The Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council recently named a pair of new Business Recruitment & Retention Managers.

Kathy Cocus and Andrea Olson have been hired to replace Kevin Dwyer who left recently to take the helm of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, and Sylvia Klatman who had left earlier in the year to accept the executive director job at the Bremerton Chamber.

According to the KREDC, over twenty candidates answered its rigorous application questionnaire, with the quality of applicants exceptionally high. Five finalists went through the process of a demanding interview and testing.

Cocus has previously taught vocational education, served as the executive director of the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce and most recently as director for development for the Kitsap Humane Society.

She also brings a background in retail sales, as well as in the marketing of Kitsap County for the Kitsap Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau to the position. She will start on October 8.

Olson has previously clerked at the Kitsap County Superior Court, worked as general counsel to Kitsap Physicians Service, and was a sales associate with Windermere Real Estate.

She is active in the Bates College Technical College Foundation and the Junior League of Tacoma, and previously active in the Kitsap Family YMCA. She started on Sept. 17.