The Spokane Business Association has appointed Brad Barnett as its first president.

He will assume the role on March 24.

The leadership expansion coincides with Gavin Cooley’s transition to director of strategic initiatives from his previous role as executive director.

“It was a 24/7 job,” says Sherri Britton, administrative assistant for the organization. “This just frees up a little bit of (Cooley's) time from the day-to-day.”

Bringing Barnett into the fold will allow Cooley, who was named the organization's inaugural leader last summer, to focus more on the organization’s advocacy efforts, she explains.

Barnett previous served four years as president and CEO of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, in Kerrville, Texas, which is a city of about 25,000 people located about 60 miles north of San Antonio.

Prior to that, Barnett spent nine years as executive vice president of tourism and facilities for the Midland Chamber of Commerce, in Midland, Texas.

The addition of Barnett will allow the association to better serve its members, Britton says.

The Spokane Business Association was launched last year. The business advocacy group aims to improve public safety, cleanliness, and economic stability in the city of Spokane and to create a welcoming environment for visitors, residents, and investors, the Journal previously reported.

The association has over 200 member organizations, according to its website.