By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Natalie Redmond has been chosen as the new president, succeeding Patt Lilly who will retire at the end of the year.
Redmond says she’s honored to become president after Lilly’s long tenure.
“Patt hired me 16 years ago here at the Chamber of Commerce, so it will be a celebration and a sad day at the Chamber when he leaves us December 31st,” Redmond tells reporters during a news conference. “But I know he won’t be very far. I know where he lives. And, it will be a new day for the Chamber.”
Redmond came to the Chamber in 2005, first hired as Vice President, Membership.
Redmond steps into the role as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a grip on the area economy. Redmond says she believes the chamber navigated the difficulties of the pandemic well.
“But we do have some challenges and I don’t sugarcoat that, but that’s why I was excited about this job,” Redmond says. “I didn’t want to take the job if it didn’t have challenges.”
Chamber President Patt Lilly retires at the end of the year after a 19-year tenure served during two separate periods.