The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce ended its months-long search for a new president and CEO this past week, tapping Jasmine Sanderfer to lead the organization after Missy Evans stepped down from her role in June.  

Sanderfer hails from Athens. She is a graduate of Athens High School and a 2011 graduate of Virginia College where she studied business.  

With a 15-year background in real estate, having held positions at the Multiple Listing Services and Association of REALTORS in Alabama and Tennessee, where she served as the Director of Government and Community Affairs. In addition, she owns her own business, JS-The Government Affairs Strategist, which offers services such as grant writing, resource development, government and community affairs and fundraising assistance.  

Board president Maegan Jones said Sanderfer was chosen from a pool of nearly 50 applicants. The board interviewed six and approved their choice Aug. 23. Her first day in the new role was Aug. 28.  

Sanderfer said she is most looking forward to collaborating with the business community to move Hartselle forward.  

Sanderfer emphasized the importance of adapting to the needs of the younger generation and fostering growth to ensure that both current and future residents have a strong desire to remain in the area. She aims to continue and build upon the work of the Chamber, supporting its members and creating a thriving business community. 

“How can we partner together so that the people here love the area and how it’s growing and also (focus on) the younger generation? We have to make sure we’re moving with time and ensure those who live here, grow up here and graduate here want to remain here,” she said.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing how she brings her skill set into this new season,” Jones said. “She is very relationship-oriented and a true servant-leader.”   

Evans, according to Jones, will stay on at the chamber part-time as a business administrator for up to 90 days to help with the transition process.  

“We’re going to let (Jasmine) take the lead on that,” Jones said. “She can take the full 90 days but if she feels ready before then I will trust her to make that decision.”  

Sanderfer said to have the transition time with Evans has been invaluable.  

Jones added she feels “very confident” in the process she and her fellow board members underwent to fill the position.  

“We hit the ground running and worked really hard to figure out a transition that would work for everybody,” she said. “It’s been a great experience to see our team work together.”  

Sanderfer will soon hire a staff to join her. Two full-time positions are currently open at the Chamber of Commerce according to Jones, a marketing coordinator and a membership coordinator.