By Bonnie Culverhouse
Members of Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors say they are very happy to welcome back Stephanie Barnette as president/CEO.
“It is with great excitement that we announce we have hired our next president,” said board Chairman Logan McConathy. “After interviewing applicants and executive board discussion, we have decided on Stephanie Barnette to be our next board president. As many of you know, Stephanie is a past board president before she left to pursue a career in education. We are excited to have her back.”
Barnette replaces Jana Morgan, who resigned last month. Morgan had replaced Barnette in early 2020 when Barnette left the chamber office to teach fourth grade. From there, she worked in marketing at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.
Barnette said that during her time away from the chamber, her passion and love for the community grew stronger.
“I am looking forward to hitting the ground running and continuing where we left off,” Barnette said. “I’ve been able to tell the story for the college through the marketing aspect and now I’m looking forward to going back to the chamber to tell the stories for our local business community.”
McConathy thanked his board of directors for their great work, and Barnette agreed the group has their collective fingers on the pulse of the business community.
She said her goals include strengthening the chamber’s relationship with the business community and community partners.
“We’re going to work together to continue building the mission of the chamber, which is to create the best business climate in Louisiana,” she said. “There are some exciting things in store for the remainder of the year. It’s a good time to be involved with the Minden chamber.”
Barnette began her chamber career as the assistant to the president/CEO in 2013. She took over as president/CEO in 2016.
Her first day back in the chamber saddle will be July 18.
