Nearly a decade ago, Pam Houser left a business she owned because she believed she could make a difference in her community.

Now, the longtime CEO of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce is doing it again.

Heritage Health announced Tuesday that the organization has hired Houser to fill the role of development director.

Houser told The Press that while it won’t be easy leaving the Post Falls Chamber, she’s ready.

“I’ve poured my heart and soul into that for 10 years, and I feel confident that it’s in a much better place than it was when I got here,” Houser said.

She spoke highly of the chamber staff she’s leaving behind.

“I’ve learned so much by being there, and I’ve met so many amazing people,” Houser said.

The Heritage Health announcement of Houser’s hire said her experience in the community and ability to build strong relationships with businesses will help raise the profile of Heritage’s annual events and will be a boon as the organization moves forward with expansion plans in Kootenai and Shoshone counties.

“Pam Houser’s passion and leadership with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce over the past 10 years has been incredible. It is truly an honor to welcome her to the Heritage Health family,” said Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health, in a press release.

Houser said she is looking forward to working with Baker, and for an organization with a mission she feels passionate about. She said she believes in the work Heritage Health does as a community health center and clinic.

It will be good for the Post Falls Chamber to have a new leader, she said.

“I’m really excited and I think it is an exiting time for both organizations,” Houser said.

She is expected to start in her new position at the end of July.

Tiffany Morrett, who has served as the development director for Heritage Health since 2014, will assume the newly created position of advocacy director. Morrett will be working with community leaders and resources to create awareness about and help find solutions to health issues affecting Idaho.

“It is a critical time for our community as we look at the changing healthcare landscape and shifting Tiffany Morrett into her new community advocacy role is important for not only our organization, but North Idaho in general. Heritage Health is fully committed to working with the Legislature and our community partners to develop innovative coverage options for everyone in Idaho, especially our neighbors and friends living in the gap population,” Baker said.