Less than 24 hours after the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce announced J.R. Whitfield was stepping down as president to pursue a business venture, word came that the Board of Directors named veteran educator Tom Odom as a successor.

A news release Wednesday stated that Odom assumes the position on an interim basis and will begin immediately for a seamless transition.

“It was important to the Board that the Chamber continues its positive momentum," Chairman Mack Guest stated in the release. "Tom is the right person for the job.”

Odom served as the Chamber chairman in 2001 and has served on various committees.  He is the Oconee County Board of Education Chairman-elect.

“I want to thank the board for having confidence in me to step in at this crucial
juncture. J.R. left some really big shoes to fill and I want to thank him for his service,” Odom said in a released statement.

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