NATCHEZ &045; Has John Saleeby left the building?

The answer is both yes and no.

No, the former operations manager hasn’t left Natchez Pilgrimage Tours &045; he has just switched jobs to become the business’ marketing director.

But yes, that job will have him out of the building much more than before, as NPT’s director in charge of advertising, marketing and public relations.

&uot;It was his choice,&uot; Margaret Moss, who is chairperson of NPT’s executive board, said of Saleeby’s resignation as operations manager. &uot;He wanted to do more marketing and tourism promotion.&uot;

Since Saleeby made that move last month, Sherry Steele has served as operations manager.

Steele could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

&uot;I took (the director’s) position as a temporary position anyway, a part-time one,&uot; said Saleeby, who was hired as operations manager in November 2000. &uot;I was already a retired guy when I started here.&uot;

Prior to his work at NPT, Saleeby worked as state recruiting sergeant major for the Louisiana National Guard.

Both Saleeby and Moss said the business will continue to operate smoothly with a capable staff despite the change.

&uot;It’s a happy arrangement,&uot; Moss said. &uot;The only difference is that he’ll spend more time out of the office &045; and less time behind a desk.&uot;