By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
CROSSVILLE – The Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce voted Friday, May 17 to hire David Rutherford to the position of interim president and CEO. Rutherford agreed to accept the position for a period not to exceed six months. The vote was conducted in a special called meeting of the board of directors via conference call.
Rutherford was one of the community leaders that drove the Horizon Initiative, a visioning effort that worked to establish a comprehensive strategy to improve growth and develop opportunities for the citizens of Cumberland County, and his employment agreement calls for him to work with the chamber board, city and county mayors to revitalize the “Horizon Initiative” opportunities.
“I worked with David previously when he was city manager of Crossville and we worked together on many levels especially during the time when we started the community visioning process now called the Horizon Initiative,” said Ashley DeRossett, chamber vice president. “We look forward to having him back to work on more items in the Horizon document and other issues that will continue to move Crossville forward.”
The next six months will be busy for Rutherford as he works with the chamber board to recruit a full-time president and CEO. One of his first responsibilities will be assisting in the establishment of a broad steering committee to do the recruitment and interview process.
Rutherford’s other responsibilities will include continuing efforts to work with the city and county on economic recruitment, expanding the “Adopt a School” program, follow-ups on recommendations of the Younger Report and assisting in the general chamber operations and strategic planning.
The position of president and CEO was vacant after the board of directors voted on May 13 not to renew its contract with Brad Allamong which was set to expire on June 30.
Following the vote, Allamong submitted resignation of his position effective May 13, 2019. Allamong has indicated that he plans to remain in Crossville only briefly but will be available for consultation on pending matters.
Allamong came to the chamber in July 2013.
