By Jodi Hausen,Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – The executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has resigned her position, board members confirmed this week.

In a one-paragraph letter dated April 5, Deborah Flight tendered her resignation effective May 27, saying only, “It has been a privilege to serve the chamber” since 1996.

Flight, described by board members as a private person, declined Tuesday to talk about her resignation, saying she did not want a story in the newspaper.

According to Tom Sawyer, chairman of the chamber board, Flight was instrumental last fall in lobbying the board to make her job full-time which, in turn, became the reason for her resignation.

Flight never wanted a full-time job, Sawyer said. Both Sawyer and board member Scott Landry said Flight enjoys outdoor activities and wanted to spend more time with her family.

“She’s really for the members,” Sawyer said. “She really feels there needs to be someone there full-time.”

Landry agreed. “She’s always thinking of the chamber. She was a unifying force,” he said.

Board member Jan Hannaford said Flight was a professional and an asset to the business community.

“During her tenure, the chamber has enjoyed much growth,” Hannaford said.

Flight oversaw two expansions of the chamber, from the Farmington Chamber of Commerce to the merging of the Farmington and Wilton chambers, to its current configuration representing all of Franklin County.

She also assisted with the advent of Chamber Bucks – gift certificates that can be redeemed at participating businesses. The program is designed to keep people shopping locally, Landry said.

Flight also moved the chamber office from Main Street to its current location in the Old Red Schoolhouse on Wilton Road. She will also help with the chamber’s move to its new offices in the former Nichols Welding facility up the road from the schoolhouse in May.

Sawyer said they hope to hire Flight’s replacement by then so she will be able to help the new director get oriented and settled.