The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced its next director of operations this week.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Abshire will succeed Jan Harrison, who announced her plans to step down earlier this fall. Abshire will begin his duties Nov. 3, according to a chamber news release.

Abshire has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, marketing, corporate communications, public relations, and operations. He has also worked extensively as a speech writer and coach.

Abshire grew up on the Olympic Peninsula. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s from the University of Colorado.

“The Board is thrilled to have found a candidate who has his breadth of experience in business, marketing, communications, and team operations,” chamber President Jessie Nino said in the release.

Harrison led the chamber for the past two years. She plans to return to her consulting business.