Inventor and former Cape Canaveral program manager Bob Setlock was selected to lead Athens County Habitat for Humanity.

After seeing a newspaper advertisement, Setlock applied for the position of executive director. The Habitat committee members chose him for the job.

Setlock served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years. During that time, he worked as a project manager for the military's space program in Cape Canaveral.

The experience he gained through managing space launches gives him the depth needed for such a highly visible position as executive director, said Chris Snoddy, HFH board president.

Outside of his work with the Air Force, Setlock uses his engineering skills to invent new or improved products.

One invention he is working on involves an improved method of manufacturing pressure vessels. Pressure vessels include propane tanks on barbecue grills, aerosol cans and fire extinguishers. Setlock currently has two pending patents and expects to file several more soon.

"It was a really rich background of experience and skills to offer Habitat," Snoddy said.

Twenty-four applicants submitted resumes. The board selected seven applicants for interviews, and the top three were asked to return for a second interview.

Board members were pleased at the amount of high quality candidates, many of whom held master's degrees, she said.

This year, the Athens Habitat received two grants from Habitat for Humanity International, one of which pays for the executive director position. The board plans to be aggressive and apply for more grants to help buy land and to make infrastructure improvements to the land.

Athens HFH must build two houses next year as required by the first grant, but Setlock hopes to build more depending on funds, he said.

"I see it as a challenge and an opportunity," Setlock said. "I would like to ensure that we have a reasonable plan in place for the complete elimination of poverty housing in Athens County."

The board expects Setlock to increase the efficiency of the local affiliate in order to build more houses. It hopes he will become a visible force in the community.

Snoddy said Setlock will spend a lot of time meeting current HFH volunteers and speaking with community groups. "He will talk about HFH as much as possible," she said.

The local affiliate is located in the offices of the First Presbyterian Church, 9 N. College St. Setlock will hold regular office hours there. Those who wish to apply to be a partner family can stop by or call 594-6245.