DAVIS COUNTY — Come Sept. 1 the Davis County Chamber of Commerce will see a new face at its helm. John Pitt, President/CEO since January 2007, has announced his resignation.

“I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this for a while,” said Pitt. “I’ve loved the chamber job. But over the past few months there has been enough divergence between my line of thinking and the board’s that I decided it is time to move on.”

Pitt is a longtime Davis County resident, having cut his teeth in the business world as a young man helping with his family’s retail shop on Main Street in Bountiful. He received a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Utah and took an internship in Washington, D.C., that turned into a seven-year position with the Senate as a video director and producer.

“Most of my jobs have centered around the communication realm, so that is the type of work I’ll be looking for,” said Pitt of his future plans. “I love Davis County, and I want to stay involved here.”

Pitt’s decision came as a surprise to fellow chamber members. “I’ve worked with John for many years,” said attorney and chamber member Todd Weiler. “I’m disappointed because I like him a lot, and he’s a talented, dynamic person. This was a big shock to me. This is a loss to the chamber. I wish him the best.”

Chris Dallin, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital — and Pitt’s predecessor at the chamber helm — will also miss Pitt’s leadership. “It’s a job that takes time and commitment,” he said. “John is a wonderful man and does a lot of great things in the community. Whatever he decides to do he will do well. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Pitt said the economy has made it tough for the chamber to keep up membership. “Our numbers have been down, but for the most part we’ve been very successful,” he said. “Recently there have just been some differences in direction (with the board) that have surfaced numerous times.”

Chamber chair-elect, Shelly Nettesheim will head the search committee for Pitt’s replacement. “John is a great guy, and we appreciate his contributions and the things he has put in place,” she said. “I look forward to continuing our relationship. We want to move on it (replacement) as quickly as we can. We plan to go through an interview process with everyone. I’m not aware of any problems between the board and John; we’ve had a good relationship.”

Pitt said when he took the position he didn’t really have a transition period, so he intends to offer his help to his successor. “Once the selection is made, I want it to be a good transition. It’s a tough job,” he said. “I see the chamber as a great and valuable asset to the county. I imagine my continued involvement. I will miss it (the job) a lot. But I think this move is for the best.”

bginos@davisclipper.com