The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced it has selected a new executive director.

The chamber board of directors on Wednesday voted to approve Rhonda Jordal for the position after completing an extensive search.

Jordal, of Forest City, Iowa, will begin her new role Monday.

“We are very excited to announce this appointment,” said Kim Nelson, chamber board chairwoman. “Rhonda brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and invaluable experience leading successful not-for-profit organizations in her past.”

Jordal co-founded the Family Alliance for Veterans of America WestCare Foundation and served as the organization’s executive director. She also is a former business owner — of a business called Memorials and Keepsakes Quilts — and has worked as an office manager at a radio station and in human resources, Nelson said.

“Her well-rounded experience with nonprofits, human resources and business is kind of a unique thing,” Nelson said. “That fits nicely with an executive director of a chamber. All of those things are important to have knowledge of when an executive director.”

According to a press release, Jordal also has extensive legislative experience that will be a “tremendous asset to the chamber and our community moving forward.”

Jordal said she looks forward to the opportunity to lead the chamber and enhance relationships with area businesses, city and county officials, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and other partners.

“I am excited to help grow our communities and assist our businesses in positive and productive ways,” Jordal said.

Nelson said Jordal plans to relocate to the community.

Jordal will replace former chamber Executive Director Randy Kehr, who died last November.

Nelson thanked leaders with the city, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and ALEDA, who assisted in the second-round of interviews.

“Those entities were at the table and helped us with collaborating and giving feedback,” Nelson said.