​James Nickerson is a valued ambassador for the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Known for his tall, stoic presence and dry sense of humor, he makes a strong impression at ribbon-cutting events and community gatherings. One of his fun, standout qualities is his knack for cracking jokes with a straight face; however, it’s his dedication to helping veterans that truly sets him apart.
James’s passion lies in helping veterans. A retired Master Sergeant, he served over 21 years in the U.S. Army, including 13 deployments. He was part of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the Army’s only special operations aviation unit, where he honed his skills in a high-pressure environment. After retiring, he turned his focus to helping veterans transition to civilian life.
Today, James works as a Veteran Employer Liaison with the Texas Veterans Commission. Based at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas in Temple, he connects veterans with employers by organizing job fairs and creating hiring programs. He uses innovative approaches and clear communication to ensure veterans find opportunities that match their skills. His work supports the Texas Veterans Commission’s mission to give veterans the respect and opportunities they have earned.
Outside of work, James is a devoted husband and father. He has been married to his wife, Guadalupe, for nine years, and they have two children. When he’s not helping veterans or attending Chamber events, he enjoys going to Houston Texans football games, hitting the gym, and hog hunting.
James’s quiet, commanding demeanor and steadfast dedication speak volumes about his commitment to the community and its members, while also keeping his fellow Ambassadors entertained and on their toes.
James Nickerson’s dedication to both veterans and the Temple community makes him a true asset. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to service inspire those around him and highlight the impact one person can have when they focus on making a difference.

​​The Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight Ashton Koontz, one of our dedicated and cherished Ambassadors. Ashton is a joy to be around, with her ever-present smile, bubbly personality, and a warmth that instantly lights up any room. She’s known for her curly hair and infectious laugh, and whether it’s a weekday event or an early Saturday morning, Ashton is always there, capturing moments and contributing to the community she holds dear.
 
From her very first Chamber event, she fit right in, instantly connecting with others and making everyone feel at ease with her sense of humor. She is never one to shy away from getting involved and often finds herself in the middle of the action, helping ensure things run smoothly. Her positive energy and natural friendliness bring a unique spark to every event she attends.
 
Ashton’s background in banking has been a significant asset to her Ambassador role. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, she’s worked for both large and small banks, currently bringing her expertise to Horizon Bank. Her professional journey is grounded in her degree in Communication Studies from Texas Tech University, which she earned in 2010. This background shines through as she engages effortlessly with community members, clients, and Chamber members alike.
 
When she’s not at Chamber events or working, Ashton enjoys life on her two-acre property with her husband and three stepchildren. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in gardening, hiking, and kayaking. Right now, Ashton and her family are embarking on an incredible adventure: building their dream home themselves, with no contractors or builders. This ambitious project is a testament to her hardworking and can-do spirit. In the meantime, she’s living with her family in a cozy 450 sq. ft. tiny house, making every day an exciting chapter in their story.
 
Ashton’s dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of our Ambassador team. She embodies the spirit of community and service, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, and welcome new faces. We’re grateful for Ashton and everything she brings to the Temple Chamber of Commerce. She’s not just an Ambassador—she’s family.

​Kevin Thomas didn’t initially plan on becoming an Ambassador for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, but his natural dedication to the community made it a perfect fit. After joining the Chamber, Kevin quickly stood out. He regularly stopped by the office, becoming a familiar face to both the staff and fellow members. Kevin also started attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies—not as an official Ambassador, but as a supportive member and experienced financial professional.
Before long, Kevin became a dependable presence at these events, consistently showing up with enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute. His participation and leadership made it clear that he was an ideal candidate for an official Ambassador role. Since taking on this responsibility, Kevin has continued to bring his positive attitude and professionalism to every Chamber event.
Despite having a busy schedule, Kevin has always found time to serve the Chamber and its members. He works full-time as a financial professional at Equitable Advisors, where he’s been for the past five years. With 13 years of experience in the financial industry, Kevin provides valuable expertise to his clients. In addition to his work with the Temple Chamber, he is also active in two other local chambers.
Even though Kevin lives in Killeen, he regularly makes the drive to Temple, often arriving just in time to lend a helping hand at Chamber events. His dedication to supporting the Chamber’s members has made him a reliable and valued figure within the community. Kevin’s bright smile, infectious laugh, and professional demeanor bring warmth to every event, making him a welcome and trusted presence.
A Navy veteran who previously worked on rescue helicopters, Kevin’s passion for helping others extends into his work and community involvement. When not meeting with clients or attending Chamber events, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife of 12 years and their two children, ages 9 and 6.
Kevin Thomas is a true asset to the Temple Chamber of Commerce. His unwavering commitment to the community, positive energy, and ability to balance work and family make him an invaluable part of the Chamber family. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and look forward to many more years of his support.