Kessler

ZELIENOPLE — Meg Kessler, Zelienople-Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, resigned Monday citing irreconcilable differences between her and several members of the chamber board of directors.

Kessler had served the executive director since November 2009, replacing former longtime executive director Marnie Repasky, who had led the chamber for the 17 years.

Kessler said Monday the chamber's board of directors required her to sign a nondisclosure agreement that restricts her talking about specific details of her departure.

“Some of the 2011 board of directors do not want or like change. I brought change. Those same board members really want a secretary, not an executive director,” said Kessler. “The reason they hired an executive director is to have a chamber that is professional.

“The job was my dream. This was not an easy decision because I love helping members and nonmembers grow their business,” she said.

“I obviously added value because in 2010, a 29 percent growth in a chamber is significant. So, I leave with a sense of accomplishment.”

“Her leaving is a huge loss to the chamber,”said Adam Dilts, a chamber director. “She was extremely integral to its operation. I hope we are able to manage without her.”

Dilts said Kessler's departure was a result of a segment of the board that wanted to protect their interests.

Those same interests resisted the changes, resisted looking at forming partnerships with other civic and business-related groups and questioned some of the chamber's new member businesses, Dilts said.

Chamber board President Mary Anne Kristophel could not be reached for comment Monday.

Kessler previously was the ridesharing coordinator for CommuteInfo, a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, before taking the chamber post.

She also was vice president of sales for The Web Spinner, a website development company.

Kessler worked at several wireless industry-based companies and had chamber of commerce experience in North Carolina.