A few changes have been made to the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau staff and board of directors.

Willie Glasper was nominated and installed as the new chairman of the VCVB board of directors at Thursday night’s meeting.

Glasper is taking over for former chairman Lori Burke who decided not to accept another term as chairman but will continue to sit on the board.

“We’re here for the betterment of Vicksburg,” Glasper said. “Whatever I can do to make sure that happens here in the boards that we’ve done in the past, I’ll be glad to carry it on.”

He has been a member of the board for over seven years, and said the board is a good group of people to work with to promote Vicksburg. His responsibilities as chairman will consist of him presiding over board meetings and to meet with executive director Bill Seratt regularly to remain updated on the work the staff is doing.

“I’m very delighted to have Willie Glasper,” Seratt said. “He’s been a great board member and brings a lot to the table. He’s very knowledgeable, and I am very happy to see him named chairman of the board.”

Patty Cappaert regained her appointment as secretary. She has been secretary for more years than she can remember. Her duties are to take minutes at the meetings, serve on the executive committee and take over when the chairman cannot be present.

“Patty brings many years of experience and a great wealth of knowledge about the history of the bureau, and she is at the meetings and she cares a great deal for Vicksburg, Mississippi,” Seratt said.

Operation manager Debra Ellis left the staff of the VCVB at the end of the year and in her place two positions were created and filled.

Judy Brown is the new office manager and bookkeeper.

“She brings many years of bookkeeping experience to the office,” Seratt said.

Brown has been working with Seratt on creating more neat and succinct budget balance sheets and other forms that evaluate the spending of the organization for the board to read at their meetings. Seratt said she is in charge of accounts payable, keeping the financial records straight and backing him up in his job.

“She is working out great,” Seratt said.

Corrie Elliott is the new administrative assistant. She is the back up for the sales and marketing staff and Seratt too. Longtime employee Pat Strange was given a promotion to the position lead travel councilor and will be the backup when visitor services manager Rick Martin is not available.

“She will backup the visitor services manager in scheduling all of the travel councilors to work at our visitor information centers all around town,” Seratt said.