Baker Said Local Experience Helped New Chamber CEO

Local experience and knowledge of rural economies sent Amy New to the front of the Cookeville Chamber’s search committee recommendations.

New named the new President/CEO Monday. The Monterey native and Tennessee Tech alum will take over the role May 11.

“She’s a hard worker, she comes from a family of hard workers,” Committee Chairman Phillip Baker said. “We are certain she will want to hit the ground running and to do that means she’ll spend quite a bit of time between now and then preparing for that first day and those first few very important days that she’s on the job.”

New’s public servant heritage and state connections also stood out, Baker said. Amy New’s grandfather and grandmother were senators, and her mother served as the Putnam County Executive.

“As the hub of the Upper Cumberland, we’re concerned about the economic progress and prosperity of our entire region,” Baker said. “Bringing someone in with her skill set, with her background, specifically in rural and community development, will be very beneficial to our community and to all of Putnam County in the region.”

Current CEO George Halford will retire after 16 years of service.