The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce switched to a volunteer-run model this month.

“We are trying to be as efficient as possible while still maintaining our current level of programming,” Chamber Board President Laura Akerley said Monday. “We have the typical challenges of any nonprofit, including a lean budget.”

Akerley declined to comment on the Chamber of Commerce’s current budget, but according to public tax filings for 2017 – the most recent year available – about half of the Chamber’s $120,000 in expenses were related to staffing pay and benefits.

Previously, the Chamber of Commerce has operated with two paid employees. Former Executive Director Sean Ryan resigned in April, and his position has not been filled. A part-time member and marketing manager position, which had been filled by Martha Schaefer, has been eliminated, and Schaefer will be leaving the organization.

“We are sad to see her go but remain extraordinarily grateful for everything she’s done on behalf of our mission and membership,” Akerley wrote in the July 15 email to Chamber members, announcing the change.

Volunteer Ginks Leiby will be taking the lead on managing the office and supporting the Chamber’s current programming, assisted by three other volunteers, Rory Hickey, Will Peirce and Belen Lee.

Leiby is the former executive director for the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, and said while she has only been volunteering for the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for a few months, her skill-set made for an easy transition.

“We actually do have a lot of experience here, in terms of what chambers do,” Leiby said, of the volunteer staff. “It can be very demanding, and there is a definite skill-set needed, particularly to run the office.”

Most of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s events have been organized by committees, usually made up of a combination of volunteers, Board of Directors staff and paid office staff, and will continue to operate that way, Leiby said.

Planning is already underway for the next Chamber event, a golf tournament on Sept. 27, and the annual Peak into Peterborough event, scheduled for Oct. 19 is in the early planning stages.

Work will continue on the Chamber’s current projects, including a trail guide map, a map of downtown Peterborough and a Monadnock visitor’s guide.

Leiby said the office will continue to act as a Welcome Center, giving information about area businesses and attractions to tourists or out-of-towners.

Akerley said Ryan’s departure was a “time of re-structure” for the Chamber of Commerce, and the board “look[ed] at all avenues” before deciding to move to a volunteer-run model.

“This is overall designed to keep our members provided with the same level of service they’ve come to know, and because of the dedication of our volunteers, we’re pleased with how it’s working out,” Akerley said.

Leiby said the Chamber welcomes volunteers who wish to contribute to a particular Chamber event and encourages anyone interested to contact the Chamber at 924-7234.

Since July 15, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce has been operating on its summer hours and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.