Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - Jeffery Garrett was appointed Thursday as executive director of the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber board contracted Garrett as consultant and acting executive director in June. Before the chamber's contract, Garrett served as director of development of Manchester's local Education for Conflict Resolution Inc.
The chamber's board chair, Laura Rager, recognized Garrett's leadership as an important part of their recent success. He revived their monthly newsletter and aided in increased media visibility.
"We believe he brings many good assets to the position and will help the chamber continue to grow in the future," said Rager.
Garrett has been involved with nonprofit organizations for 20 years, volunteering since the 1980s and having a paid position for eight years. In the nonprofit arena, Garrett also owned a consulting business providing services like development, fund raising and volunteer recruitment and retention to nonprofit organizations.
While living in Washington, D.C., Garrett lobbied for Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays, a member organization offering support, education and advocacy to parents and friends of gay and lesbian family members.
Before his career change, Garrett worked for 18 years in corporate sales and marketing in Texas and Washington, D.C. He called his shift out of corporate America and into the nonprofit world "the American dream in reverse."
Garrett had always lived in a big city and decided to move to North Manchester to live somewhere different.
"I feel like I am in my element," said Garrett.
Garrett serves on the board of directors of One World Handcrafts in North Manchester. He is also an active member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren.
