| Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau President and CEO, Candace Carr Strauss has announced her resignation via a letter sent out to officials and constituents Wednesday, March 9. The letter is in its entirety can be read below: Dear Sedona Chamber partner businesses and nonprofits, It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that I have resigned as President & CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau as of today, and I will be returning to Montana to be with those I hold most dear, my husband and my son. This coming Friday’s Verde Valley Leadership Class LX is focused on community leadership of our elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and individuals who are willing to stand up for what they believe in to make a difference in their communities. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to serve alongside so many of them throughout the Verde Valley during my time in this role. Further, it has truly been an honor to serve you – our member businesses and nonprofits – with the organization’s passionate and dedicated Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers over this past year. I am in awe of the hundreds of women I have met, many of whom joined me at the March 8 sold out Inaugural Sedona Chamber International Women’s Day Leadership Awards Luncheon. Their love of greater Sedona exemplified by the giving of their time, treasure, and talent is inspiring. Thanks to all of you for being a part of the community that represents the voice of business. For those of you who cared for me personally, know that I am forever grateful for your friendship, and I will cherish the time we had together here in Sedona. If you wish to stay in touch, I can be reached at candaceinbigsky@gmail.com | 406.640.1331. Should you find yourself in the #LastBestPlace that is Montana, be sure to reach out so that I can repay your hospitality and personify that of our community’s namesake, Sedona Arabella Schnebly. With warmest regards, Candace Carr Strauss |
Director of Marketing Michelle Conway has been named Interim President/CEO Of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau following the resignation of Strauss.
According to the chamber, the Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Strauss. She expressed a desire to return to her family who live in Montana.
Strauss was appointed President/CEO of the SCC&TB in December of 2020 and took office in January 2021. Prior to coming to Sedona, she led the Big Sky Chamber & Visit Big Sky in Big Sky, Mont.
The board appointed Director of Marketing Michelle Conway as interim director, effective Wednesday, March 9.
Conway has served as the SCC&TB Director of Marketing since joining the organization in 2009 with a background in marketing, branding, advertising and public relations. According to a statement from the board, Conway has played a role in the chamber’s COVID-19 response and visitor education, including the “Safe|Clean|Ready” COVID business program and the “Sedona Care Pledge” for travelers planning to visit Sedona. She has managed many of the organization’s more recent visitor mitigation programs including Leave No Trace and the Sedona Cares Pledge. She is regularly engaged in strategic planning, budget development, branding and vision leadership. She is responsible for positioning Sedona as a premier destination with a focus on environmental, economic and lifestyle sustainability.
Conway has often represented the chamber before the City Council and serves on various boards and committees around the community. Her knowledge of Sedona, the issues, and our partnership with the city means the chamber will continue moving forward with policies promoting a sustainable economy, quality of life, environment and visitor experience, the board stated in a press release.
Following the departure of former President/CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff for a similar position in Park City, Utah, Conway served as interim president/CEO from October 2020 to January 2021.
“Michelle is a leader in destination marketing and the chamber’s ongoing drive for sustainability and community balance,” Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Al Comello said. “She is experienced in managing member relations, understands the importance of our partnerships with multiple agencies and governments, and has been critical to the community and visitor engagement driving our comprehensive sustainability program forward.”
The board will announce a process or timeline for naming a permanent president/CEO in the near future.
