The Quitman Development Corporation (QDC), working with members of the Quitman City Council and the Quitman Chamber of Commerce, assisted in the recent hiring of a new Executive Director of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce. They unanimously chose Megan Whitworth. The collaborative process, highlighted at the QDC’s March 9 meeting, reflects a shared focus on promoting local businesses, tourism, and community events.

Whitworth was selected after a competitive search that drew 18 applications and six interviews. One candidate withdrew shortly before the process began.

QDC Executive Director Allan Gilbert praised Whitworth’s experience in communications, marketing, and chamber operations. She previously worked at a chamber of commerce in the Lufkin area and as a newspaper editor, with additional expertise in social media, public relations, and event promotion. While Gilbert had worked with her before, he stepped aside to let the committee make the final decision.

Board members said Whitworth impressed with her preparation, reviewing the city’s website and social media ahead of interviews. She also emphasized promoting Lake Fork tourism and connecting local businesses with visitors. Her skills in photography and media production will help create professional headshots and profiles for city departments and community leaders.

Whitworth will begin part-time on March 16, with full-time duties starting April 1, including some remote work while relocating locally. She hopes to attend Chamber meetings in person starting mid-April.

The board also reviewed a development agreement with Douglas Homes Construction LLC, which is building townhouses in Quitman. Two units are completed, a third is under construction, and a fourth has prospective tenants. Gilbert explained that while the QDC is responsible for funding water and sewer taps for the units, the city initially covered the costs, creating accounting confusion.

The project requires 10 water taps and 10 sewer taps for five townhouses. The QDC had committed $23,800 for the infrastructure, with the developer repaying $4,765 per unit once each receives a certificate of occupancy. Gilbert said the issue appears to be largely a bookkeeping matter, with repayments already underway and continuing as new units are finished. The agreement also includes a November deadline for completing remaining units.

Other items included moving the next board meeting to April 20 due to scheduling conflicts, and returning Business Park Lot 4 to the QDC. The board will sign the deed, reimbursing John and Joanne Wisdom the original $1,500 purchase price. Members noted the Wisdom’s investment to prepare the land will appeal to potential buyers in the future.

President Kevan Burroughs said she is rewriting the QDC bylaws, as no electronic copy exists, and board members discussed a potential “2 plus 2” clause allowing officers to serve an initial two-year term with a two-year renewal if approved by the board. Burroughs said she will prepare the bylaws with this proposed change, and, if the board agrees to it, they will present it to the city council for approval. Burroughs also noted Mcxie Hurst is updating the Business Park plat with an overlay showing which properties have been sold.

The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session, taking no action other than adjourning upon returning to open session.