ST. LOUIS -- The Missouri State NAACP has new leadership for the first time in nearly three decades.

The NAACP said Rod Chapel was elected president of the Missouri organization, replacing Mary Ratliff, who held the position for nearly 30 years. Chapel, who also leads the NACCP's Jefferson City branch, was announced as the new statewide leader Saturday.

Chapel said the executive team of the state NAACP will use technology, organize at the grass-roots level and build coalitions in the effort toward justice and equality. He said he also wants to increase membership and the number of NAACP units across the state.