Former Kennesaw State University president Dan Papp will not serve as chairman of Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors next year as he had planned.
In a letter late last month, Papp informed current board chairman, Terry DeWitt, of his decision to “relinquish” the position.
“I did not reach this decision easily, but I believe that it is in the best interest of both the chamber and myself,” read the letter. “… Since Sue and I will continue to make Cobb County home, we intend to participate in chamber events as our schedule allows.”
Papp retired from Kennesaw State on June 30 after a decade leading the school. Prior to his retirement, Papp was cited in an auditors' report that noted a series of financial policy violations. A separate audit of the school's food service department also found a number of other violations committed by department administrators during Papp's tenure. He abruptly announced his retirement three weeks before the reports were published.
In a statement, David Connell, president and CEO of the Cobb Chamber, noted Papp’s contributions to the community.
“…we were looking forward to his year serving as our next chairman,” Connell said. “I fully stand behind his decision to decline the opportunity, and I expect to see him around the community and at future chamber events.”
Connell's statement included a list of 10 accomplishments for Papp's 10-year tenure at Kennesaw State, including the school's merger with Southern Polytechnic University, expansion of KSU's study-abroad programs to include its first international campus in Montepulciano, Italy, and a new football program, which completed its first season last year with a 6-5 record.
Connell said he was organizing a nominating committee to recommend candidates to the full board for the chairman position for 2017 and possibly 2018.
