Gregory Miller, 58,  is the new economic development director for Junction City and Geary County.

Miller’s hiring was approved at a Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting Tuesday.

Miller, a native of Wisconsin, is coming to Junction City from Ironton, Missouri, a community about 90 miles southwest of St. Louis.

On the attraction to the Junction City job Miller said it’s a strong board and the city has many amenities. that can be leveraged into being a job producing area. “Plus the Fort Riley there, it’s a great asset. They’ve got their foundation set. They’ve got infrastructure set. I think the key is that the Board, at least from talking to the board, interviewing with the Board, that they’re ready to take the community to a next level, which means they embrace change. That’s important.”

The head of the search committee and Chamber Board member, Ty Arneson, said Miller has experience in communities the size of Junction City, and a lot of experience in marketing. “When we talked to him he pointed out a lot of the good points of Junction City.”

Chamber Board Chair Mark Ediger, said thought Miller was “a very common sense person.” Ediger noted Miller understands what the city and county have to offer, and is excited about it. “I think in the interview he was very down to earth.”

Miller will begin work in Junction City May 4.