Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce Member Services Administrator Laura Gadwa has stepped into the executive director position at the Chamber.

She replaces Stacey Schnebel, an active Columbia Falls businesswoman who resigned to focus more time on her businesses, Stonefly Lounge and UnderCurrent Web. Schnebel became executive director a year ago after serving as president of the Chamber board of directors.

Gadwa, her husband and two daughters have lived in Columbia Falls for three years. Gadwa grew up in Deer Park, Washington, and prior to joining the Chamber staff taught first and second grade in Chanute, Kansas, for four years. After moving to the Flathead Valley she worked at the Child Development Center in Kalispell as a family support specialist for about 18 months before joining the Columbia Falls Chamber as member services administrator.

“I feel honored in becoming the next executive director for the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce,” Gadwa said. “Having seen firsthand the recent growth of not only the Chamber but of our community as well, I am confident in the direction we are headed. Building upon the strong foundation the Chamber currently has will be my focus, yet I will be bringing in new ideas that will add value to our membership.”

Gadwa said her top priority will be reaching out to new and current members “to ensure their satisfaction with their Chamber benefits.” She’ll be proposing new fundraising ideas and member benefits programs, she added.

“Another priority is to have the visitors center open for regular hours during the work week,” she said. Hours will be posted soon on the Chamber’s website, www.columbiafallschamber.org.

Gadwa may be reached at 406-892-2072 or email director@columbiafallschamber.org.