Executive Director Imelda Dulcich announced publicly Feb. 11 that she is resigning from the chamber to focus more on the clients of her public relations firm.

“I am privileged to have worked with so many wonderful members of the community in my work as executive director,” she said in a news release. “My joy has been working with the chamber board to help our members succeed by providing opportunities to build connections, increase visibility and learn through our educational events.”

Hired in 2012, Dulcich served in a part-time consultant role as the chief administrator and executive officer of the chamber. In her position, she implemented the policies of the board of directors, administered the approved budget and acted as the chamber spokeswoman.

Dulcich played a key role in raising the visibility of Newcastle businesses through social media promotion. She also spearheaded the welcomed transformation of the Newcastle Diamond Awards into a glitzy evening affair.

During her time with the chamber, Dulcich offered valuable training opportunities for members, and made the monthly luncheons a not-to-miss event with heralded guest speakers such as U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, sports radio personality Bill Swartz, King County Sheriff John Urquhart and Q13 Fox News’ David Rose.

After announcing her decision at the Feb. 11 chamber luncheon, Dulcich received a standing ovation from the attendees.

The chamber board accepted her resignation with regret, according to the news release.

“Imelda’s unique brand of social media talents and personal touch strengthened and deepened the chamber’s role within the region,” past chamber President Peter Zevenbergen said. “Imelda leverages her insight and wisdom to make profound impacts on all her work. She will be missed.”

The board started laying out a plan to find Dulcich’s replacement at its annual retreat Feb. 12.

Sara Biancofiori, current chamber president, added that Dulcich has agreed to work with the board to provide continuity and easy transfer of work for the new executive director.

“There are many exciting things happening in 2015 for our chamber. While I’m sad to see Imelda go, I know that together with our board, we will continue to build on our successes,” Biancofiori said. “Because of Imelda, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has seen tremendous growth of our visibility in the region, and we will continue that trend into the future.”

Chamber board welcomes new members

The chamber added three new members to its board in February.

Local photographer Jackie Steinke and Newcastle Library staff members Vicki Heck and Donna Day join Biancofiori (Coal Creek Family YMCA), Zevenbergen (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation), Nick Sooy (Farmers Insurance), Mary VonRanker (CedarMist Healing Arts), Hayley Stowe (Regency Newcastle), David Uchida (The Golf Club at Newcastle), Travis Monen (HomeStreet Bank) and Karin Blakely (Waddell & Reed) on the board.