Chamber hires new executive director
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted Thursday to hire Russellville native Nina Hollimon McNatt as the organization's new executive director.
McNatt began working in the chamber office on a temporary basis in July. Since that time, she has worked with the Franklin County Watermelon Festival and has overseen the day-to-day operations of the chamber office.
"Nina comes to us with a great deal of experience, having worked in the public and in areas where the skills she used on a daily basis will be an asset to this office and to the citizens of Franklin County," chamber of commerce president Susan Hall said.
A group of seven board of director's members representing each area of the county made up the selection committee and supervised the interview and selection process.
The committee presented McNatt's name to the board of directors Thursday. Her hiring was unanimously approved.
McNatt worked for Citizens Bank for almost 14 years in a variety of roles, many of which included working with the public.
She said that's one of the things she enjoys most about her new role.
"I love meeting the people in our county and those who come by the office wanting to know more about Franklin County," she said.
"It is amazing how many people come by looking to find out more about this area."
McNatt said she wants to build on many of the current things the chamber has in place, but her first priority will be reaching out to the 200 or so members of the chamber of commerce.
"I think it's important to meet all the chamber members and let them know that someone is here for them," she said. "I have strong contacts and relationships in all the communities in Franklin County and I want to reach out to each area and let them know that we are their chamber of commerce.
"There are many great things about Franklin County, including the people here," she said.
"We just have to all work together for the good of the community."
McNatt can be reached at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 332-1760.
