By Anthony Probert | posted on July 26, 2018
THE Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes the appointment of interim CEO Graham Foster will bring a period of stability after the turbulence surrounding its recent decision to part ways with former CEO Mark Forrest after just six weeks in the role.
Mr Foster was CEO with the City of Albany for three years before he left the post late in 2015 and is expected to fill the position at the Chamber for four to six months.
ACCI President Caroline Hayes said Mr Foster would be charged with finding a permanent replacement for the CEO role and to continue some of the projects that were underway at the Chamber.
She said the board shortlisted a group of local candidates for the interim position and then made an approach to Mr Foster.
“The board is excited and we welcome Graham’s input,” she said.
“With his expertise and history, the board looks forward to working closely with him.”
Mr Foster will take the helm on Monday, relieving Ms Hayes of the position she has filled since the departure of former CEO Russ Clark, except for the six weeks of Mr Forrest’s brief tenure.
Mr Foster said he hoped to bring a “bit of consolidation” to the Chamber and was confident of finding a permanent CEO.
“I won’t be riding in there on a white horse and shooting from the hip,” he quipped.
“Hopefully I can be the catalyst to settle things down and bring things back to basics.”
Mr Foster was optimistic the CEO role would be filled locally, but said the Chamber may have to look further afield.
“There’s certainly people in Albany who could undertake the role,” he said.
“If we can convince them that taking the role is a good move professionally, then that will be good for the Chamber.
“That’s not to say we won’t cast the net a bit further.”
Ms Hayes declined to comment specifically on the decision to part ways with Mr Forrest citing legal reasons, but said she was satisfied with the lengthy recruitment process that was undertaken prior to his appointment.
