The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Tosha Jackson as the new Executive Director for the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately. The selection was made after a local and regional search for the right candidate.
“Tosha brings the unique set of skills and experience to the Chamber that we were looking for. She also has a solid understanding of our mission and programs that will allow her to hit the ground running. We are confident that she will make a smooth transition into this role and will continue to raise the bar.” Chamber Board President Matt Nolker
Jackson’s experience goes back nearly 15 years, when she began working in public relations for a college campus where she was a part of a major capital campaign to raise money for the restoration of historic buildings on the campus. Following graduation from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with her Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design, she worked at a small marketing agency as their sole designer. This role allowed her to develop her passion for small business and historic areas through her work with the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Association, the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, as well as numerous start-ups, small businesses and angel investor groups. During her time in Lee’s Summit, Tosha was highly involved with the Chamber Young Professionals, chairing their communication efforts and serving on numerous event committees. She also served as the marketing director for a local non-profit.
In 2009, Tosha began her most valuable experience as an entrepreneur with the formation of GRFX Creative and TYPOGRFX. Then she and her family relocated to Lawson, MO in the fall 2010, where she immediately delved into involvement with the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Excelsior Partnership. Tosha was selected to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2013 and was named “Chamber Member of the Year” the following year, due in part to her work in creating the Educate 2 Cultivate professional development series.
With her Board position up in 2016, outgoing Executive Director Courtney Cole hired Tosha in January to serve as the Creative Director for the Chamber. Tosha’s accomplishments in this new role include creating the very successful Chamber Trolley Wine Tours and the complete redesign of the Chamber office.
Following the announcement of Courtney’s resignation, and after an extensive search for a replacement, Tosha was chosen to fill the new role as Executive Director. “For the past year, I have worked with Tosha on the efforts we have been building here at the Chamber. I feel good about leaving the organization in the hands of someone who has the experience we need to lead,” outgoing Director Courtney states.
“I couldn’t be more honored for this new opportunity! I look forward to serving the business community and citizens of Excelsior Springs and the surrounding area. I will continue the forward momentum that Courtney created, and I am eager to bring in some new ideas, too,” Tosha states.