POULSBO — Marc Abshire accepted the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce director of operations job on Oct. 22.

Abshire was selected by the chamber’s board of directors and search committee. He will succeed Jan Harrison, who resigned to concentrate on her consulting business.

Abshire has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, marketing, corporate communications, public relations and operations. He is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who has been a consultant for various entities.

Abshire is a graduate of Port Townsend High School and earned a bachelor of science from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master of arts from the University of Colorado.

Chamber of Commerce leaders said Abshire was chosen for his experience, enthusiasm and vision for the greater Poulsbo area and its communities.

“The [chamber 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.

Mark Costa, chamber vice president and search committee chairman, said Abshire exceeded the chamber’s requirements for a director.

“We selected a leader who has achieved personal success in a variety of organizations around the world, but who also grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and has an outstanding record of support to businesses, in developing events, and in leading organizations.”

Abshire’s first day on the job will be Nov. 3.