About six months after appointing a new CEO, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce has made another hire. Rick Ellis is the new vice president of the chamber, a recently created role in which he will help the chamber in its strategic planning, leadership development and membership, according to a press release. Ellis’ first day was Oct. 1, chamber President and CEO Matthew Ferraro said. Before coming to the chamber, Ellis was the vice president at the Katy Area Economic Development Council for nearly three years, per the release. Prior to that, Ellis worked at Buckner International, Houston Zoo and the Greater Houston Partnership in marketing, community relations and corporate partnership roles. “His knowledge of the Katy community will help lead the chamber in its next era of growth,” Ferraro said in the release. “His background and experience will be a great addition to the chamber as we promote a healthy business climate, thriving communities and excellent quality of life in the Katy area.” Ferraro became the leader of the chamber in late April and has since helped the organization develop new programs, redesign its website and logo, and increase membership, he said. In the release, Ellis said he will help Ferraro grow the chamber. “I’m very excited to join Matthew and the chamber team as we continue to serve as a valuable resource by providing programs, creating opportunities and sharing information that greatly benefit Katy-area businesses and communities,” Ellis said. “The Katy area is a great place, and we at the Katy Area Chamber are working hard to ensure it continues to thrive.” The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization and network of local businesses, according to its website. It provides development opportunities for businesses through events, resources and programing. The chamber previously sponsored the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival, which is now run by the city of Katy as the Katy Rice Festival. The 2019 event will be held Oct. 11-13 in downtown Katy.