"I have kids at home and it's just time for me to refocus," Brown said Monday.

In late July, Kane County officials hired Kelly Stowell - the 27-year-old son of Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan - as executive director of the newly funded Center for Education, Business and the Arts.

Brown, armed with a letter of recommendation from Sen. Stowell, also applied for the position, which is funded for one year at $80,000. After the Senator's son was hired, Brown remained upbeat and denied any hard feelings.

After steering the 400-plus member Chamber for 3 1/2 years, Brown will step down Sept. 14. She plans to pursue her longtime dream of launching a business that provides Web content for startup ventures.

"We had a very amicable parting," Chamber Board President Steve Mickey said of Brown's decision, noting the organization came a long way under Brown's direction.

Brown was hired as the ninth director in 10 years, a turnover record she helped to curb.

"It's a wonderful job because you're connecting with the movers and shakers of the community," Brown said. "It's also very challenging because chambers are nonprofit and don't have money to provide benefits or much staff. So there's a high burnout rate."

Brown earned $45,000 a year without benefits.

Mickey acknowledged that Board members are looking at ways to enhance and restructure Chamber staff positions. Applicant qualifications will help determine the reorganization.

"We'll cast our net nationally and see what comes up," Mickey said. "However, if we find someone locally who understands our needs and knows the people, that would be of benefit to us."

The top slot might be filled with an interim director, Mickey added.

"Our primary concern is finding the right person."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com