Melisa Cox has been hired as president and CEO of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce. Cox previously worked for the Home Builders Association of Des Moines, where she coordinated events and raised money for the organization. She is a native of Decorah and attended Iowa State University. She replaces Julie Todtz, who for the past 19 years was the chamber’s president and CEO. Todtz is retiring on Dec. 31. During her tenure, the chamber’s membership grew to 900 members from 300. Cox begins her new position this month.