Dec. 21. The Cabarrus Economic Development board voted Tuesday to hire its own leader, separate and independent from the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations currently share a president/CEO, but have separate boards of directors and budgets.

In the past, former CEOs Patrick Coughlin and John Cox have headed up both organizations. Cox moved to Naples, Fla., to head up the chamber there going on three years ago. Coughlin, who replaced him, was let go the first week of December. Ironically enough, Cox was fired as head of the Naples Chamber last summer.

Terry Crawford, a retired hotel executive was brought on as the interim president of the Cabarrus chamber and EDC.

According to a press release, the EDC will continue to operate under its current staffing contract with the chamber until it expires in June 2016, allowing each organization time to recruit an executive director.

“As we move into the new year, it’s a good time to evaluate our current organizational structure. This decision allows the EDC and chamber to continue working together, but to hire leaders who specialize in their own respective businesses,” said Scott Lampe, EDC board chairman.

While the chamber and EDC each have their own focus and mission, there are advantages to working together. “The two organizations have enjoyed a very positive relationship and that will continue,” said Tammy Whaley, chairwoman of the chamber.