Lavern Squier, who resigned earlier this year as president and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, has accepted a new job a few miles to the east.

Squier is the new senior vice president of the Economic Development Council, the economic-development operation of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.

“I am excited to become associated with a progressive community with a great reputation,” Squier said, in a statement released Friday. “I look forward to be part of a great staff as we continue the Overland Park tradition of quality growth.”

He starts work July 28.

Squier had been the Lawrence chamber’s top administrator for nearly five years, until chamber officials announced his resignation in April. Before that, Squier had been executive director of the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development, and vice president for business development at the Wichita/Sedgwick County Partnership for Growth Inc.

“Lavern Squier brings excellent knowledge and experience to our Overland Park economic development efforts,” said Leo Nunnink, the council’s chairman.

Squier’s hiring also allows the council’s current senior vice president, former Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer, to become a senior consultant.