By Caleigh Byrer

Staff Writer

The Syracuse Wawasee Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that as of Aug. 1, Staci York has taken over the executive director position in hopes that she can provide innovative solutions and encourage growth in local businesses.

Thus far, York has most enjoyed being involved with the community and working directly with business owners. She plans to capitalize on this sense of community by facilitating workshops and educational opportunities that will allow local businesses to network and take advantage of available resources.

York is primarily looking forward to applying her extensive knowledge of budgeting and social media management to benefit the chamber’s operations. When asked about what her prior experience may offer the chamber in terms of future advancements, York stated, “My goal through my previous role as a social media manager was always to build a strong community that would extend from the online world into the real world, which is among one of the many things I hope to do through my work at the chamber.”

York is a 26-year-old Syracuse local; many may know her as the girl who swam across Lake Wawasee in 2012 when she was only 16 years old, which is still an impressive feat today. Her parents still own and live in York’s childhood home in the Wawasee school district, where she was home-schooled.

York continued her education and graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois with a degree in environmental science. York particularly enjoys going to the gym to lift weights as she values her physical health and wellness very much. She is also still very passionate about the environment, likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible and has many plants at home that she cares for. If you do not see her at the gym, you will definitely find her outside somewhere taking in her surroundings and enjoying the beauty of nature.

York married her husband, Brandon York, in June 2021. Her husband shares her love for nature, so they often go on walks, bike rides, hikes and other outdoor adventures together. York is a very driven, compassionate and community-focused individual.

She believes in big dreams, whether they are her own or someone else’s, and she is willing to work hard or provide support to ensure they become a reality. York has overcome adversity in her life by taking a step back and remembering to look at the grand scheme of things. York believes that her bigger-picture mindset has been a staple in her personal and professional success, and as someone who loves to see others succeed, she will always encourage others to do the same.

York believes her most noticeable trait is her smile, so if you see her out and about with a big smile on her face, be sure to give her a warm welcome.