CED losing its leader in May

Monica Doss has been CEO of organization for entrepreneurs for 22 years

One of the Triangle's best-known business cheerleaders turned in her resignation Wednesday.

Monica Doss, chief executive of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development for 22 years, is stepping down effective May 31.

During Doss' tenure, the CED grew from a group of volunteers into one of the largest entrepreneurial support organizations in the U.S., with more than 5,000 members representing 1,100 companies.

"It's been great and exciting, but I've got some fresh things to look at," Doss said. "I feel like I have done what I can for CED."

Doss, 56, suggested that she will probably stay involved in helping entrepreneurs build companies, maybe on a regional or national level. But she said she hasn't thought enough about what she will do next to provide details.

Doss had clued in a small group of CED directors a few days ahead of the board's regular meeting Wednesday, said Chairwoman Mary Musacchia.

"Monica was at the point where she was ready for change," Musacchia said. "Was I surprised? No. Am I going to miss her? Terribly."

The nonprofit group's board has begun to establish a search committee whose first task will be to identify what skills Doss' successor should have. Its second task will be to find the person matching the skills.

Musacchia didn't expect any problems recruiting a new CEO.

After being in business for 25 years, the CED has garnered national attention for its efforts to help companies and entrepreneurs attract financing, develop new products and more. "What makes the Triangle special is its entrepreneurs," Musacchia said.