Darralyn: I am an avid gardener & horticulturist. I love live music & plays. My Kindle goes everywhere with me too because I love to read. Sheryl: I am a photographer, I enjoy scrapbooking & I love to cook. What inspired you to want to be a part of the Chamber / CVB?
Cindy: I started my career in my hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in September 1980. Within one week of accepting the “job”, I knew that this line of work would become my career. It is what I was meant to do. My need for serving others is fulfilled through the Chamber of Commerce and my involvement in a community. Darralyn: I bring a lengthy family history as well as a deep love for Kilgore and the east Texas region to my new role as Director of Tourism. Both sets of grandparents, their extended families and of course my own parents have been in Kilgore since the early ‘30’s. To paraphrase the saying, I may have left Texas for a while, but I got back just as fast as I could! Sheryl: I consider myself a “people-person.” I don’t meet strangers, I meet new friends. When the job became available for the Office Manager, it seemed a perfect fit. I would estimate that 90% of my day-to-day is interaction with people in the community, whether through businesses or just walk-in visitors. Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to become the person you are today?
Cindy: My momma and a board. Darralyn: Dr. Bill Holda, President of Kilgore College & Dr.
Gerald Stanglin, VP of Instruction at Kilgore College. They taught me about integrity and a passion for learning. Sheryl: My father is my inspiration. He raised me, and had to struggle sometimes to do so. What I learned from him cannot be learned from a book. He taught me to be selfless and forgiving and to never give up. I am so grateful that God made him my Dad. What are your first year goals?
Cindy: To meet as many people as possible and build relationships. To re-establish a tourism program and increase visitors to Kilgore. Establish member programs – network events, business opportunities, member services. Create an avenue to better promote our member companies. Darralyn: My goals for the coming year include building relationships with business owners, expanding the Chamber’s role in local tourism, by taking advantage of the wealth of historical, cultural, social and educational events to promote Kilgore. Sheryl: Experience. I say that, not because I am in-experienced,
but because with each new event or project, I learn new ideas or more efficient ways to handle situations. Favorite quote, motto or verse:
Cindy: CARPE DIEM! (Seize the Day!) Darralyn: People may forget what you say, but they never
forget how you make them feel. Sheryl: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13. What are your personal / Civic Achievements:
Cindy: 32 years of experience as a Chamber Professional. Experience range: Community Development, Member Development and programming, Executive Director/President. Graduate of Institute for Organization Management, SMUDallas, Texas, Certified Chamber Manager – 2002, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives – Named Executive of the Year 2002, Awarded Outstanding Website Design – Grove OK Chamber by Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, Awarded New Event of the Year – Miami OK Chamber by Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. Darralyn: I served two years as Co-President of Kilgore College Employees Association & two years as Stephen F. Austin Ag Ambassador. Sheryl: My involvement at church is very important to me. I am part of our Women’s Ministry leadership team, and help with event promotions. I am also on the Missions Committee, helping to better serve our missionary families (and individuals) serving in the field. What do you love most about Kilgore and the community?
Cindy: I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be a
part of Kilgore, Texas. It is a well-rounded community and I have found the people to be extremely friendly and warm. Honestly it reminds me very much of my hometown with a rich history and a great local flavor. Darralyn: I love being able to walk into a local store and being greeted by name. Just like in “Cheers” you want to go where everyone knows your name. Sheryl: There is such a feeling of “home” here in Kilgore. I love running in to someone you know at the grocery store, or seeing one of my daughters’ friends from school at the park. It is the little things that help you feel established and connected in your community.