When I asked Nathan what his greatest accomplishments were he didn’t list off his schooling, his accolades, or the skills he possess that make him a great leader. He first spoke proudly about his wife Kara and their 4 kids. He calls his family a monumental calling and he attributes his greatest success in life to them. Nathan and his wife Kara first found themselves residing in Brownwood in 2015 but it wasn’t shortly after that they relocated. When I asked Nathan what brought them back to Brownwood last year he said, “Kara grew up near May and we have a little place out there. She and I have lived in lots of places both big and small, but after experiencing Covid in a city on I-35 we decided to make the move back to the ranch. We have small kids and we want them to grow up in a community like we experienced as kids. I’m sort of old-school and I like to be able to walk into a store or a bank or a business and know the person behind the desk. So it’s a special thing to be here in this community because we really have that.”
Nathan began at the Chamber in July of 2021 and he came in at a time of uncertainty following the destruction COVID had upon our economy as it all but shut down our city. He bragged on the staff at the Chamber saying they did a great job navigating the unique issues COVID set before them long before he arrived on scene. Nathan shared many goals with me but first and foremost he wants to bring the focus back to the members of the Chamber. He explained, “That means listening first. Assessing what we are doing as an organization and developing a plan to move forward. I love having that conversation because the chamber is really about increasing your voice as a business owner. We want to be the best advocate for you and help you reach success. We aren’t here to tell you how to run your business but we are here as a resource when you have questions and need support.”
Nathan further shared 2 more major goals he has in mind for the Chamber and Brown County, “Another focus is being an active advocate at the local, state and federal levels. Brown County businesses are affected negatively by federal regulatory over-reach and I want this chamber to be an advocate for a productive business climate. We are fortunate to have great state and federal representation on economic issues. However, as redistricting has shown us, we are only one county in large congressional and state districts. So as an organization we have to develop those relationships with elected officials and maintain them.
Finally, I want to reengage with the community. It is so easy to get buried under a desk and I have found that to be true. In 2022 I plan to get out and visit with our members so I can hear from them directly.”
Nathan showed his humility by once again bragging on his team telling me, “We have an effective team who complement each other and make up for my weaknesses.” He said it’s a personal goal of his to surround himself with people who are passionate about what they do and are experts in their fields, he continued “and that is the kind of team I have.”
I asked Nathan to narrow down his favorite thing about being the Director and he said, “helping Brown County grow is my favorite thing. When I leave the office after a productive day of positive impact, I feel fulfilled. I grew up in a rural community and that is where my heart will always be. In my mind, the challenges facing rural Texas have far-reaching implications for generations to come. I want my children and their children to be able to live and work in a rural community if they choose to.”
Nathan had some great advice to offer generations that want to follow in his footsteps after him. He said, “work ethic never goes out of style. In this world of Instagram icons and Tik Tok celebrities, I have a new found respect for those in the next generation who aren’t afraid to learn and work hard. Ultimately, we could all do with a little more humility and servant attitude. To me, leadership is not exclusive. Certainly, there are people who are natural leaders. But title does not equal leadership. Leadership is really about influence. Each of us has the opportunity to influence our circles and thereby be leaders in our own right.”
Nathan wrapped up by sharing with me how desperately he just wants people to see God’s love through his life, “whether I am working for the chamber, chasing cows or raising kids, I want my life to be lived in a relationship with my Lord and I want people to see Him – not me.”
I have personally seen Nathan engage in the community and use his voice to positively influence those around him. He has many qualities that make him a great leader but his humble demeanor, his focus on his family while he balances his work, and his love for rural communities like ours is what sets him apart. I am so thankful that generations to come will see the impact of people like Nathan who have a heart to serve and a plan to positively make change happen.
[Story by Miranda Windham]