What is your history in Hartselle?

My family and I moved to Hartselle in 2016, just after my husband, Brian, retired from the U.S. Army. We both grew up in Alabama and met and married in Birmingham before the military took us all over.  When it was time to find our forever home, I looked everywhere from Helena to Hazel Green. I zeroed in on Hartselle because of the amazing school system and the small-town community feel. The clincher was when we visited First United Methodist Church and Ellen Bean (pianist/organist) started playing a hymn with a little jazzy twist--just like my grandmother used to do! It was truly a sign that this is the place for us. 

My oldest daughter started Hartselle High School as a freshman and graduated this year. She currently is a freshman at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. My younger daughter, Alleigh, is now a junior at HHS, and my son, Jack, is in the 2nd grade at Crestline Elementary. We absolutely love our new hometown and are happy to be involved in our community. When we moved here, I was the editorial director for a military media company that produced magazines, guides and videos for members of the military worldwide. I have since left that position and have been freelancing as a writer, editor and content creator. I have been spending my extra time volunteering with various organizations, including the Junior League of Morgan County, Morgan County Master Gardeners, Hartselle Historical Society, Crestline PTO and I currently serve as president of the Hartselle Kiwanis Club. Brain started the Civil Air Patrol program at HHS and HJHS, and serves as the commander/instructor for classes at both schools each day. He also sings in the choir at FUMC and serves as president of the Hartselle Rotary Club. I guess you could say we have immersed ourselves in our new community!

What is your history with the HACC and the Ambassador program?

Fellow ambassador Andrea Hatfield invited me to attend a TRC meeting a few years ago, and I have been involved with the chamber ever since. This is my second year as an ambassador and I have really enjoyed volunteering at events including Depot Days and the Cotton Pickin’ BBQ, some form of which I hope can return in the future. I am currently serving on the Ambassador Executive Committee, and helping to develop an updated ambassador training program. 

What are some good changes you’ve seen or experienced in Hartselle?

I have seen a lot of changes here in Hartselle just since moving here. I have been impressed with the variety of businesses that now line Main Street and are throughout our community. There are so many opportunities to see and do things right here in our own backyard--and many people may not even know about them! 

What is Hartselle’s greatest opportunity for growth?

It amazes me that so many people feel the need to travel to Decatur or elsewhere to do all their shopping when there is really so much right here. Local businesses can only be successful if they are supported, and I really try to do most of my shopping and business right here in Hartselle. Yes, there are things I miss having here in town, but the best way to bring new businesses to an area is to show how successful existing businesses can be--success breeds success! I have lived in many communities across the country, from Colorado to Washington, D.C., and have seen the right way and the wrong way to handle growth. We are on the verge of so much growth coming to the area, but our growth needs to be smart growth and not just for growth’s sake...we have the unique opportunity to direct the growth--we need to take advantage of that and guide it well.