Ken Parrett, of Cape Girardeau has been hired as executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. He will also serve as economic director for the chamber.

Recently, Parrett worked as a communications consultant for Advanced Business Systems in Cape Girardeau. He also had worked as marketing manager for Tri State Water Treatment.

He is a retired Army First Sgt. and a 1997 graduate of Webster University, with a master's degree in public administration.

He also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College.

"I intend to vigorously promote and protect the business and civic interests of the community," Parrett said. "Teamwork is the key. Any obstacle that finds its way in the path of our ride into the 21st century will be taken with us, or pushed aside."