The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced that North Kitsap’s Jim Martin has accepted the position as new executive director of the chamber. Martin fills the position that was vacated by Robert Ford at the end of July 2003. Ford held the post for six years until he took a position as associate publisher for Visitors Choice Publications, the current publisher of the chamber sanctioned visitors guide. Past board member Gary Hoskins stepped in from August to October for a three month appointment to help with transitional issues while the board started an executive search.

The hiring of Martin by the chamber is the final step in nearly a year-long chamber reorganization that began early in 2003.

Martin spent the last 12 years in the insurance industry beginning with John Hancock in Portland. He then moved onto Allstate which brought him back to Kitsap and finished up in the industry at Farmers Insurance.

Martin is also very involved in the community via the North Kitsap Rotary, where he was named the 2002 Rotarian of the Year. His documented record of exceptional communication skills, team workmanship and customer satisfaction made him the right candidate for the chamber.