Officers & Board of Directors

Jessi Parker is proud to call Emporia home. Her family relocated to the area in the 1980s to work at IBP, and she was raised on Lockerman Road along the Lyon and Chase County line. She attended Chase County Schools and spent much of her childhood on the campus of Emporia State University, where her mom and stepdad both worked and eventually retired. 

Jessi began her radio career at Kiss 103.1 in Emporia in 2009. Her career later took her to Chanute, Wichita with iHeartRadio, and Oklahoma City, where she worked for Tyler Media, a 10-station radio group. After becoming a grandmother, she and her husband knew it was time to return to their roots. She came back to Emporia and to Kiss 103.1, where her broadcasting journey began, and now serves as Sales and Operations Manager for Murfin Media’s Emporia radio stations. 

With more than 17 years in the radio industry, Jessi has built lasting relationships throughout Kansas and Oklahoma while helping businesses grow through strategic marketing and community engagement. She believes local radio is about more than advertising—it’s about connecting people, strengthening local businesses, and supporting the communities they serve. 

As a member of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Jessi is committed to using her experience, leadership, and passion for community to help local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and develop programs that contribute to the continued growth and success of Emporia. 

Tyler Pettigrew serves as General Counsel for Emporia State University, where he advises on legal, compliance, risk management, and governance matters. In his role, Tyler works closely with university leadership on issues involving policy development, contracts, public governance, emergency management, and institutional compliance. 

Tyler is committed to supporting the growth and long-term vitality of the Emporia area. As a member of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, he is focused on strong governance, responsible stewardship, member engagement, and collaboration among local businesses, community partners, and public institutions. 

Tyler brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to the Board and is dedicated to helping ensure the Chamber remains a strong advocate for Emporia’s business community. 

Dr. Aaron Watters, MD is the founder of Liberty MD, a direct primary care practice in Emporia, Kansas. With more than three decades of experience in family medicine, emergency medicine, hospital leadership, and rural healthcare, he is passionate about improving access to personalized, patient-centered care while strengthening the communities he serves.  

Dr. Watters is honored to serve on the Emporia Area Chamber & Visit Emporia Board of Directors and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the Emporia community. 

Steven Bazan serves as Chair of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and is the Executive Director of Strategy & Business Development at Newman Regional Health. He joined Newman Regional Health in 2022 after a career in public education that included 19 years in the field and 16 years as a school administrator, with five of those years in Emporia and additional experience in the Dallas area. Steven previously served as principal of Emporia Middle School before transitioning into healthcare administration.  

Steven grew up in Texas and later moved to Emporia with his family in 2017. His professional background includes leadership roles in education and healthcare, two sectors that are closely connected to workforce, family life, and community development. In his role with the Chamber, he supports the organization’s work to strengthen economic vitality, advocate for business, foster connections, and advance a vibrant community in the Emporia area.