PRESIDENT

Pastor Seth Buckner and his wife Elizabeth have been married since 2002 and have 6 beautiful children: Joshua, Jonathan, Hannah, Grace, Lily, & Phillip. Pastor Seth was raised in Kentucky, and is an avid sports fan. He graduated from Indiana Baptist College in 2001 with a ministry degree. He loves fishing and hunting and spending time with his family. He is on the Board of Directors at the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Jefferson Lions Club. The Buckners love East Texas and consider it home.

VICE PRESIDENT

Ken and his wife, Theresa opened The Lazy Draft Western Store after Ken retired from a career in Law Enforcement in 2020. Ken and Theresa have one son, Joshua, who owns Caddo Cove Gift Shop. Ken graduated from Sacramento State University in 2001 where he studied Business Administration and Communication Studies. He enjoys volunteering in the community and has held many roles, including serving on the boards of directors for a horse rescue organization and a historical museum.

TREASURER

Jim Kale is the administrator for Magnolia Place Wellness. Jim has an extensive background in marketing and finance. He recently was involved with the Kilgore Chamber and Henderson Chamber where he volunteered and promoted fundraising, membership and various outreach ministries. Jim is currently the President of the Children’s Advocacy Board for Rusk and Panola County. Jim received his MBA from LeTourneau University and received his License for Nursing Home Administrator in 2019 Jim and his family reside in Longview.

BOARD MEMBER

Angie is a Jefferson, Texas businesswoman and owner/operator of Made in the Shade, affectionately known as “Jefferson’s hippie shop.” Deeply involved in the community, she is known for bringing creative and engaging activities to Jefferson for both locals and visitors. Angie is also the founder of the Shady Lady Witches of Jefferson, a popular performance that raises money for Shriners Children’s Hospital.

BOARD MEMBER

Christy Burleson, owner of Burleson Insurance, is passionate about serving families and businesses in Jefferson. A lifelong East Texan, wife, mom, grandmother, and dog lover, she enjoys boating, traveling, and community involvement. Christy is honored to serve on the Chamber board to support local growth and connection.

BOARD MEMBER

Kristi Bullock is the owner and operator of The Hive in Jefferson, Texas. She has a deep passion for excellent coffee, delicious food, and serving the people in our community. When you can’t find her at the coffee bar, Kristi can be found with a good book and her dog, Mishka.

BOARD MEMBER

Born and raised in Oklahoma, moved to Lake O’ the Pines in 2005 from Louisiana. Spent time in Houston taking care of clients all over the world; married and moved to Hammond, Louisiana. Two sons. Founded and ran a cleaning business. In 2005, moved to Jefferson and worked for Walmart, as manager of claims. Retired in 2011. Traveled. Part-time work at Port Jefferson Outpost turned into full-time management in 2016. Attends Mims Chapel Methodist. UMW president for two years; Sunday School teacher; choir member.

BOARD MEMBER

Marine Corps veteran, data expert, and lifelong learner. From piloting helicopters to executive roles at USAA, Southwest Airlines and Northwestern Mutual, he brings leadership and heart. Now in East Texas with his wife of 27 years, he enjoys family, travel, fishing and woodworking.

BOARD MEMBER

Originally from Plano where she managed and co-owned a photography studio, Nicole is a wife; mother of five daughters; and caretaker of her special needs sis-in-law. Honeymooned in Jefferson and often dreamed of retiring to Jefferson to open a bed and breakfast. During one of many trips, their youngest daughter fell in love with Jefferson and questioned ‘why wait’ to make Jefferson their home. They seized the moment and embraced the life they’d always envisioned. Nicole and her husband, Tommy, own and operate Benefield House Bed & Breakfast.

SECRETARY / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ellen brings a background in operations, compliance, and organizational development for large companies, entrepreneurial organizations, and nonprofits to the Chamber. Striving always to make a difference, she works to strategically build bridges and connect like-minded businesspeople. Always up for a challenge, she and her husband last year bought the Blackburn’s Outlet Store and renamed it Lurline’s on Lafayette. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling.

ADMINISTRATOR

Maggie is a local artist and the owner of Maggie Hellie Arts. She studied art at Missouri State University in 2016 before moving to Jefferson, where she and her husband, Travis, are raising their son. With a strong creative background, Maggie brings a genuine love for Jefferson, a commitment to excellence, and pride in a job well done. She hopes to use her creativity and dedication to support and strengthen Jefferson’s Chamber of Commerce.