POCAHONTAS – The leader of the chamber of commerce in Sac City will become an economic development official in Pocahontas next month.

Brandy Ripley is currently the coordinator of Chamber – Main Street Sac City. On Dec. 1, she’ll become economic development director for the city of Pocahontas and executive director of the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce.

She’ll replace Eric List, who was named Pocahontas city administrator in March.

Her starting salary will be $40,000, according to List.

“I think it’s extremely important for a city to have someone doing economic development work for the community on a full-time basis,” Ripley said.

She said her initial goals will be introducing herself and learning about the Pocahontas community.

List said Ripley will direct the Main Street program, which seeks to improve the downtown area.

She will also manage a revolving loan program. List said the city has received money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture which it then makes available in the form of low interest loans to support the start up and expansion of local businesses.

The Pocahontas City Council voted unanimously to hire Ripley.