Pillars of the Community
The lives of Chamber Members intersect in this growing business community
By Kristopher Baker
The Granbury Chamber of Commerce is full of a range of diverse members. We always appreciate the chance
to turn the spotlight on a couple of them. Get to know your neighbors as we focus on some amazing people
in our area.
Jeff Pannell
Talking to Jeff Pannell, one thing becomes apparent immediately. He is a man who appreciates being a
part of a prospering community that is also supportive, welcoming and has a family feel.
“Being involved in your local community is important no matter where you live,” Pannell
said. “It’s not just about supporting businesses; it’s about building meaningful
relationships with the people who support and make your community thrive.”
Pannell was born in Fort Worth and grew up in Crowley. He later moved to the Godley/Acton area just in
time to start junior high and has been there ever since.
Pannell joined United Cooperative Services in 1998. He began his career in operations and now serves as
Vice President of Business and Community Development, where he manages key accounts and focuses on
strengthening relationships with the businesses and communities United serves.
Since United serves 14 counties, Pannell is involved with many local chambers. United has been a member
of the Granbury Chamber for over 50 years, and Pannell has been personally involved throughout the past
two decades. He has also served, and continues to serve, on boards for other local chambers.
He believes that while every Granbury Chamber event has been well-organized and enjoyable, the 2025
Granbury Gatsby Best of Business Awards stands out as his most memorable. He particularly enjoyed the
energy and celebration of local businesses.
“Granbury’s business community, and the people who support it, truly understand the value
of supporting local businesses and how it benefits the entire community, making it an exceptional place
for businesses to call home,” Pannell said. “Granbury is unique because of its close
proximity to the metroplex while still offering the charm and character of the surrounding smaller
communities.”
While Pannell believes every Granbury Chamber event is well-organized and enjoyable, the 2025 Granbury
Gatsby Best of Business Awards stands out as his most memorable. He particularly enjoyed the energy and
celebration of local businesses.
Since moving here, Pannell has become well versed in the history of the area.
“Granbury has a rich history filled with many important moments that have shaped the
community,” he said. “From the establishment of its historic town square to its development
as a hub for local businesses and tourism. Key milestones include the growth of the local business
community and the expansion of town events, which have been supported and strengthened by the Granbury
Chamber, bringing residents, visitors and businesses together.”
Pannell also sees an extremely bright future for Granbury, thanks to all the amazing amenities and
activities the area offers, including golf, music, the lake, shopping, dining and more.
“The city has consistently balanced preserving its heritage with embracing new opportunities,
creating a community that honors its past while also looking toward the future,” Pannell said.
“These strengths will fuel ongoing growth and ensure the business community continues to thrive
and develop in the years ahead.”
“Granbury has a rich history filled with many important moments that have shaped the
community.”
Sara Mitchell
As Sara Mitchell hiked along the trail along the Brazos River, she saw children canoeing, playing and
laughing. As a light breeze hit her face, she thought about how special this place was. She knew she
wanted to be a part of it. This multi-use camp offers year-round education, traditional summer camp, day
camp and specialized grief camps. This camp looked like home to her. She threw herself into her work
and, 19 years later, she is still a part of Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro.
“One of the most meaningful milestones for the Granbury area was the establishment of Camp Fire
Camp El Tesoro,” Mitchell said. “The land was originally purchased in the early 1930s, and
the camp officially opened in 1934. What began as a modest girls camp outdoor program site has grown
into a treasured community asset that has served generations of co-ed youth and families.”
Mitchell serves as the vice president of marketing and communications for Camp El Tesoro. She joined
the Granbury Area Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and has remained an active member and advertiser since
then. Some of her most memorable moments include Chamber networking events, community celebrations and
opportunities to collaborate with fellow local businesses and leaders.
Granbury has a highly supportive and welcoming business community, with strong collaboration and a
genuine spirit of partnership,” Mitchell said. “I see continued growth and expansion ahead,
with ongoing development and new opportunities for businesses.”
Working with the Chamber is important for Mitchell personally, as well as her work. Camp El Tesoro also
maintains strong partnerships within the community, including working with Granbury ISD through the
Texas Outdoor Education Program to provide educational field trips and firsthand learning experiences
for students. In addition, the camp hosts Leadership Granbury retreats, offering team building and
leadership development activities that strengthen connections among local leaders.
Camp El Tesoro hosts the broader community through events such as Camp Classic Trail Run, Rooted in
Nature: Family Outdoor Adventure Day, Open Houses and Breakfast with Santa.
“The camp’s presence has created meaningful relationships between residents, businesses,
schools and visitors,” Mitchell said. “Many families who first came to Granbury through Camp
El Tesoro have developed long-term ties to the community, reinforcing its reputation as a place where
tradition, nature and opportunity intersect.”
The meaningful interactions have been bolstered by the efforts of the Chamber.
“Being part of the Chamber is important because it fosters connection, strengthens community
relationships and supports the success of local businesses,” Mitchell said. “While I do not
live in Granbury, I deeply appreciate the strong sense of community, local pride and the welcoming
atmosphere I experience through my work in the area.”
“Granbury has a highly supportive and welcoming business community, with strong collaboration and
a genuine spirit of partnership.”
Michelle Lucero
Michelle Lucero is Texas born, Illinois raised and proud to have found her way back to what she calls
the Promised Land.
Her career path wasn’t traditional — she often jokes that she was on the “10-year
college, single mom plan” when she was unexpectedly offered a position at First National Bank of
Granbury.
“Before banking, I worked in hospitality as a bartender, where I learned how to read a room,
build trust and connect with people from all walks of life,” she said. “FNB took a chance on
what I call a bartender who talked too much, but it turns out that talking too much is a superpower when
you use it to build relationships and bring people together.”
That opportunity changed the trajectory of Lucero’s career, and nine years later, she is proud to
serve as Vice President of Marketing.
“What drew me to banking — and what keeps me here — is that community banking is
about people, not just numbers,” she said. “It’s about helping families buy homes,
supporting local businesses and investing in the future of the town you live in.”
Lucero gets to tell the story of a bank that has served Hood County since 1887, remains locally led and
is deeply committed to Granbury’s growth and success.
“My role allows me to blend strategy and creativity while highlighting the people and
organizations that make this community special,” she said.
Community involvement has always been important to Lucero. She has served on the boards of the Granbury
Education Foundation, Mission Granbury and Lake Granbury Kiwanis.
“I believe some of the most meaningful work happens behind the scenes,” she said. “If
someone needs help, I want to be one phone call away — ready to connect people, support a local
cause or jump in where I’m needed.”
Lucero also believes the Granbury Chamber plays a vital role in that spirit of collaboration.
“Chamber membership is more than networking — it’s an investment in the business
community,” she said. “It creates opportunities for connection, advocacy and shared growth.
When businesses support each other, everyone wins.”
She said Granbury offers something rare: a thriving business environment paired with genuine community
support.
“People show up for one another here,” she said. “They value local relationships and
they understand that success is stronger when it’s shared. It’s a place where you can build
a career, raise a family and truly make a difference — and I’m grateful every day to be part
of it.”
Granbury isn’t just where she works — it’s where Lucero has built her life.
“And if there’s one thing I believe, it’s this: strong communities don’t happen
by accident,” she said. “They’re built by people who show up — and I intend to
keep showing up.”
These are only a few examples of the many great Chamber members who work hard every day to make this
community all it can be. Explore more and learn about our members in the rest of the Granbury Area
Chamber Guide.
“Chamber membership is more than networking — it’s an investment in the business
community. It creates opportunities for connection, advocacy and shared growth. When businesses support
each other, everyone wins.”
