SIKESTON - The recently merged Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce and Area Economic Development Corporation is in search of a new director.
Barry Sellers, who was hired in late June as the new chief executive officer/ executive director, has resigned.
According to Larry Eby, president of the SRCC, the executive committee of the SRCC and Economic Development met with Sellers Thursday.
"As we discussed with him what goals we had, we determined our goals were not aligned," Eby said. "We determined we should sever our relationship."
The decision was mutual, Eby said, adding Sellers has health problems. He said Sellers has decided to move back home to Arkansas, where he can recover.
Sellers, whose last day was Thursday, recently was linked with a voter fraud investigation in Jonesboro, Ark.
According to a story in The Jonesboro Sun, a contested ballot item in Greene County, Ark., to decide whether a business can continue to sell alcohol has led to a number of new voter registrations, including voters registering at an address that has no physical address. One of those listed was Sellers.
Sellers, who was working as a consultant for the business, said in an earlier statement he had consulted with the Arkansas Secretary of State's office about moving his voter registration to the area. In the statement, Sellers said he "did not do anything ethically, morally or legally wrong," and called the issue a "misunderstanding."
Eby said the decision to end their relationship had nothing to do with the investigation in Arkansas.
The Chamber President emphasized the Chamber Board is pleased with the new design of Chamber and Economic Development.
"I think we are excited about the steps we have made," Eby continued. "The progress has been positive. We are going to continue to go forward and look for new leadership to continue to make great things happen."
Kathy Medley, who has worked on economic development for Sikeston for several years, along with the executive committee, will operate the office.
The Chamber will immediately begin seeking a replacement for Sellers. Eby said they would announce the opening in trade resources as well as publish it on websites. Also they will look at previous applicants, whom he described as well qualified.
Eby expects the process of finding a new chief executive officer/ executive director, to take some 60 to 90 days.
"We think we are ahead of the curve," said Eby. "We don't think we will miss a beat."