Following the sudden death of Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair Paul Walkey, the board of the chamber met on July 2 to determine the group's leadership structure.
Stepping up to take Walkey's place is Oura Giakoumakis, part-owner of Thalassa Restaurant at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club.
A chamber news release said Giakoumakis comes with a depth of experience at the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce and has agreed to act as "interim" chair until the group's annual general meeting in November.
"I would like to thank the Board of the Chamber of Commerce for allowing me the privilege to be part of such an amazing organization and take the Interim Chair's position," Giakoumakis said in the release.
"While as first vice chair, I thought I had a little more time to learn, I look forward to the challenges that lay ahead and working with the Town of Qualicum Beach and the other organizations within."
At the same July 2 board meeting, the chamber's new executive was also determined. Jim Lynch of NR Insurance assumes the first vice-chair's position and Michelle Genereux of Verico Compass Mortgage Group steps in as second vice-chair. Rusty Joerin of Woodsgift Enterprises will continue to serve as the chamber's treasurer.
— NEWS Staff/QB Chamber of Commerce news release