Jennifer Shumate, with her husband Josh, three daughters, and three dogs, moved to Cooke County in the Spring of 2019 and fell in love with Gainesville and the community. In 2019, Jennifer started seeking ways to get involved and sought opportunities. She graduated from North Central Texas College in December 2021 and proudly calls herself an alumna. In January 2022, she commenced her career at the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. With over 25 years of experience in event planning, Jennifer holds a strong background in municipal civic engagement and community event planning. She currently serves as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chamber Executives, as well as a Director for United Way of Cooke County. Additionally, Jennifer is completing a three-year program through TCCE for the Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, quality time with her family, and actively volunteering in the community. She is deeply passionate about improving Cooke County and is committed to making a positive difference in Gainesville and its neighboring areas. Jennifer firmly believes in the transformative power of community engagement and is devoted to ensuring a brighter future for all residents.
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 for event planning. She continues to actively work in volunteer roles within the Valley View Chamber of Commerce, Valley View PTO, Cooke County United Way, and various other organizations. 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.
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.
Mindy was raised in Ringling, OK and is a 2010 RHS Graduate. She received her Associate degree at NCTC and moved to Durant, OK to attend SOSU where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Mindy is married to husband Nathan and they have three children. Mindy a Loan Officer at 4U Credit Union and Nathan is a firefighter for the City of Plano. She enjoys traveling with her family, volunteering in the community, and taking much needed girls trips with her friends from time to time.
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!
Megan was born and raised in Lindsay, Texas and is a 1998 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 in Business Development/Community Relations at Renaissance Care Center and Corey is a project manager at Universal Machine.
Brenda Starnes is the Vice President of Aftermarket at Safran Seats Services where she has been employed for over 30 years. She is a graduate of Pilot Point High School, attended North Central Texas College and holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Brenda has lived in Cooke County for more than 30 years and currently resides in Gainesville with her husband Steve where they are happy to call home. When not volunteering in the community, she enjoys spending time with her family or working on the ranch.
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.
Claudia was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she received her Associates Degree in Marketing and Advertisement. Claudia and her husband, Marcello, moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1989 and have been in Gainesville since 2006. Their daughter, Bruna graduated from GISD in 2012 and is in China on long term assignment. Claudia has been with WinStar World Casino & Resort since 2009 as the Sponsorship & Special Projects Manager. Claudia loves to travel and follow along her daughter’s adventures. She is excited to support the chamber, its members and the City.
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.
