Jasper Tourism and commerce is losing a familiar face.

Helen Kelleher-Empey is leaving the organization after 13 years to take a new job with the Grande Alberta Economic Region as a tourism development specialist.

“It’s a huge decision to make, but it’s good to have a new challenge,” Kelleher-Empey said. “Jasper is an excellent town to work for.”

Kelleher-Empey has worked with Jasper Tourism and Commerce for 13 years, including the last five as general manager. While there are several projects that she’s worked on and remembers fondly, such as the first promotional video of Jasper, organizing the TIAC conference and getting involved with the Edmonton-Jasper connector, she said the directors and presidents of the organization are what she remembers most.

“I appreciated working with all my presidents,” Kelleher-Empey said.

While the new position is for two years, Kelleher-Empey will still be in town. She’s able to work from home with her new job, which will include tourism promotion between Edmonton, Jasper and Grande Cache.

Current president Todd Noble said Kelleher-Empey ‘had her fingers in every aspect of the chamber,’ and her contributions will be missed.

“She’s been a pivotal part of the chamber for years. It’s an exciting position, but she will be missed. She’s been good at being the face of Jasper at trade shows and conferences, and has worked hard to increase our presence worldwide,” Noble said. “It will take a dynamic individual to fill her place.”

Noble said the chamber will take the time to find ‘the right person’ for the job.

“We won’t rush out and plug the position right away. We have to take our time reviewing the applicants and if we have to hire someone temporarily, we will.”

But before she starts her new job, Kelleher-Empey is off to her home in Ireland to visit her parents.

“It’s kind of weird the way it worked out. It’s been a roller coaster for the past three weeks,” she said.