Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD — Janet Kelle said she has thoroughly enjoyed her time working with the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, but is looking to go back to her true calling, human resources.
Kelle, who for the last two-and-a-half years has been the chamber’s executive director, will step down from the position April 8. She has accepted a job with Employee Benefits Design, Inc. of Fort Fairfield.
“They do employee benefits for companies … health insurance, life insurance and dental,” she said. “They’re a third-party administrator, so they handle and process claims and answer questions.
“My education and training has been in human resources. I was in HR for 18 years before taking the chamber job and was looking to get back into that arena,” said Kelle. “I had worked at McCain’s, The Aroostook Medical Center and Professional Home Nursing. The bulk of those 18 years was in administering benefits, and when this opening came up, I put in for it. Human resources has always been my first love.”
As the chamber’s executive director, Kelle has been a part of three Agri-Business Trade Fairs, two Maine Potato Blossom Festivals, several ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and countless other municipal events.
“It’s been a lot of fun working with the chamber,” she said. “I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great people, I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends and have really come to love Fort Fairfield. My husband, Mike, and I live in Mapleton, but we’re looking to move to Fort Fairfield.
“The chamber board has been extremely supportive, as has the town,” said Kelle. “Town Manager Dan Foster and the town council really support the chamber and the efforts that we do. They not only help financially, but also volunteer their time and energy which makes a big difference. Fort’s a great town … it really is.”
Chamber directors are currently reviewing the executive director position to determine how it can best meet their needs. It is expected they will advertise the job in the near future.
Kelle begins her new career with Employee Benefits Design, Inc. April 19.
