Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce selects executive director

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

The new executive director for the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce will start his new job today, bringing with him extensive experience in managing hundreds of volunteers for large events, officials said.

Jarrod Metzgar, his wife Heather and their two children had already lived in the Marble Falls community for more than a year and a half when he applied for and earned the job.

“We did have some other great candidates who were local, but not with his experience level,” said Chamber President Taylor Smith.

Metzgar previously worked for 10 years with Extraco Events Center, formerly the Heart 'O Texas Fair Complex, where he served as vice president.

“He's got experience managing large events. They had a large event every year,” Smith said. “He was responsible for managing 450 volunteers.”

On Dec. 31, Patti Zinsemeyer ended her nearly five-year tenure with the chamber to spend more time traveling and with family. She started as tourism director and eventually served as the executive director before departing.

She worked for the Llano Chamber of Commerce, prior to her stint with the local chamber.

Officials said Metzgar's knowledge and adaptability elevated him to top of the list of candidates.

“It was apparent immediately that he fit in with the culture and what we were shooting for,” Smith said.

Metzgar's wife Heather works as the director of secondary education at Marble Falls Independent School District.