Change is afoot for Tahoe Chamber — after nine years of running South Shore Chamber of Commerce as president and chief executive officer, Betty “B” Gorman’s last day with the organization was June 30. According to a previous Tribune article, Gorman left the chamber “to pursue independent contracting work as an executive coach.” Steve Teshara, a 43-year Tahoe resident, accepted the interim CEO position while the chamber looks for a permanent candidate. He officially began his role Thursday, July 21.

Mike McLaughlin, chamber board chair, said he’s on the search committee for a permanent CEO. Now down to approximately five candidates, the committee is beginning in-person interviews. They are looking for candidates who have experience in the chamber world and meet the organization’s community vision. According to McLaughlin, they should reach a decision in the next 90 days.

The committee previously extended an offer to a candidate from South Dakota, but it did not pan out.

“I think in the end, to move a family of five, it was overwhelming,” McLaughlin said.

Teshara served the community for 25 years as an executive for multiple organizations on both the North and South shores, including Lake Tahoe Gaming Alliance, Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority and Tahoe-Sierra Preservation Council. He was also executive director of North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce for seven years.

“Steve is so intertwined in the political realm. His experience is greatly appreciated,” chamber membership services director Justin Sinner said.

According to Teshara, the change in leadership is not interfering with the chamber’s usual processes; the organization is still focusing on civic engagement in the months leading up to November elections. This includes interviewing council candidates — two seats are open on city council this year, and the filing process opened one week ago. The deadline to apply is Aug. 12. Civic engagement also includes educating the public on current events within the community.

“We’re in a unique situation being a bi-state legislature,” Sinner said. “It’s important to keep the community members informed on what’s going on.”

There will be at least one public forum with council candidates prior to the November ballot, according to Teshara.

For more information on the chamber, visit http://www.tahoechamber.org.