UPTOWN — The new executive director of Uptown's chamber of commerce, Susan Swanson, has stepped down after less than a month in office because of what was described as health-related reasons.
Chamber assistant director Sarah Brune said in an emailed statement: "Susan resigned from her position for personal reasons unrelated to our organization or community," adding that the chamber appreciated "the time she spent with us, and we wish her well in her future endeavors."
Alyssa Berman-Cutler, president and CEO of Uptown economic development organization Uptown United said Swanson's resignation was due to health-related reasons. Berman-Cutler's organization is affiliated with the chamber and shares an office with the pro-business organization.
She said Uptown United is working with the chamber to find a new executive director. The search should be completed by October. The chamber's next leader will be its fourth in less than a year.
Berman-Cutler emphasized that August's revolving door of executive directors had nothing to do with any inner turmoil, and that there was no drama behind Swanson's resignation.
The chamber, which promotes Uptown businesses, works to attract new businesses to the area and is part of the effort to bolster Uptown's entertainment district, should be able to cope with the loss in the short term, Berman-Cutler said.
Swanson could not be reached for comment.
The chamber said in a newsletter to residents earlier this month that Swanson came "with over 20 years experience working in the city's business and nonprofit community."
"She has held leadership roles with esteemed organizations such as The Merchandise Mart Properties, Marshall Field's and Arts of Life," the chamber said.
Her predecessor was former executive director Lisa Wagner.
Wagner resigned at the end of July to pursue a master's degree in creative non-fiction writing at Columbia College of Chicago. Wagner, who had been leading the chamber since January, succeeded former director Paula Barrington, who left in December 2012 to run the pro-business Downtown Wheaton Association in west suburban Wheaton.
