NATCHEZ — For the past couple of weeks Marsha Colson has been running the show at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.

In mid-July the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours Executive Committee appointed Colson as the group’s interim manager.

Colson is replacing former NPT director Jim Coy, who unexpectedly resigned in late June.

NPT’s executive committee President Devereux Slatter — Colson’s mother — said Colson’s strong overall knowledge of the workings of the NPT made her good candidate to fill the vacancy.

“She’s going to be great,” Slatter said of Colson.

And while only in her new position for less than a month, Colson said she enjoys the work.

“So far it’s been challenging and rewarding,” she said.

Before being named as interim manager Colson worked for NPT part-time filling a variety of roles.

Colson said she will continue her work as the United Way director while serving as NPT’s manager.

And while Colson is still new on the job, her appointment represents one in a series of recent changes in the normally unchanging tour community.

When Coy resigned in June his wife, Ruthie also resigned from her position as President of the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Then in first weeks of July several houses were added to, and removed from, the list of houses on Fall and Spring Pilgrimage.

But Colson said the addition of new houses for Pilgrimage would ultimately benefit the city.

“It helps fall and spring tours when the lineup is changed,” she said. “It gives people a chance to see houses they might not have seen before.”

As for the Coys, Colson said they will be missed.

“It was a great loss,” she said. “They were both very involved and we’ll miss their presence.”

But just how long Colson will have an opportunity to make her presence known with Natchez Pilgrimage Tours is unknown.

Colson said she does not know how long she will serve as interim manager.

“I’ll be here as long as they need me to be,” she said. “Right now I’m glad I’m able to help.”

And Slatter said the executive committee is not in any hurry to find Colson’s replacement.

“We want to take our time so we can find the best person for the job,” she said.