NEWS RELEASE

Middlesboro Main Street announced the appointment of Celia Shoffner as the new executive director. Shoffner brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the Middlesboro community.

Born and raised in Middlesboro, Shoffner’s roots in tourism and hospitality run deep. Her great grandmother, also named Celia Shoffner, was a pioneering entrepreneur who owned and operated a thriving tourist home, greenhouse and service station in Middlesboro during the 1950s through the 1970s.

Shoffner’s commitment to her hometown and its development is not only a testament to her family’s legacy but also a demonstration of her passion for fostering growth and positive change within this community.

Shoffner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from the University of Kentucky, with a minor in Art and Photography. Her background, combined with a passion for volunteerism, positions her as a dynamic leader ready to take Middlesboro Main Street to new heights.

Shoffner’s expertise spans a range of essential areas, including stakeholder engagement, revitalization, philanthropy, public relations, grant writing and non-profit organizations.

Her notable contributions to various community initiatives include serving as the president of the Middlesboro Ladies Golf Association, a former board member of Middlesboro Main Street and a current board member of the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation, which is an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachia Kentucky. Additionally, she is a proud member of the National Communication Association.

Shoffner began in her new position on Dec. 18.