The Mathews Visitor and Information Center’s board of directors has named Mathews native Jonathan Putt as the new executive director of the center. He replaces Ann Miller, who resigned late last year after five years in the position.

One of Putt’s top goals as executive director will be to “improve the quality of life for not only visitors, but people who live in Mathews full time,” he said.

Putt, who was born and raised on Gwynn’s Island, said his first two weeks at the helm of MCVIC have been “a whirlwind, but wonderful.” He praised the visitors and the board members for being so helpful and welcoming to him during the transition.

Putt, who graduated from Mathews High School and later from Christopher Newport University, Newport News, began his career at what was then called the Mathews Youth Center in 1997. When that facility became part of the Boys and Girls Club, Putt stayed on board and worked his way up within that organization to his...