A new executive director has been announced by two merging organizations in Jefferson.

Reegan Hanigan grew up and still lives in Churdan. She graduated from South Central Calhoun High School and then earned a bachelor degree in finance management from Iowa State University, with a minor in marketing. Hanigan is an active member of her church with St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan. She owns two businesses, including the Hanigan Company LLC and Hanigan Land & Cattle. 

Hanigan explains why she wanted to take on the new role of being the director for both the Chamber and Jefferson Matters: Main Street.

“I think there needs to be leadership in our community (and) there’s already great leaders. I think it’s time for someone young to step up, and make a difference as well, and start making an impact. When I saw the position came up I couldn’t be more excited about it, and I knew I (would) hopefully be a great fit for the community.”

Hanigan will be coordinating the activities of JMMS and its five committees, including design, organization, economic vitality, promotion and Tower View Team. She is also responsible for finding funds for projects and facilitating volunteers to help with activities and events. Hanigan describes some of her personal goals.

“I know that all of the committees have had a lot of projects that they have been wanting to get done. So I would really love to just step in and be able to contribute and see where I can find funding to help kind of make some of those things happen. (I want to) kind of fill in the holes where we’re missing and find volunteers to get involved and do whatever I can to make things run.”   

Hanigan officially took over as the executive director on July 6th. Her office is at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Education and Welcome Center in Jefferson.