Paris, TN – The Paris- Henry County Chamber of Commerce has named Paris native Travis McLeese as the new Executive Director. He will assume his new position on December 1.
“The Executive Committee and the entire Board of Directors is thrilled that Travis has accepted the position as Executive Director,” said Kevin Buie, President of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “We are very fortunate to have Travis on board. With his experience and his energy, we believe Travis will grow the Chamber and help us to expand the opportunities we provide our membership to nurture and grow their businesses. We couldn’t ask for a more qualified individual to help us lead this charge. We are expecting great things from Travis.”
McLeese comes to the Chamber from Bethel University in McKenzie. He served as Associate Director for the University’s Renaissance Program for several years, overseeing all administrative responsibilities.
“Bethel is a special place to my family,” McLeese said. “It is where I graduated, met my wife, made lifelong friends, and began my professional career. I hope to find more ways to connect our community with not only Bethel, but also the surrounding educational institutions.”
A graduate of Bethel University, McLeese holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While studying at the University, he worked to bring the University and Henry County together for mutually beneficial projects. A “Go Green” entrepreneurial endeavor involving Lakewood Elementary School and Henry County, gave Sheriff Monte Belew the opportunity to teach students and inmates elements of the agricultural process. As a result of the project’s success in a national competition, the group was able to purchase a greenhouse for the Henry County Sheriff’s Department allowing Belew to offer more opportunities for the community.
McLeese is currently on the Executive Board of the Downtown Paris Association. He is involved in the Christmas Parade, Eye Full of Paris Weekend, the Downtown Ice Cream Social and Antique Car Show Fundraiser and the Brew, Blues, and BBQ Fundraiser.
“I have always been blessed to find myself surrounded by inspiring individuals,” said McLeese. “Through them I have learned integrity, developed a strong work ethic, and sharpened my focus. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work at the Chamber.”
While in High School, McLeese helped create Youth for the Arts, an organization under the umbrella of the Paris-Henry County Arts Council. The organization has raised and awarded more than $50,000 to students and teachers to support their artistic endeavors. In 2008, he received the Governor’s Star Award for Community Service acknowledging his work with the Youth for the Arts Program. That same year he was awarded a Loyal Patriot Award.
Travis is married to Jessica Montoya McLeese, who serves as the Chorus Director at Inman Middle School. The couple has two children.
For more information about the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce or to learn about membership opportunities, call us today at 731-642-3431.
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