In addi­tion, she serves on the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Economic Development Council’s Tourism Committee, completing a term as chairwoman in 2019.

Wesselhoff, who has been with the chamber for nearly 20 years — 13 as president and CEO, announced in early August that she will take over the helm of the chamber in Park City, Utah, in October.

“I was excited,” Wesselhoff said after making the announce­ment that she was leaving. “To go after something you want and you get it is a very rewarding feeling. Knowing that I was their top candidate made me feel really good about the work we’ve done here to position me to take over such a great organization there.”

Along with excitement, Wesselhoff said her emotions have run the gamut, especially after it set in that she’d be leaving. But leaving wasn’t something she had in mind until the position became open and she began receiving interest.

“I’ve always admired Park City and the work they’ve done,” she said. “Bill Malone, the retiring CEO there, and I have been friends for a very long time. Our organizations are really similar. We’d talk to each other a lot. When I was contacted by the recruiter I sent them my resume and just thought I’d explore the opportunity just because I didn’t want to regret it or miss out on an opportunity. I was afraid that if I didn’t go after it now, that I may never have the chance.”