The search for a new executive director for the Ballard Chamber of Commerce has ended, with a choice right underneath our noses.

The Board of Directors chose Mike Stewart, who took the reins of the Chamber after long-time Director Beth Miller unexpectedly resigned after 12 years in the position. Originally, on Oct. 15, Stewart came on only in a part-time, interim capacity and there was no reason to believe that he would stay on in the position.

But Stewart will in fact be staying on, starting full-time on Jan. 14, and he brings with him a bevy of communications experience.

“As a seasoned communications professional, Mike has a strong background in public and community affairs, marketing, community organizing and coalition building,” said Greg Swanson, co-president of the Board of Directors and chair of the executive director search committee. “We initially hired Mike to serve in an interim capacity, but it didn’t take long to realize that he has the right skills, background and drive to lead the Chamber on a permanent basis.”

Stewart’s experience includes communications work for AT&T, Cingular, Terabeam, Vulcan, Sprint, Boeing, the Indian Health Board, the Experience Music Project and more. He has also served as an aide to a Washington member of Congress and as a campaign manager for a successful mayoral candidate of Tacoma.

“I am honored to have been selected the next Executive Director of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce,” said Stewart. “Recognizing the growth and change that is underway in Ballard –- coupled with the potential for increased internal efficiencies and improved delivery of member services -– I am extremely excited to reposition the organization, help it better serve its members and, ultimately, become a more valuable resource for the greater Ballard community.”

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