Jennifer Shumate, moved to Cooke County in the spring of 2019 with her husband, Josh, their three daughters, and three dogs. They quickly fell in love with Gainesville and the strong sense of community that makes the area so special. Shortly after arriving, Jennifer began seeking opportunities to get involved and connect with the community.
In January 2022, Jennifer began her career with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. With more than 25 years of experience in event planning, she brings a strong background in civic engagement, municipal partnerships, and community event coordination.
Jennifer completed the Advanced Chamber Management Program, a three-year professional development program through the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence. She is also currently enrolled in the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a four-year program she expects to complete in 2027.
Jennifer graduated from North Central Texas College in December 2021 and proudly calls herself an alumna. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications and Public Administration from Texas State University and hopes to graduate in the fall of 2026.
In addition to her work at the Chamber, Jennifer serves as President of the United Way of Cooke County, Secretary on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chamber Executives and serves as a Director for the North Texas Medical Center Foundation. Jennifer also serves on the Board of Directors for the newly formed Gainesville-Cooke County Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and volunteering throughout the community. She is deeply passionate about improving Cooke County and is committed to making a positive difference in Gainesville and the surrounding area. Jennifer believes strongly in the power of community engagement and works every day to help build a brighter future for local businesses and residents.
Jennifer can be reached at (940) 665-2831 or by email at jshumate@gainesvillecofc.com.
Ashley was raised in Paris, TX and graduated from Paris Junior College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree. She moved to Denton to further her education at the University of North Texas, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Advertising. During that time, she met her husband, Matt Collett, and married into the wonderful community of Valley View, which is where they currently reside and raise their three children, Aubrey, Allie, and Kobe. She loves to spend her time in the community volunteering and working on committees. Her time as a Gainesville Chamber Ambassador only strengthened her love of this community through the various opportunities the role presented. She is overjoyed for the opportunity to continue to support this community through her position.
Ava was raised in Lindsay, Tx where she attended Lindsay High School until graduating from Gainesville High School in 2023. In 2024, she became an Intern at The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and now serves as the Marketing Coordinator. She plans to continue her career in digital marketing. During her free time, Ava enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters, exploring new places, and learning new ways to help grow and support this community.
Jennifer has lived in Gainesville for the majority of her life and is a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. Jennifer is the proud mother to four daughters, one son, eight grandchildren and soon (2022) a great grandchild. Jennifer retired from banking to care for her elderly mother and in April of 2018 started her second career as the receptionist for the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville EDC.
Megan was born and raised in Lindsay Texas and is a Lindsay High School Graduate. She received her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from the University of North Texas. Megan is married to Corey and together they have three children, Dawson, Riley, and Gavin and the family continues to reside in Lindsay. Megan is a Community Liaison for 1st Texas Home Health and Corey is a project manager at Universal Machine and co owner of Rafter D Construction.
Megan also currently serves on the United Way Board. Also been an active member of the LHS Booster Club and St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Austin J. Reiter is a Lindsay native, graduate of Texas Tech University, and serves his neighbors as a Commercial Loan Officer and Vice President for First State Bank in Gainesville. Austin is married to Mackenzie Reiter who is a Student Services Manager for North Central Texas College in Gainesville, and they have three children, Scarlett, Sawyer & Olivia.
Austin currently serves on the board for the Frank Buck Zoological Society, and Knights of Columbus Council #11905. He also active with Gainesville Kiwanis Club and St. Peters Catholic Church. When Austin isn’t chasing his kids, he can be found smoking BBQ and enjoying football season.
Hi, my name is Chyna Vincent I was raised in Cooke County the majority of my life and graduated from Callisburg ISD. After graduation I completed my degree in Agricultural Media and Communications at West Texas A&M University. I have worked in the employee benefits world for the last 6 years and I am benefits broker at Clark|Adamson Insurance.
My husband, Josh and our two kids, Jax and Pearl own a show pig operation, where we raise and sell show pigs to kids who participate in FFA and 4-H.
Jennifer was raised on a dairy farm near Valley View and graduated from Valley View High School in 1994. In 2001, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in accounting from Texas Woman’s University. Jennifer and her husband, Andy, have three children: KAitlyn, Colton and Karli. She has been employed by Glenn Polk Autoplex since 2003 as their Ford and Autoplex Controller. She also serves the Polk Auto Group CFO. Andy owns a local farm and livestock operation, focusing on conservative methods. The Popp family is looking forward to the adventures ahead with the greater Gainesville area!
Chris is a native Gainesville resident and a 2002 graduate of Gainesville High School. He received a Bachelors in Technical Management from Devry University in 2006. Chris is married to fellow Gainesville native, Emily, and they have 3 children: Simon, Libby and Zoe. Chris is the Network Operations Manager for Nortex Communications where he has been nationally recognized by the NTCA rural broadband association for his efforts in broadband deployment. He is active in many community organizations including CASA, VISTO, Muenster Kiwanis and is the Chairman of the Cooke County Republican Party.
Darin is a Gainesville native who currently serves as the Director of Marketing at North Texas Medical Center, as well as the Executive Director of the NTMC Foundation. After graduating from Texas Tech University, he worked in the media for several years, serving as the Sports Editor and Managing Editor of the Gainesville Daily Register, and Sports Director at KGAF Radio. Since 2016, he has hosted Cooke County SportsTalk, a weekly show highlighting local athletes and coaches. In addition to the Chamber Board, Darin serves on the Cooke County United Way Board of Directors, and the Gainesville ISD Education Foundation Board. He is also a member of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club.
