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Two MCTA board members resign Wednesday

Brian Smith

A day after hiring its new director, the Moffat County Tourism Association board lost two members.

Melody Villard, a candidate for the director position, and board member Cindy Looper resigned during the MCTA board meeting Wednesday.

MCTA chairwoman Annie MacGregor said Looper’s resignation was expected but that Villard’s came as a “shock to the board.”



Villard was a finalist for the vacant director position that ultimately went to Marilynn Hill. The MCTA board voted Tuesday by anonymous paper ballot, 4-3, in favor of Hill, 46, formerly of Parker.

“I think she was probably disappointed was the attitude she portrayed to me,” MacGregor said. “I think she wanted away from all the controversy going around this hiring process.”



Villard said she enjoyed her time on the MCTA board, but that it was time to move on.

“I feel my time and energy would be better spent on other boards,” she said. “I also feel that the board needs a fresh start and with new board members and a director to soon be in place, this is a perfect time for that.”

Villard pointed to MCTA’s hiring process as part of her reason for resigning.

“I think there is a lack of integrity and a lack of professionalism that was shown in the last two weeks,” she said.

She also was spurred by what she called “personal attacks” through the Daily Press Web site, and comments from board members.

“It was the real personal attacks that took place over the last two weeks,” she said. “They weren’t based at all on qualifications, or knowledge, or skills.”

When asked whether any personal attacks came from within the board, Villard said “Not all of the board … some comments were made.”

Cindi Looper, co-owner of the Elk Run Inn, said she announced her resignation in January to the board.

“I’ve been on the board for five years, and I think it would be in the best interest of the board to start fresh and move on,” she said.

She also said her decision to resign was not connected to the director hiring.

MacGregor said the board will begin recruiting new members to replace Looper and Villard shortly.


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