After Executive Vice President Chandler Russ’ departure Friday,Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce officials hope tomove quickly to locate a replacement.

“All the resumes have been received,” said Kenny Goza, chamberpresident. “We are beginning an evaluation and will be goingthrough an interview process.”

Ten people interested in the position have submitted resumes,Goza said. They are from across Mississippi, Alabama andArkansas.

Goza said the chamber’s goal is to have the position filled bythe first of the year. Entergy’s Steve Kelly, who helped in theprocess that brought Russ to Brookhaven, also is assisting with thenew search, Goza said.

The chamber’s personnel committee will make the final decisionon a new executive vice president, Goza said. However, a screeningcommittee composed of local business and community officials willhave input in the process.

Russ, who held the position for more than four years, will beginhis duties as economic development specialist for the TennesseeValley Authority in Tupelo on Monday. In his new capacity, he willassist northeast Mississippi communities with their economicdevelopment needs.

As for day-to-day operations of the chamber, Goza and he andcurrent staff members will be handling those duties. Also, PaulWaker, with the Mississippi Development Authority, will be helpingwith the chamber’s economic development functions.

“It’s going to be a good, joint effort,” Goza said.