The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce has appointed Jack Kulp of Tamaqua as their executive director, replacing Ben Turrano who has accepted a position at the Tamaqua campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Formerly of Pottsville, Kulp has been a resident of the borough and a chamber member for over 15 years. He is retired after a 55-year career in civil engineering, and last served as the materials lab director at Hawk Mountain Labs in Hazle Township.

Most notably, he was vice president of VE Engineering Inc. in Harrisburg, and vice president of Ludgate Engineering Corporation in the Reading area.

He also worked at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation district 3-0 in Montoursville, Edward J. Gaydos Inc. in Orwigsburg, Merlyn J. Jenkins Inc. in Pottsville, Wagner Associates Inc. in Reading, Schuylkill Products Inc. in Cressona, and Patel Chen Associates Inc. in Grantville.

Kulp jokingly says, “This is the third time I’ve tried to retire!”

Many may know him as the host of the Dutch Trader, an all-request and dedication party on AM1410 WLSH, the sister station of Magic 105.5, and as the founding father (as Leona Rega likes to call him) of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center.

Many may also know him as a professional blues/rock musician, having most recently performing with Crossroads Duo (with Sterling Koch), Buddy and Jack (with Buddy Musselman), 3 am, Justus and Kulprit.

Kulp’s civic involvement is not limited to the Chamber.

He is the treasurer of the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone authority, the borough authority and the water authority. He’s also the chairman of the Tamaqua Community Art Center, and is a member of the board of directors of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

Kulp is a 1967 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and subsequently attended Penn State University.