MOUNT VERNON — On Thursday, the Knox County commissioners named James T. DeChant as the new director of the Knox County Emergency Management Agency. His appointment is effective Dec. 31.
DeChant joined the EMA in August 2021. He succeeds Mark Maxwell, who is retiring on Dec. 30.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as director over these past 10-plus years,” Maxwell wrote in his resignation letter. “I truly value the time I have served the county and the many friends I have made along the way.”
The commissioners extended their appreciation to Maxwell for what he accomplished during his tenure and offered congratulations to DeChant.
“We have faith in you that you will continue to develop what Mark’s built over the years,” Commissioner Thom Collier told DeChant.
The commissioners also heard an update from Scott Boone, director of Knox County Job & Family Services. Highlights include:
• The Family and Children First Council was nominated for the chamber of commerce’s Qualify of Life Award.
• Boone recently participated in a speaker panel through Public Children Services Association of Ohio. Knox County was part of an eight-county group to discuss customer service.
• DKMM (Delaware, Knox, Marion and Morrow) Solid Waste District is considering removing the recycling containers at Apple Valley.
• Brandy Booth, administrator for Opportunity Knox, was invited to speak at a CCAO (County Commissioners Association of Ohio) meeting.
