Amberly Sanborn – Board Member

I am a lifetime resident of Cooke County. I began my career with the Texas Department of Family Protective Services Investigations.

I have recently transitioned to make CASA my career of choice and to serve as a community outreach and training specialist. With the focus on children, we are partnering with all Cooke County school districts. Our goal is to assist teachers by offering social emotional well-being curriculums that develop and strengthen our local mental health resolutions.

Teresa Sprouse – Board Member

Teresa Sprouse is a dedicated lifelong resident of Cooke County. A graduate of Gainesville High School and the University of North Texas, she is the proud mother of three grown sons: Jacob, Dylan, and Michael. Teresa has built her entire professional career with Circuit Breaker Sales, where she was appointed General Manager in 2021.

In addition to her professional achievements, Teresa has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community. While her sons were in school, she served in various leadership roles on the Lindsay Youth Supporters Board, managed the local 4-H Club for many years, and volunteered with Boy Scouts Troop 668. Teresa has also been an active member of the LHS Booster Club and St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

An accomplished 500-Hour Registered Experienced Yoga Teacher, Teresa owned and operated a yoga studio for five years and continues to teach in the Gainesville area. Her passion for personal growth is reflected in her love for lifelong learning, travel, reading, hiking, and kayaking. With a strong dedication to the future of the Gainesville Area, Teresa is eager to contribute to the community’s ongoing development and success.

Ben Hawkins – Board Member

I grew up in Gainesville and with the exception of 3 years in Lubbock (Wreck ‘Em!) I have lived and worked in and around Gainesville my whole life. I am a real estate appraiser with Merit Advisors and an agent with Tierra Real Estate. Additionally, my wife Shawna and I own The Hungry Hippo Sub Shop and Hawk RV & Boat Storage. I have served on various boards and committees in Gainesville/Cooke County and am currently on the foundation boards for NCTC and Lindsay ISD, I am head of the scholarship committee for the Cooke County Texas Tech Alumni Association, and the Gainesville Summer Sounds committee. I look forward to expanding my involvement in our great community.

Tony Avila – Board Member

I am Tony Avila, full time photographer and a 30+ year resident of Gainesville.  As a member of the Gainesville Community, I have coached community soccer leagues, I’ve been involved with the Chamber since it was at the Medal of Honor Park location, and I was President of GAVA for 5 years.  As President of GAVA, I created and organized the largest event, For The Love of Art, where we raised thousands of dollars for local students.

Many don’t know, I spent 20 years in Aerospace Quality Assurance before pursuing photography full time.

As an active Chamber Ambassador, including Ambassador of the Year and New Member of the Year, I look forward to serving the Chamber of Commerce and watching Gainesville grow and flourish even brighter than before.