Jennifer Shumate – Executive Director

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 20 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.