After 21 months on the job, Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cathryn Borer is moving on.
Borer, who took the reins of the chamber from Wilson Beck in March 2022, told The Dispatch she will be leaving Jan. 1 for her new role as the director of alumni relations and donor engagement at the Mississippi University for Women.
“I did not seek out the job,” Borer said. “I’m on the MUW naming committee, and after a meeting this fall, someone from campus approached me and asked me if I was interested. … They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Since becoming director in 2022, Borer has recruited 113 new members to the chamber, restarted its Columbus Young Professionals organization, brought in $30,000 in additional dues and maintained an 87% retention rate in its members, according to a press release issued Friday announcing her departure.
Of her time with the chamber, Borer said she most enjoyed working with her staff to improve chamber participation with businesses and heading up several committees such as Lowndes Young Leaders, the Military Affairs Committee and the Chamber Ambassadors.
“Leaving the chamber director role is bittersweet because I am incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of this community,” she said. “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and its members.”
CLCC is a branch of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. Meryl Fisackerly, LINK COO, said Katie Fenstermacher, the chamber director of programs and events, will be named interim director until Borer’s successor is chosen next year.
“Given the timing of this and holidays upon us, I don’t expect much to happen (on hiring a replacement) until after the first of the year,” Fisackerly said.
Chamber Advisory Board President Ashleigh Guyton said while she is sad Borer is leaving, she is happy to see her take on a new role at MUW.
“Cathryn has been such an asset to the chamber,” Guyton said. “We are sad to see her go, but we know that she has a great opportunity, and no one can fault her for taking the time to advance her career. So we’re happy for her.”
Guyton also said the board will be involved in finding a replacement and is already looking at what the job will entail in the future.
“We are currently meeting as a board and as a chamber and planning our next steps out,” Guyton said. “We’re ironing out some details about just what that will look like and some changes that we’re looking forward to that will benefit everybody.”
Borer said that her new role will include organizing alumni events for different chapter organizations, leading several committees, planning MUW Homecoming and increasing donor recruitment for the college.
“This change is hard for me,” Borer said. “My staff has been so supportive to me here, but I am really excited for my new job as well.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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