John Boothby announced today that he is resigning as president of the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce, effective on Tuesday. Boothby, who has been Chamber president for more than three years, said he has enjoyed his time in Newton County, but was looking forward to pursuing some new opportunities.

“I’ve been doing economic development and Chamber work for over 27 years in Georgia, and I thought it would be a good time to try some of the things I’ve always wanted to try. Things that I didn’t have the ability to do when I was raising a family,” Boothby said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I felt it was time to strike out and do some of the other things I’ve wanted to do.”

He said he would like to try his hand at consulting, among other things, and is eager to spend more time with his fiancé, who lives in a different community.

The Chamber Board of Directors is having a meeting on Monday to discuss finding an immediate replacement for Boothby. BOD Chairman Joe Stier said a search committee is being formed, which will he headed up by BOD Chairman-Elect Jerry Mays.

Mays said he has just begun forming the committee and didn’t know the final composition, but it will include several executive Chamber board members. The search committee will decide who will be the next Chamber president, Stier said.

Stier said he has enjoyed working with Boothby during the past few years.

“John has been a professional throughout his time here in the community and we appreciate his contributions,” Stier said. “We certainly wish him the best going forward.”

Chamber Economic Development Director Shannon Davis worked with Boothby on a daily basis and said she appreciated everything he taught her.

“I was able to learn a lot from him in his professional life. He introduced me into different arenas that I wouldn’t otherwise have had access to,” she said.

Mayor Kim Carter said she has appreciated Boothby’s service and that the city will miss him.

“Personally, as a long-term Chamber of Commerce member, I know John to be an outstanding gentleman.  In addition, the City appreciates his work as Chamber President and will miss him and his upbeat spirit,” Carter said in an e-mail. “We wish John the very best in his future endeavors and know he will succeed in whatever he chooses to accomplish. Thank you John.”

Boothby said Newton County has a bright future, and he will miss the people he has met over the years.

“I met some great community leaders while I’ve been here, who I’ve enjoyed greatly,” he said. “There are a lot of people I will miss.”