Nowak, a longtime Redmond resident, was one of more than 100 applicants for the job. Chamber President Ed Fitzjarrel said Nowak impressed the board with his enthusiasm.

"He convinced us that he really wanted the job," Fitzjarrel said.

The board had substantially boosted the salary schedule for the position in an effort to attract quality candidates. The board has had personnel problems and considerable turmoil for more than a year.

"We need damage control, we need stability and we think he'll bring that," Fitzjarrel said.

Nowak, a member of the Redmond City Council, has experience in community affairs and economic development. Although he lives in Redmond, he said he has a life-long affinity for Sisters. His wife, Linda, grew up here and the couple was married in Sisters. Nowak worked at age 19 pumping gas for Davis Oil.

He has seen Sisters go from crisis to prosperity.

Now, Nowak sees an exciting community, with opportunities to thrive through economic development efforts.

He plans to visit business owners in town over the next few weeks to sound them out about conditions in town and relations with the chamber.