Ben Bennett is the new chairman of the Geary County Commission. He will succeed Larry Hicks who served in that capacity in 2014.

He was elected by his fellow commissioners Monday during the annual reorganization of the governing body. “Well it’s a challenge again for another year, and I’m looking forward to it. We’ll see how things go. It’s going to be a tough year for everybody I know.”

Florence Whitebread has been elected vice-chair, and Larry Hicks secretary for the commission.

The commissioners will also represent the county in appointed positions on other public boards.

Ben Bennett:

— Military Affairs Council

–Free Fair Board

–Safety Committee

–CVB

–Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

–Flint Hills Regional Council

–Metropolitan Planning Organization

–Flint Hills Regional Transit Authority

Florence Whitebread

–Public Building Commission

–Animal Shelter Board

–Solid Waste Management Planning Committee

–North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center Board

Larry Hicks:

–Economic Development Commission

Bennett also took his oath of office Monday for a new four-year term on the commission. He has served as Geary County Commission Chairman two previous times.