Downtown Estacada Commission member resigns; new appointee Wendy joins amid social media transition

The Downtown Estacada Commission on May 5 confirmed the immediate resignation of Hannah Smith and welcomed Wendy, a new appointee to the commission.

Commission leadership said Smith had handled the commission’s social media, flyers and other promotional materials and that her departure leaves a gap in ongoing communications for upcoming events. The commission indicated Smith is willing to meet with a successor to transition materials but asked members and the public not to contact her directly while she manages the transition.

Wendy introduced herself as the owner of Sargazer Aesthetics, with a professional background in human resources and recruiting and prior restaurant-industry experience. She said she plans to help with events and volunteered to serve as an alcohol monitor for Uncorked once she secures the necessary OLCC certification.

Commission members discussed interim solutions: asking for volunteers from within the commission, recruiting an outside contractor or volunteer (including a graphic-arts student or local resident), and using templates and materials Smith has prepared. Councilor Metcalfe offered to assist with posting and graphics in the short term: "If you could send me kinda what you have, and we can just talk offline about that and take care of that," he said.

Evelyn said she has been coordinating a transition with Smith and will work to consolidate materials and avoid multiple people contacting Smith directly. Commissioners agreed to continue searching for a permanent social-media person and to distribute responsibilities for flyers and event materials until a new person is identified.

The commission invited Hannah Smith to help transition her duties and said it plans a small token of appreciation for her service.

No formal action was taken at this meeting on the social-media role.