Champaign County chamber director to resign in February

Sandi Arnold has served as executive director since 2012.

The executive director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce announced her resignation on Monday, and board members hope to find a replacement next month.

Sandi Arnold, who has served as executive director since 2012, will resign effective Feb. 3, local officials said this week. Board members credited Arnold with developing several programs to connect business leaders in Champaign County, including Champaign County Young Professionals and a Lunch and Learn educational series.

Arnold could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Board members said in a press release she is resigning to move to Mansfield and spend more time with her family. Board members plan to name a replacement in January, and will begin advertising the position as early as next week.

“It was a surprise but it was something Sandi had given lots of thought,” Waldsmith said. “We respect Sandi’s desire to spend more time with her husband and immediate family.”

Board members are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic about the chamber’s mission to promote and assist local businesses, Waldsmith said.

Arnold said in a press release she was able to work with the staff and board members to improve the chamber’s financial position, strengthen existing programs like Leadership Champaign County and create new programs like Champaign County Young Professionals during her tenure.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to serve the chamber board, community members and to represent Champaign County,” Arnold said.

Waldsmith said board members were pleased with Arnold’s accomplishments during her tenure.

“Sandi has been a really good ambassador for the chamber and making connections in the community,” Waldsmith said. “She does a good job of welcoming people and we’ll miss her.”

Prior to serving with the chamber had served in a variety of roles, including a department manager with the retail store Lazarus. She also served as a controller at the Mansfield News-Journal newspaper, playing a key role in developing a culture of customer service and tightening financial controls at the company. She is a graduate of Graham High School in Champaign County.


The Springfield News-Sun is committed to providing unmatched coverage of jobs and the economy in Clark and Champaign Counties. For this story, the paper spoke to local business leaders about the future of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

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