Brooke Bunch, of Russell Springs, is the new Property Valuation Administrator for Russell County.

Bunch, a licensed Realtor and a certified real property appraiser, has also been a restaurateur.

She served as the manager for the Brooke 'n Buc's eatery in Russell Springs for some years.

Bunch said she took the state test for the position after hearing that Rodney Owens was retiring.

"It was a complete shock," Bunch said when asked how she felt on learning of her new position.

She said that filling Owens' shoes would be a tall order for anyone but she'll have a lot of help.

"All of the people that were in the office with Rodney's are going to stay on," Bunch said.

Bunch said she isn't yet sure if she'll have to close her appraisal business. She explained that she is finding out about all of the final details before she takes her place in the office.

Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Rodney Owens, who was the longest-serving PVA in the history of the commonwealth.  Bunch shall serve until the general election on Nov. 2, 2010.