New director named

Karen Chrjapin officially took the reins Monday as the executive director of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

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The chamber's board of directors unanimously approved the appointment Friday.

Chrjapin (pronounced SHRAP-in) has served the chamber as its director of programs since June, according to a news release.

She replaces Gordon Renshaw, who resigned Feb. 1 after leading the chamber for 3 years.

Board member Brett McGuire stepped down after serving as interim director during the search process.

On March 21, he announced his intention to run for the District 24 Georgia Senate seat, which is being vacated by Jim Whitehead.

"We are very excited Mrs. Chrjapin is willing to step into this position and are extremely confident in her ability to lead the chamber to a much higher level of success as our executive director," said Jean Roper, the chairwoman of the chamber board.

The chamber received more than 30 applications from across the country, and Chrjapin, the former owner of Postnet of Evans, was selected from a group of six finalists.