Aleeta Merred resigns

QUINCY - Aleeta Merred, executive director of the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce, resigned her position recently after more than two years working for the organization.

On Friday, Merred said she's stepping down so she can stay home with her three children, ages 7, 13 and 15 and be more of a hands-on mom.

Her position at the chamber requires evening work and events to attend, she said.

So her schedule is very busy juggling job commitments and children's activities, Merred said.

She also mentioned her husband Mehdi Merred is CEO of Quincy Valley Hospital.

"When you're spreading yourself too thin, no one gets the best of you," she said. "My focus is on my kids."

Aleeta said she will remain on the job as long as it takes to find the right person to fill the position.

She said she was "so grateful to have the opportunity to fall in love with Quincy and the opportunity to meet great people."

"It's been hard," she said. "My heart takes a picture of all the memories I've had."

Aleeta said the chamber created a good foundation. The new director will take the organization to another level, she added.

The board and area businesses have been very supportive of her decision, she said.

Aleeta also spoke of the many blessings and opportunities she had to make a difference in peoples' lives.

"Those paychecks of the heart, you can't put a price tag on," she said.

To apply for the executive director position, contact the chamber at 509-787-2140.