Stephanie Barnette has been named the new president and chief executive of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce.
Barnette, who starts in her role Oct. 3, was selected by the chamber’s board after past president and chief executive Jerri dePingre’ resigned in late July.
Over the past two months, the chamber board and a nine-member search committee led a rigorous search for a new president to lead its nearly 300-member organization.
“We were fortunate to have such a talented group of candidates express interest in the position,” Jeff Lee, chairman of the board said.
“Stephanie’s vision for the chamber’s future, along with her past experience, made her stand out as the right fit.”
During the search, former chairman of the board and retired Minden Medical Center CEO, George French III served as interim president.
Barnette served as the chamber’s administrative assistant for two years where she developed a strong understanding of the chamber, economic development, legislative issues and community development.
“I am honored to be chosen for this position and excited to get to work. Minden is my home, and I am passionate about seeing our community continue to prosper,” she said. “I am committed to using my prior chamber experience to help increase member value, build new partnerships and work toward continuous improvement.”
Barnette, a graduate of Minden High School and Louisiana Tech University, is married to Minden Police Sergeant Ryan Barnette and has two children, son Noah and daughter Harper.
She is a member of the Young Women’s Service Club of Minden, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Association of National Chamber of Commerce Executives.
In May she graduated from the chamber’s Leadership Webster program.
Barnette said she is looking forward to working with the board, city leaders and local business leaders to grow the chamber and promote the interests of local businesses.
