“We received a total of six applications for the five new appointments,” said Chuck Wooten, county manager. “All the applications were people recommended either by the TDA or the chambers of commerce.”

The new members are Henry Hoche of Innisfree Bed and Breakfast, representing lodging in south Jackson with 25 or fewer rooms; Sara Jennings of Lonesome Valley, representing retail and tourism in south Jackson; Ken Taft of Landmark Realty and Vacation Rentals, representing lodging with 25 or fewer rooms in south Jackson; Joey Laughridge of Bear Lake Reserve, representing lodging with 25 or more rooms in north Jackson and Kelly Custer of Current Medical Services, representing retail and tourism in north Jackson. 

None of the board members that the new appointees replaced — Debra Watson, Bob Dews, Brien Peterkin, Julie Stockton and Mickey Luker — had reapplied for their seats. The seat that Custer now holds was the only one to receive a second application. 

Current members Mary Lanning of Hampton Inn & Suites, Robert Jumper of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jim Hartbarger of Jarrett House were all reappointed, and Jumper reclaimed his role as board chairman. 

“Robert Jumper has served in that capacity for a year and has done an exemplary job of that,” Commissioner Vicki Greene said before nominating him for the role. 

The terms become effective immediately and extend through December 2017 with the exception of Taft and Custer, who are filling unexpired terms for retiring board members. Taft’s term will end in December 2016 and Custer’s in December 2015. 

Sitting board members with terms expiring in December 2015 are Clifford Meads of High Hampton Inn, Ken Fernandez of the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce and Vick Patel of Best Western Inn. Current board members with terms expiring in December 2016 are Ashley Iglesias of Wyndham, Merrily Teasley of Balsam Mountain Inn, Cherie Bowers of Smoky Mountain Getaways Inc. and Alex Bell of AB Fly Fishing Guide Service.