By Lindsay W. Hollar / PHOTO provided

After four and a half incredible years, it’s time for me to step away as Director of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce.

When I accepted this role, I never imagined just how much it would shape my life. Together, we grew events, strengthened community engagement, built new partnerships, celebrated local businesses, and created opportunities to showcase everything that makes Ada such a special place. Watching our community continue to grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

This chapter also brought some of the biggest moments in my personal life. I got married, welcomed our son, Carter John, and somehow learned to balance motherhood with community events. Carter attended his very first festival at just 17 days old because I was determined to make sure the event happened. Looking back, I’m not sure if that was determination, stubbornness, or both, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

More than anything, I am grateful for the people. The friendships I’ve made, the business owners, volunteers, members, and residents who became so much more than acquaintances have meant the world to me. I’m also thankful to have seen more local, state, and federal elected officials recognize Ada, visit our community, and engage with the incredible things happening here. Ada deserves that attention, and it has been rewarding to help shine a brighter spotlight on our hometown.

As difficult as it is to leave a position I truly love, this decision comes as I take on expanded leadership roles with the Ohio Gas Association and continue growing our fifth-generation family businesses, Sheldon Gas Company and R.H. Sheldon & Son in Dunkirk. Family businesses require tremendous commitment, and this is the right season for me to devote more of my time there.

While I’m stepping aside as Director, I’m not going far. I’ll continue serving on the Chamber Board, run our social media, and support Ada every chance I get.

I’m excited to see Tom Murphy step into this role and continue building on everything we’ve accomplished together. I know the Chamber is in great hands, and I can’t wait to watch what comes next.

Thank you, Ada, for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me, and allowing me to serve this amazing community. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful for the memories, friendships, and the opportunity to be a small part of Ada’s story.

Here’s to the next chapter for the Chamber and for the community I will always proudly call home.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Contacts on the Classifieds