Russian River chamber executive out after 3 weeks

After just three weeks, the newly hired executive director of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce has parted ways with the chamber.

Wayne Mitchell, 45, of Santa Rosa, acknowledged Thursday that he has left the chamber, where he had taken over as executive director on May 15.

Mitchell said it was a mutual decision.

"I have best wishes for the chamber," Mitchell said. "I love the business community, it is a great community. I love the river."

Margaret Kennett, chamber president, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Kennett has been acting as the executive director for the past five years with help from the chamber's office manager and other chamber officials.

The chamber was thrown into turmoil five years ago when the then-executive director committed suicide after being accused of embezzlement.

The chamber had two interim executive directors for short periods before Kennett took over day-to-day operations.

The chamber has 250 members and a $163,000 annual budget.