The Jack Llewellyn era is coming to an end at the Durango Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber announced Tuesday that the 17-year CEO would be taking a job with Hutton Broadcasting after May 17.
Llewellyn will become the general manager of the Hutton-owned radio stations in Durango, Cortez and Farmington. Hutton purchased nine Four Corners radio stations in April 2023.
“I never thought I would be at the chamber 17 years,” Llewellyn said Tuesday. “It’s been an amazing experience. I cannot thank the members, the board, my staff and the previous staff enough.”
The 60-year-old Durango resident wasn’t looking for a new position when an opportunity arose, he said.
It stemmed from his morning radio show on KPTE-FM (92.9), known as The Point, which Hutton owns.
Llewellyn’s roots are in radio, and he would often have conversations about the industry with Hutton Broadcasting’s owner, Scott Hutton.
Those conversations reignited his passion for the radio business, and when the offer was made, Llewellyn said it felt like the right time.
He served as the last student station manager for KDUR during his time at Fort Lewis College. Also, his first job was as a morning radio DJ at KDGO radio.
He said the job with Hutton interested him because of the company’s diverse media platforms.
“They’re more than just a radio station,” he said. “They also provide some social media management, website development and video production.”
The thought of retiring has not yet crossed his mind, he said; he still enjoys being active in the community.
He has been a community staple in Durango and has been at the forefront of various projects with the Chamber of Commerce.
Under his leadership, the chamber underwent growth and development, including a successful capital campaign resulting in the construction of a new chamber headquarters at 2301 Main Ave.
He also played an integral role in restructuring and rebranding the La Plata Economic Action Development group into its current organization: La Plata Economic Development Alliance.
“We saw the need to rebrand and bring in a director specifically for that organization,” Llewellyn said.
Modstreet CEO Roger Zalneraitis was named the first executive director of the newly rebranded Economic Development Alliance in 2010 and served for eight years after Llewellyn left the organization.
Lewellyn also helped the chamber navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted Durango businesses.
He remembers calling Durango Business Improvement District Executive Director Tim Walsworth in March 2020 to reactivate the Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance Organization in order to figure out how to help businesses that were shutting their doors.
The two worked together to find viable and safe ways for businesses to operate through social distancing guidelines.
Under his guidance, the Durango Chamber of Commerce secured funding and resources, including a $60,000 donation from the Coleman Foundation to support local businesses during and post-pandemic.
“Jack’s departure as the CEO of the Chamber marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to the businesses he served,” said Vaughn Morris, chamber treasurer in a news release Tuesday. “His leadership will be remembered as instrumental in fostering growth and prosperity within our business community.”
He also helped implement the Legislative Affairs Coalition, which continues to champion the interests of the business community in La Plata County.
“He has done a lot to increase our membership. And that allows for more connections with other businesses,” said chamber Chief Operations Officer Kim Oyler. “We improved our programming so that we have educational workshops to help businesses grow and further develop their company.”
At its height, the chamber had 850 members before the pandemic, she said.
Oyler will be taking over as the interim CEO and will be working with the chamber board of directors to select a permanent CEO. She said she won’t be “throwing her hat in the ring” for the CEO position.
“I will be fully supportive of the selection process and ensuring a smooth transition with the new CEO once they are named,” she said.
The hiring committee hopes to find a candidate by the end of summer or early fall.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
