Hollister chamber names executive director

The Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce has selected a new executive director, Kaye Shackette, who took the the position Aug. 8.

Shackette succeeds Sarah Hammons, who left the post in mid-July to take a job as sales manager for Herschend Family Entertainment's Ride the Ducks.

"It's a very challenging position," Shackette said, noting she came started amid planning efforts for the 13th annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival, set for Sept. 24.

Shackette is a former small-business owner, having operated Forsyth-based Get Creative Consulting, which closed last year. She currently serves as an adjunct professor for College of the Ozarks and North Arkansas Community College. Before moving to the area about 14 years ago, Shackette managed a 350-unit hotel in Seattle.

Shackette is the only paid employee of the Hollister chamber, which operates largely with the help of volunteers. She declined to disclose her salary, which is, in part, paid through membership dues and sponsorships.

"We're always looking for new members and business partners," she said of the chamber. "We're always looking for new events and new ideas to create interest in our community."[[In-content Ad]]