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Chamber CEO accepts job with First Security [Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.](Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 20--Amy Jackson, who has been the president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce for more than two years, has resigned. The chamber's board is putting together a search committee for her replacement. Jackson said she was presented with a special and unique opportunity in her career. She will be joining First Security Bank as president of the Owensboro region. Her last day in the chamber office is Oct. 3. Jackson said the bank approached her with the opportunity. "It's an honor to replace John Edge, who is a founding and key member at First Security," she said. "Those are big shoes to fill, but I'm eager to put my lending experience to work to help the bank grow." Jackson gained 13 years of experience with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, starting as a market segment specialist and moving up to vice president for marketing and insurance services, the post she held prior to joining the chamber. She said she feels specially good about the programming initiatives the chamber has implemented during her tenure. The board had identified the focus on membership as a priority, she said. She also said she was thankful for the opportunity to stay on top of legislative issues and to learn how the process works and how best to represent the chamber membership. "Being in the chamber has been a pure joy," Jackson said. "I can't wait to be on the flip side as an engaged member." Jackson will be based in Owensboro at the bank's headquarters and will be responsible for regional growth at the Owensboro facilities. "I'm most excited that John will be there for a while to help me learn more about our employees and our business," she said. Darrell Higginbotham, the chamber's board chairman, said the organization will move fast to start the search for Jackson's replacement. Mark Martin, vice president for rates and regulations at Atmos Energy, will lead the efforts to identify a new CEO, he said. The board met Friday and decided not to name an interim CEO, he said. "One of Amy's accomplishments was the development of a strong staff," Higginbotham said. "Between the board's assistance and the capable staff, we believe we can provide our membership with the leadership and advocacy they have been receiving." Higginbotham said he and the board are very proud of Jackson and realize the special opportunity she was presented. "We are a better organization because of her leadership over these past two years," he said. Edge was one of the executives who started First Security in 1997. The bank now has about $500 million in assets with other offices in Bowling Green, Lexington and Evansville. Edge said he is not really leaving the bank; he will continue to stay on the board and will be at the bank full time for the next few months. "I have a lot of blood, sweat and investment in First Security over 17 years," he said. "I had always planned to retire by 60, and I turned 60 earlier this month." Edge said he's known Jackson for about 15 years. They are both former Farm Credit employees. "I'm thrilled that Amy is coming to the bank," he said. "I feel like I'm leaving her the best banking staff in the area." M. Lynn Cooper, First Security's president and CEO, said the bank is happy for John, and at the same time, will miss his leadership. "John has been a solid rock for our bank during the early years as well as these more recent times of rapid growth and development," Cooper said in the release. "Additionally, we are excited to bring on Amy who will contribute new skills to our senior management team and add to the already strong cadre of individuals we have at First Security Bank." Joy Campbell, 691-7299, [email protected] ___ (c)2014 the Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Ky.) Visit the Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Ky.) at www.messenger-inquirer.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |