The Nacogdoches County Chamber 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Each generation of Chamber leaders builds upon the foundation laid by those who came before them. Their leadership helps ensure that our organization remains responsive to the needs of business, focused on opportunities for growth and committed to making Nacogdoches County a great place to live, work, play and do business. In addition to good governance, effective Chamber leadership includes the willingness to serve a purpose greater than oneself. It requires strategic thinking and the courage to make decisions that will have a lasting impact on our business community and our region.

The following are the 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board of Directors:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Board of Directors Hollie Smith, Ed.D., SFA Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship  
Chair Elect Jason Reese, PhD, SFA Nelson Rusche College of Business 
Immediate Past Chair Olivia Kiritsy, Loblolly Properties
Treasurer Caroline Garner, Nacogdoches Area United Way
Vice Chair- Public Policy Division Damon Ruckel, Ruckel Insurance & Financial Group 
Vice Chair- Membership Services Division Katie Blevins, SFA Nelson Rusche College of Business                            
Vice Chair- Community Development Division Erin Windham, Nacogdoches ISD and Nacogdoches Education Foundation
Vice Chair- Resource Development Division Chris Thomas, Motorhomes of Texas / RV Outfitters of Texas / Fiberglass of Texas

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Corey Ashley, Huntington Bank
Johnnie Beavers, Regions Bank
Joann Black, SFASU Office of the President
Henry Dekoeyer, NacSpace
Stacy Dicks, Sales Engine
Rusty Lee, Gaubert Oil
Daniel Reid, Buchanan Wealth Management
Amy Rushing, Rushing2Winders
Teresa Solis, Citizens 1^st Bank
Jennifer Sowell, NMC Health Network
Jessica Sowell, City of Nacogdoches
Denise Thompson, Etech
Robert Williams, Express Employment Professionals

CHAMBER STAFF                                                                                                   

Kelly Augustine, IOM, President/CEO       
Shari Williams, Vice President/Member Engagement              
Lexy Carpenter, Program & Event Director
Sharon Hurst, Information Coordinator                     
Missy Manning, Financial Manager
Dawson Robertson, SFA Student Intern
Robert Martin, Give 5 Volunteer