Yahoo Finance David Uran resigns from leadership post at SSCVA to spend more time with family
The head of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority resigned Monday effective Dec. 31, less than two years after taking the position, citing personal reasons for his departure.
President and CEO David Uran’s resignation comes on the heels of a Friday executive session where alleged misconduct was listed as the reason. Uran announced his resignation to staff Monday at around 2 p.m.
The board of directors has direct jurisdiction over contracted employees, whether on staff or in a professional services capacity.
Questions about the matter were referred to Scott McClure, attorney for the organization. McClure did not respond to a request for information following Friday’s meeting and could not be reached for comment Monday by deadline.
No action was taken on the executive session during the SSCVA board’s regular meeting which immediately followed on Friday. Notice for the executive session was sent out Dec. 13 and called “with respect to an individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction: (A) to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct.”
Uran, via email Monday, said the decision was made for the benefit of his family and himself.
“I want to convey that this decision was not made lightly, and after careful consideration, I am confident it is the best course of action for our well-being,” Uran wrote.
In an accompanying news release Uran said it was time to redirect his focus, placing family and himself first.
Uran said via the release that after a 30-year commitment to public service, spanning roles as a police officer, basketball coach/official, mortgage lender, insurance agent, Crown Point mayor and CEO, “my journey has been defined by prioritizing the needs of others to be successful. At 55, it’s time to redirect my focus, placing family and himself first.”
“I know that might sound selfish but I have missed too many precious family moments due to work commitments during my professional career. My wife and I are excited in becoming a bigger part of our family’s lives as they enter the stages of being young adults while slowing down in my professional career,” Uran said in the release.
“I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to lead the SSCVA, acknowledging the exceptional staff and the collective achievements that we as a team have contributed to the growth and success of the South Shore region’s tourism industry,” Uran said.
Uran Monday echoed the comments in the news release announcing his departure and said he would be working and using up remaining vacation time before Dec. 31.
He said when he first took the job after being mayor of Crown Point, he thought it might not be as daunting. Instead, working with 16 municipalities and the state legislature turned out to be more so.
Uran said he did not want his departure to be a distraction to the organization, which had events surrounding the 40th anniversary celebration of “A Christmas Story,” including an appearance by the cast of the movie scheduled all weekend.
Uran said the matter before the executive board was unrelated to his departure. He said he could not comment on personnel matters within the organization.
“One thing had nothing to do with the other,” Uran said.
Andy Qunell, chairman of the board, said the board extends its deepest appreciation to Uran for “his unwavering commitment and leadership.
“On behalf of our esteemed board members, we recognize Dave’s significant contributions to our organization and understand his wanting to recommit to his family time going forward and applaud him for that decision. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” Qunell said.
The SSCVA is confident in the continued success of the organization under the capable hands of the board and the dedicated team while a new full time president/CEO is named in the first quarter of 2024, the release continued.
Uran was tapped in May 2021 to release former longtime head of the organization Speros Batistatos after the board of directors did not renew his contract. Batistatos is suing the SSCVA board for wrongful termination.
