Maddy McElrea was named the new executive director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, filling the role vacated by Shanon Davis.

“I am very grateful and excited to be stepping into the role as executive director to the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to developing new relationships with our members, the city, and our wonderful community,” McElrea said in a press release from the chamber.

McElrea has worked as a member of the chamber since November 2021, when she took over the “Holding our Own” shop local program, according to the release. In January 2022, she became the part-time bookkeeper for the chamber.

Before joining the chamber, McElrea spent 10 years working in tourism and started a grant writing company in 2021, according to the release.

In the release, McElrea said she is committed to ongoing projects like the Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Project, as well as the chamber’s charity side, Vision Soldotna, which runs the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series. She said she is excited to be in a contributing position during what she describes as “a time of growth for Soldotna with new leadership in the chamber and city.”

“I know firsthand that Shanon Davis has done an incredible job leading the chamber through many projects. As the new Executive Director, I will dedicate myself to see her visions through, bring my own thoughts and ideas, and support collaboration with our team, Board, and community,” McElrea said.

The announcement came less than a week after Thursday’s announcement that Davis would leave the chamber for a marketing role at Central Peninsula Hospital. Davis will remain with the chamber until Feb. 22 to facilitate a smooth transition.

For more information about the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, visit visitsoldotna.com or facebook.com/soldotnachamberofcommerce.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.