CHAMBER STAFF
TARA WATSON-WATKINS, IOM
President/CEO
Tara Watkins serves as President and CEO of the Lufkin Angelina County Chamber of Commerce and is the first woman to lead the organization in its history. A proud Lufkin native, she is a 2001 graduate of Texas Christian University and brings extensive experience in business, marketing, tourism, and nonprofit leadership to her role.
She began her career as a pharmaceutical representative with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Dallas and Austin before returning home in 2006 to serve as Marketing Director for Woodland Heights Medical Center. Her commitment to community advancement later led her to serve as Executive Director of the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Artistic Director of The Pines Theater, where she spent nine years strengthening tourism, advancing the arts, and building regional partnerships that benefited Angelina County and the surrounding area.
As Chamber President and CEO, Tara provides strategic leadership for a five-star accredited Chamber, guiding advocacy efforts, investor engagement, workforce development, and leadership programming. Under her direction, the Chamber remains focused on long-term relationship building, strong governance, and serving as a trusted convener for the business community. Her leadership emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and a clear connection between economic vitality and quality of life.
Tara is a graduate of Leadership Texas Class of 2012, Leadership Lufkin Class of 2017, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management, Class of 2022. She continues to give back through service on numerous boards, including Hospice in the Pines, Angelina Beautiful Clean, Angelina Arts Alliance, the Cultural District, Stubblefield Learning Center, and the Endowment Trust for the Angelina County and Cities Health District. She is also a founding board member of the Lufkin ISD Education Foundation and a sustainer in the Junior League of Lufkin.
ANGELICA BALTAZAR
Accounting Associate
Angelica Baltazar joined the Chamber in November 2025 and leads its financial operations, bringing nearly ten years of accounting experience to the organization. She manages accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal oversight, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and responsible stewardship of resources. Currently completing a degree in Business Administration and Management, she plans to transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University to continue her education. A Lufkin native and 2011 graduate of Lufkin High School, Angelica is proud to support the Chamber’s mission and the continued growth of the local business community.
AMANDA CROCKER, IOM
Director of Marketing & Communications
Amanda Crocker stepped into the role of Director of Marketing & Communications at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce in June 2023, where she leads key publications such as The Guide: Community Guide & Preferred Business Directory. She manages media relations, oversees the Chamber’s social media presence, and brings fresh, strategic ideas that advance the Chamber’s mission and support its Investors. Amanda is especially passionate about creating new avenues for sponsorship revenue and developing innovative ways to connect businesses with opportunities for growth.
Her Chamber journey began in March 2020 as Director of Membership before transitioning into the Director of Events and Engagement role. With a strong talent for relationship-building and a heart for community, she thrives on designing and executing impactful events that deliver real value for Chamber Investors.
Beyond her work at the Chamber, Amanda serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Angelina County, supporting initiatives that strengthen families and improve lives across the community. She is also a recent graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Winter Institute, earning her Institute for Organization Management (IOM) distinction.
Before making Lufkin home in 2017, Amanda spent more than 13 years as Marketing Director for a media company in Denton. During that time, she was deeply involved in the community, serving on boards including the Denton Chamber of Commerce, Denton Parks Foundation, and the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, among others.
A proud Texas Tech University graduate, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and General Business. She and her husband, Mark Crocker, are raising their two daughters, Taylor and Payton, and share their home with Jack, their beloved rescue dog.
CHELLEY FARR
Administrative Assistant
Chelley Farr joined the Chamber in April 2025 as an Administrative Assistant. With a passion for community involvement and a strong background in organizational support, Chelley plays a vital role in the Chamber’s day-to-day operations, ensuring our members, guests, and partners feel welcomed, informed, and supported.
A proud member of Leadership Lufkin Class 42, Chelley will graduate from the program in May 2025. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Lufkin, further demonstrating her dedication to community service and leadership development.
Chelley brings a fresh energy to the Chamber team, along with a commitment to excellence and a growing passion for strengthening the Lufkin community. Outside the office, she enjoys time with her two grown children, daughter Ryian and son Noah, and her two beloved rescue dogs, Case and Buck.
MACKENZIE HERRING
Director of Membership
Mackenzie Herring serves as the Membership Coordinator at the Chamber. A proud Hudson alumna, Mackenzie brings a decade of professional marketing experience, with a specialization in copywriting and comprehensive marketing strategies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013 and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at WGU. Mackenzie is eager to engage with local businesses and collaborate with both new and existing Investors at the Chamber.
COLLEEN MURRAY
Director of Events & Engagement
In June 2023, Colleen Murray stepped into the new role of Director of Events & Engagement at the Chamber. In this role, she oversees key events such as the Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting, First Friday Luncheons, and the Power Networking Breakfast, along with many other Chamber initiatives.
Colleen first joined the Chamber team in May 2021 as an Administrative Assistant. Her dedication and leadership quickly earned her the new role of Director of Membership before stepping into her current position.
A proud Texas native, Colleen holds degrees in Floral Design and Marketing, as well as Business from Angelina College. Outside the office, she embraces her green thumb as a self-proclaimed plant lady, often found tending to herbs and flowers in her garden, especially those that support the bees.
Colleen lives in Lufkin with her son, Landon, who graduated high school in 2025 and is headed to the University of Texas at San Antonio in the Fall.
MADI STOTT
Leadership Programs Coordinator
In April 2025, Madi Stott joined the Chamber as the Leadership Programs Coordinator. A proud Lufkin native and Hudson alumna, Madi is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her through leadership development and civic engagement.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University in 2023, followed by a Master of Arts in Communication in 2024. While at Texas A&M, Madi was actively involved with the Bryan/College Station community, collaborating with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and Kappa Alpha Theta to support initiatives focused on education, accessibility, and community development.
Now, back in East Texas, Madi is excited to plant roots in her hometown and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of Angelina County. Outside of the Chamber, Madi enjoys crafting, planning events, and making the most of her Texas State Parks Pass by exploring the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods!