'Nothing nefarious': Dan Rogers let go as Kelowna Chamber of Commerce CEO

The newly let-go CEO of the 1,000-member Kelowna Chamber of Commerce said it was "nothing nefarious" that led to him being severed from the chamber.

"It was nothing nefarious, just a difference in visions," Dan Rogers told KelownaNow.

"There's a new chair (of the chamber board of directors, Maryse Harvey) and transitions happen. Obviously, because of the circumstances, I can't speak about it. I'm sure I'll be fine. I'll be around."

Rogers said he was advised earlier this week to depart.

It took until today for the news of his dismissal to be picked up by media.

KelownaNow wanted to speak with Maryse Harvey of MH2 Advisory Service, who became chair of the chamber of March.

Instead, we received a short email from Harvey, which read: "Thanks for reaching out. At this time, I can confirm that Dan Rogers is no longer with the chamber and that Colleen Clark is now acting CEO. Kind regards."

In June 2017, Rogers joined the Kelowna chamber in the organization's top staff job -- executive director.

In January 2023, he was promoted to chief executive officer (CEO), a new title within the Kelowna chamber.

At the time, in the news release announcing the promotion, the chamber praised Rogers.

"His move into the position of CEO comes after demonstrating his strong leadership over his tenure guiding the organization successfully through the challenges faced because of the pandemic," read part of the news release.

In the same release, Pamela Pearson, the board chair at the time, was quoted as saying: "The change in title recognizes that we are in growth mode and the board has acknowledged Dan's skills as a collaborative leader in the chamber network. We are delighted to have Dan guiding our operations."

Colleen Clark, who has been the chamber's director of operations since July 2023, has become acting CEO.

She is a former CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and a former president of BC Chamber Executives.

The Kelowna chamber's website has already been updated with no trace of Rogers and Clark listed as acting CEO.

Rogers started his work life at CKPG-TV in Prince George in 1983 and through 1996 was a news reporter, anchor and producer.

In 1993, he was elected to Prince George city council and would continue as a councillor until 2005.

In 2008, he as elected mayor of Prince George and served one term before going on to work several marketing and communications jobs for the Prince George Spruce Kings Junior Hockey Club, ICBC, Concept Design and as an independent communications consultant.

In 2014, he moved to the Okanagan with his family to become general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, a job he held until starting with the Kelowna chamber in 2017.