Eric McDonald has been named the new president of the Polk County Chamber of

Commerce/Development Authority, effective in early September.

McDonald will fill the position held by Karolyn Hutcheson for the past 17 years. She announced her retirement earlier this year and has remained until a new person was selected.

McDonald said he is very excited to come to a progressive county like Polk.

"The current industry expansion and parks that are here really shows a vision from the policy makers and development authority," he said.

He currently resides in Bremen but plans to move with his wife Jeny and children, Lian and Jewel, to Polk as soon as possible.

"It won’t be as quick as I would like," he added.

"I am pleased to welcome Eric McDonald as the new President of the Development Authority of Polk County (DAPC)," said Chairman Larry Dooley.

"The DAPC Board looks forward to working with him," he said. "He brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to this position. Eric will be very valuable to Polk County as he replaces long time DAPC President Karolyn Hutcheson."

"On behalf of the DAPC Board I express appreciation to Karolyn for her 18 years of dedicated service to Polk County," he added.