After eight years at the helm of the Murphy Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Juli Richards said she was stepping down, effective Friday, Feb. 28.

“From the very beginning, my goal was simple: to build roots in this community, help it flourish, and support each of you in achieving your dreams,” Richards said in a letter to chamber members. “Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of learning from so many of you, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship and small business here in Murphy and our surrounding areas.”

Richards said she had seen businesses thrive, new ideas take shape and a community come together in support of one another.

“I have also gained friendships that I will carry with me into this next chapter of my journey,” she said. “While it is time for me to move on, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve built together and great optimism for the future of the Chamber and each of your businesses.”

Luke Trahan, chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said Murphy had truly been blessed since October 2017 when Richards joined the chamber from the American Cancer Society.

“She has been instrumental in organizing the Chamber, developing written plans for various Chamber activities, revamped job descriptions for directors and committee chairs and grew our reach through events like Spring Fever,” Trahan said.  “While we all know that change is never an easy task, I for one know that Juli is leaving us in a stronger position than when she arrived, and we are in a position to be successful as we enter this transition period. The Board and I are discussing our full transition plan with Juli and including her on the process as we identify the best way forward.”

Richards said she had no immediate plans other than to spend more time with her family.

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