New JEDCO Board’s First Meeting Brings Shakeup: Resignations, Bylaw Change, and New Leadership

Photos and Video by Rita Shipp

The new JEDCO board holds its first meeting on August 19, 2025.

Full Video of Meeting

JASPER, Texas — Two resignations, a bylaw change, and the election of new officers defined the first meeting of Jasper’s newly appointed Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) board Tuesday night, setting a tone of both change and uncertainty for the organization’s future.

Who Was in the Room

Board members present included: Ronnie Sample, Jenn Miranda, Lequin Hilderbrand, Ray Charles Lewis, Bill Grant, Jessica Larkin, Terrya Norsworthy, Keith Scott, Derek Seastrunk, Tamela Parks, Tena Wright, Pam McDonough, and Nicole Colvin.

Not in attendance: Maureen Bidwell, Tressy Morgan, Charles Warren, Bill Snelson, and Chris Lanier.

Introductions highlighted a wide range of experience — from small business and education to ministry, energy, and civic service. Several spoke about uniting the board and restoring momentum to Jasper’s economic growth.

Key Changes at a Glance

Resignations

• Executive Assistant Sam Matthews resigned earlier in the day.

• JEDCO Attorney Ted Walker Jr. also stepped down.

Bylaw Change

• Membership formally amended from 17 to 18 to align with recent City Council appointments.

New Officers Elected

• President: Bill Grant

• Vice President: Terrya Norsworthy

• Treasurer: Jessica Larkin

• Secretary: Nicole Colvin

Pictured: Newly elected JEDCO board officers Bill Grant (President), Jessica Larkin (Treasurer), Terrya Norsworthy (Vice President) and Nicole Colvin (Secretary).

Major Shifts, Lingering Questions

The new board immediately faced turnover at the top, with both an executive assistant and attorney stepping down the same day. Those departures leave critical staffing gaps at a time when JEDCO is expected to guide key economic decisions.

Despite an agenda that proposed sweeping actions — including halting funds, suspending projects, and considering a forensic audit — members chose to table most items. With financial reports unavailable and legal questions still pending, the board limited its focus to correcting a bylaw violation and electing new leadership.

Members also acknowledged the need to establish a parliamentarian position moving forward, a role intended to ensure meetings remain compliant with bylaws and parliamentary procedure — a sign that smoother governance will be a priority in the months ahead.

“I don’t want the election of officers to be deemed illegal,” President Bill Grant said during the debate over amending the bylaws.

What’s Next

The new leadership team faces urgent tasks in the weeks ahead:

• Budget Deadline — JEDCO’s fiscal year ends September 30, 2025 leaving limited time to adopt a budget before October 1, 2025.

• Staffing Gaps — With both an executive assistant and attorney gone, filling those roles will be critical for stability.

• Parliamentarian Role — The board plans to designate a parliamentarian to help manage compliance and procedure at future meetings.

• Pending Action Items — Tabled issues such as funding freezes, audits, and project oversight are expected to return for discussion at upcoming meetings.

Bottom Line

Jasper’s new JEDCO board promised accountability and fresh energy, but its first meeting underscored both challenges and uncertainty. With resignations, bylaw changes, and new officers in place, the test now is whether this expanded board — with the addition of a parliamentarian — can operate effectively and deliver the stability and results the community expects.