The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is turning to a longtime banker and former chamber leader to serve as its interim director of economic development.

Chamber leaders announced Wednesday that Jean Milstead will serve as interim vice president of economic development, a position that came open after former economic development leader Beth Johnson left to take a similar job in Overland Park.

Milstead is a former senior vice president with Douglas County Bank and worked in the Lawrence banking market for more than 30 years before retiring in 2000. Milstead also served as the chamber’s interim president and CEO while the organization looked for a new leader in late 2002 and early 2003.

Milstead said she will focus on business retention and helping existing businesses with expansion opportunities. The chamber board of directors also is searching for a new CEO and president to fill the spot vacated by Tom Kern, who left to take a similar position in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Chamber leaders have said that search may take another four months.