Teri Hickel has been named interim CEO for the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce.

Hickel’s appointment will last through the end of September, when a replacement for outgoing CEO Tom Pierson is expected to start. Pierson will become the next CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce; his last day with the Federal Way Chamber is June 16. A successor will be hired by the chamber’s board of directors.

Hickel has been executive director of the chamber’s non-profit Advancing Leadership program for the past 12 years. Hickel has filled in for Pierson and previous CEOs during her tenure in Federal Way. She also serves as board president for the Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation as well as Citizens for Federal Way Schools.

Hickel looks forward to stepping into the role and ensuring the chamber runs smoothly.”It’s a fun new opportunity for personal and professional growth,” she said. As for whether she will apply for the position: “I’m not ruling it out.”

The Federal Way Chamber has about 500 members along with several branch programs including Advancing Leadership programs for adults and youth, Communities in Schools of Federal Way, Safe City Federal Way and the South Sound Regional Business Incubator.

“I am honored and excited to follow in Tom Pierson’s footsteps and continue the positive direction of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. I will miss Tom’s vision and energy, but welcome the regional connection with Tacoma,” said Hickel in a news release. “I’m committed to serving our membership and helping the board transition into new leadership.”