Seth Buckner, Acting President
Pastor Seth Buckner and his wife Elizabeth have been married since 2002 and have 6 beautiful children: Joshua, Jonathan, Hannah, Grace, Lily, & Phillip. Pastor Seth was raised in Kentucky, and is an avid sports fan. He graduated from Indiana Baptist College in 2001 with a ministry degree. He loves fishing and hunting and spending time with his family. He is on the Board of Directors at the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Jefferson Lions Club. The Buckners love East Texas and consider it home.
Jim Kale, Treasurer
Jim Kale is the administrator for Magnolia Place Wellness. Jim has an extensive background in marketing and finance. He recently was involved with the Kilgore Chamber and Henderson Chamber where he volunteered and promoted fundraising, membership and various outreach ministries. Jim is currently the President of the Children’s Advocacy Board for Rusk and Panola County. Jim received his MBA from LeTourneau University and received his License for Nursing Home Administrator in 2019 Jim and his family reside in Longview.
Arcolia Jenkins-Watters, Board Member
Dr. G. Arcolia Jenkins-Watters has played a vital role in the lives of the citizens of this community and others. She is on the Board of Directors for Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc.; Creating Opportunities in Marion County; and Minority Coalition for Economic Development. She founded SAIL (Summer Adventure in Learning) 15 years ago, a program targeting the youth of Jefferson. She is a retired principal, teacher, and educational specialist. Dr. Watters is the author of “From The Desk Of …” A native of Jefferson, she lives in Jefferson with her husband.
Angie Hudson
Businesswoman, owner/operator at Art on the Bayou and Made in the Shade, Jefferson, Texas. Active in the community, involved in bringing many activities to Jefferson for locals and tourists alike.
Nicole Blakely, Board Member
Originally from Plano where she managed and co-owned a photography studio, Nicole is a wife; mother of five daughters; and caretaker of her special needs sis-in-law. Honeymooned in Jefferson and often dreamed of retiring to Jefferson to open a bed and breakfast. During one of many trips, their youngest daughter fell in love with Jefferson and questioned ‘why wait’ to make Jefferson their home. They seized the moment and embraced the life they’d always envisioned. Nicole and her husband, Tommy, own and operate Benefield House Bed & Breakfast.
Margaret McMillin, Board Member
Born and raised in Oklahoma; moved to Lake O’ the Pines in 2005 from Louisiana. Spent time in Houston taking care of clients all over the world; married and moved to Hammond, Louisiana. Two sons. Founded and ran a cleaning business. In 2005, moved to Jefferson and worked for Walmart, as manager of claims. Retired in 2011. Traveled. Part-time work at Port Jefferson Outpost turned into full-time management in 2016 where she still can be found most days. Attends Mims Chapel Methodist. UMW president for two years; Sunday School teacher; choir member.
Jim Carroll, Board Member
Jim Carroll and his wife Patsy, are local Jefferson residents, along with their dog Mocha. He is retired from teaching in banking services. Carroll grew up in Diana. His hobbies include golfing and gardening. He and his wife attend Heritage Baptist Church. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Curriculum and instruction in Biology. He has served as the Biology department chair at Kilgore College.