Jefferson Matters: A Main Street & Chamber Community announced March 28 that interim director Beth Vander Wilt has been hired as the director.
Vander Wilt has lived in Jefferson for 36 years and taught high school Spanish until her retirement in 2018. In the summer of 2018, she worked as a tour guide at Thomas Jefferson Gardens. In 2019, Vander Wilt was hired as the office coordinator for the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce. When the Chamber merged with Jefferson Matters: Main Street in 2020, she continued to work as the office coordinator, then events and tourism coordinator and interim director.
Vander Wilt has a passion for the community and the work that JM:MS&CC is doing. “I am excited to step into the role as director. I’ve seen firsthand the progress of the newly merged organization and the energy our community has. We have an amazing board, volunteers and leaders that have a vision for growth. It is thrilling to be a part of this momentum,” Vander Wilt said.
JM:MS&CC president Jamie Daubendiek said, “Over the past years Beth has been instrumental for the success of our program as the tourism and events coordinator. We are excited for her as she transitions into the director role and know that her passion for Jefferson will shine through in all that she does. We are excited and look forward to all of the great projects ahead for Jefferson Matters: A Main Street & Chamber Community.”
Jefferson Matters: A Main Street & Chamber Community is a 501(c)3 located at 201 E. Lincoln Way in Jefferson. It’s purpose is “to support, promote, and preserve the historic downtown of Jefferson, Iowa, while contributing to the greater community’s continued vitality”.
