Chamber announces full office staffing

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture announced Tuesday, Oct. 8, that it is officially fully staffed now with four employees who are overseeing the various functions of the organization.

“We look forward to hosting a come-and-go reception now that Come and Take It has passed to introduce this team more formally to the community!” Chamber vice president Lawren Kridler said.

Susan Sankey

Susan Sankey was named interim Chamber executive director earlier this year and also is the executive director of the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) as the two entities work together to align their efforts to best serve the community.

Sankey, who grew up in the First Shot city, returned to Gonzales in June 2023 after previously serving as the vice president of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program, following her time as general manager of the Kansas State Fair, where she promoted Kansas agriculture and commerce.

A Texas A&M graduate with a background in Agricultural Education and Leadership Development, Sankey has extensive experience in leadership development, rural communities, and process improvement. She has worked for Cargill and Seaboard Foods in quality assurance and regulatory compliance and served as executive director of a rural healthcare foundation.

She is passionate about mentoring and community service, and she and her husband, Lee, have one son, Garrett, who graduated from Wichita State University this past December.

Misti King

Misti King is the new Chamber operations coordinator and brings a wealth of experience as a program developer, grant writer, and former retail business owner. Passionate about community involvement and creative problem-solving, she has spent more than 10 years developing STEAM programs and organizing unique "fun-raisers."

King describes herself as growth-minded, quick-thinking, and dedicated to making a difference. She and her husband, Nick, recently relocated to the area from Grants Pass, Ore., and she is eager to bring her innovative approach to the community.

Lexie Kridler

Lexie Kridler, a Gonzales native, is one of two new tourism coordinators for the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, specifically working with a focus on events and “agritourism.” With a background in communication studies and experience in event coordination, she previously worked with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Apartment Life in New Braunfels.

Before joining the Chamber, Lexie dedicated her career to helping students achieve their post-high school goals. Exuberant about fostering community engagement, organizing events and promoting agritourism, she is excited to give back to the community that shaped her. Lexie and her husband, Trey, have been married for eight years and have two children, Heidi and Rand.

Molly Manning

The second new tourism coordinator is Molly Manning, who was born and raised in Gonzales. Molly has previous experience at our Chamber as a student associate before graduating from GHS in 2020. She recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Creative Media Industries.

During her time at Texas Tech, she hosted her own campus radio show, created two indie documentaries, and organized a benefit concert for Lubbock Habitat for Humanity. Enthusiastic about film, music and history, Manning is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to share the unique story of Gonzales as her main focus will zone in on the upcoming bicentennial and also heritage tourism.

The Chamber also benefits from several part-time helpers who contribute to the success of the Chamber and Visitor Center, including student associate Emma Balfanz; JoLaine Schurig; Mary Ann Towns; Elise Low and Janie Massey.

“This is an exciting time for the Chamber, as we are confident that the unique talents, fresh perspectives, and shared passion of this staff will drive new initiatives and strengthen our community connections,” Lawren Kridler said. “Each of these individuals brings their own expertise and enthusiasm, and together, they form a dynamic collective dedicated to serving Gonzales and its future.

“We’re filled with optimism about the direction the Chamber is headed, and we look forward to working alongside all of you to foster continued growth and prosperity for our community. Let’s embrace the possibilities ahead and build on our shared commitment to making Gonzales a vibrant and thriving place for everyone.”