Monica Boyken, executive director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, will resign from her position in the spring.

Friday, December 31, 1999

Monica Boyken, executive director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, will resign from her position in the spring.

She is expecting a baby in March.

"I cannot do justice to my most important role as mother and wife while maintaining my past level of commitment to the position," Boyken said.

She served the chamber for three years, coming to Austin in December 1996 from a similar post with a Chamber of Commerce in southeastern New Mexico.

Prior to that, she was a chamber manager at Vermilion, S.D.

"I came to Austin with the intention of serving here for six to seven years," Boyken said. "Little did I know my life would change so drastically during that time frame," she said.

In March 1998, Boyken met her husband, Rodd, and they were married April 10, 1999.

"I love chamber work and would continue, but it is an extremely challenging position that would affect my entire family," she said.

She said she will seek employment opportunities from her home and will remain involved in the community.

A replacement for Boyken will be sought immediately.

Members of the board of directors for the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce in 2000 include: Scott Felten, president; Lori Wradislavsky, first vice president; Rod Nordeng, Marv Olson and Jerry Wolesky, vice presidents; Kaye Gerber, treasurer; and Todd Schoonover, past president.