Chamber executive director Linda Washburn stepping down after 18 years on job

Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director  Linda Washburn will be leaving the position at the end of May.

Washburn, who has served as the chamber’s executive director for 18 years, said Monday she’s accepted a new position at Loess Hills Funeral Home.

“Linda has served the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce for 18 years and she will be greatly missed for her steadfast service to the chamber and Glenwood community, along with the businesses and surrounding communities within Mills County,” Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Jeni Kirsch stated in a letter to chamber members.

Kirsch said Washburn’s last day on the job will be May 31, allowing the chamber’s board of directors adequate time to select a new executive director.

Washburn, who will be a pre-planning consultant / aftercare specialist for Loess Hills Funeral Home, said the decision to change careers came after considerable thought.

“I’ve been thinking about it for quite awhile, but I wanted to see the first Mills County Leadership class through,” she said. “Now, I have a great opportunity to go work for Scott (Erickson) and Loess Hills Funeral Home. They are good people.”

Prior to becoming the chamber’s executive director, Washburn worked for the Glenwood Community School District where she  developed the Building Bridges early childhood program.