JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL — The Greater Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce saw the passing of the gavel on April 1st happen in a more than unusual way since there was neither an Annual Dinner nor ceremony this year. Melanie Andrews has officially taken over as the President of the chamber and replaced Brandon Bullard.

Andrews says although it was unconventional and not typically how the transfer of power goes, these are not typical times we live in currently either.

Andrews is currently the assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Regional Office of Eduction 13 and will take over for Jeff Fritchnitch when he retires as Superintendent of Mt. Vernon Township High School in July.

She says goals for the Chamber have shifted since the shelter-in-place order came from Gov. JB Pritzker.

Andrews was a graduate of MVTHS and former teacher at the school as well as a life-long resident of Jefferson County.