Jessica Burford
President & CEO
Jessica Burford brings dynamic leadership honed through a variety of past professional roles including advocating for people with diverse needs, hospitality & tourism, and HVAC sales. Passionate about economic diversification and community prosperity, she champions initiatives driving Palisade and neighboring areas towards vibrant growth. Her multifaceted background infuses her work with creativity and a dedication to fostering thriving, inclusive environments. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boys, hiking, cooking, camping, SXS adventures, good books, and exploring local brews and wines.
Cesar Camacho
Marketing and Member Engagement Coordinator
Se Habla Español
Cesar grew up in Hotchkiss, Colorado, a small town just an hour away from Palisade. Cesar studied at Colorado Mesa University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in mass communications. During his free time Cesar loves the outdoors, and spends his time going on hikes and getting some exercise in.
Katie Godfrey
Operations Manager
Katie grew up in Cedaredge, immersing herself in Real Estate from a young age. Her journey led her to Colorado Mesa University, where she pursued a degree in Business Management with aspirations to thrive in collaborative successes with various businesses. In her leisure time, Katie finds joy in the company of her husband and two dogs, engaging in activities like desert racing, expanding her stationary collection, and horseback riding.
Our Board of Directors
Thomas Bishop
Chair
Tom Bishop began his tenure at Community Hospital in April 2014 as an urgent care staff nurse and has risen to Director of Operations for Physician Practices. His healthcare career started in 2006 as a traveling contract nurse, where he developed a passion for the diverse aspects of the industry. Before joining Community Hospital, he managed Primary Care Partners and worked as a staff nurse in the alzheimer’s and dementia long-term care unit at Family Health West. Tom, who has been in healthcare for over 18 years, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Colorado Christian University.
Born and raised in Grand Junction, Grand Valley, Tom left to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2001, returning to enjoy the small-town culture. Married for 23 years, he and his wife have two children. They relish outdoor activities, exploring wine country, and family gatherings.
Tom is committed to giving back to the community that supports him, driving his daily efforts to make a difference. His dynamic approach extends from his personal life to his professional role at Community Hospital, where he has significantly expanded service lines and overseen the recruitment of over 150 new providers in the last decade. Notably, the hospital launched a new state-of-the-art facility in 2016, began construction on a medical office and regional cancer center in 2021, and initiated a new clinic in Palisade in 2022.
Chanel Crumbaugh
Chair Elect
Chanel Crumbaugh Real Estate
Chanel has lived in the Grand Junction area for most of her life. She graduated from Grand Junction High School and received her bachelor’s in Mass Communications, Public Relations, and Advertising from Colorado Mesa University in 2012. She now owns her own real estate appraisal company and is also a real estate agent covering Mesa County.
Chanel moved to Palisade in August of 2020 with her husband Geoff and two children, Jayden and Jaycee, after spending almost every weekend in Palisade for many years. They knew this unique little town was where they wanted to raise their children and call it “Home!”
In her free time Chanel loves to go out with her family and friends to enjoy all the new and wonderful wines and beverages at local wineries and breweries in town. It’s great to relax and listen to music on a patio while also savoring the fare of one of the local eateries! You can also find her at home with her kids playing all sorts of yard games, soaking up the sun and views of Mt Garfield with her dogs and just enjoying the wonderful outdoors that Palisade has to offer.
Charles Wallis
Treasurer
Charles Wallis, born in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a dedicated professional with a diverse background and a passion for community service. Raised on the Chiloquin tribal reservation in Oregon until the age of 8, Charles has a rich and varied life experience, including studying abroad in Japan and living in Seattle. His career spans roles as a call center manager, business process development manager, janitor, cook, warehouse fulfillment specialist, program and exhibitions manager at a local arts non-profit, and now as an insurance agent. A proud member of the Orchard Mesa Lions Club, he is set to attend the International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. Charles, a lifelong learner, is excited to contribute to the Palisade business community while continuing his personal and professional growth.
Joe Talbott
Member at Large
Joe is a sixth-generation farmer deeply rooted in Palisade, CO. Growing up, he balanced farm work with academics, music, and sports, with soccer and skiing becoming lasting passions. After high school, he took a life-changing Spanish immersion trip to Nicaragua, sparking a love for travel. Later he spent six months working on a farm in South Africa, followed by travels through Austria, Germany, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, exploring Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Upon returning home, he joined his brother’s cider business, Talbott & Son’s, transitioning from cellar work to sales. After a year selling in Denver, the challenges of the pandemic led him back to Palisade, where in 2021, he and his brother Charles became managing partners of the company.
Elaine Johnson-Craig
Member at Large
Before retiring in 2022, Elaine spent nearly 30 years owning and operating the Merry Maids housecleaning franchise in Grand Junction. Prior to moving to the Western Slope, she was assistant director at the Small Business Development Center in Rock Springs, WY.
An Iowa native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. After college, Elaine had a 20-year career in communications, first as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor, followed by a stint in corporate marketing and public relations. She has served on the boards of several nonprofits, assisting with events, fundraising, communications, and community collaborations.
Elaine and her husband Dan have lived on a small acreage outside Palisade for the past 16 years with a number of rescued cats and dogs. She loves the beauty and sense of community they’ve found here and wants to assist the Chamber in its important efforts to help preserve our town’s heritage while working towards a successful, sustainable future.
Thomas Craig
Member at Large
Better Homes & Garden Real Estate | Fruit & Wine
Thomas is a dedicated local Realtor® and a proud longtime resident of Palisade. After graduating from Palisade High School in 2006, he chose to make the area his home for raising his family and contributing to the community. Originally from Grand County, Colorado, Thomas and his family moved to Palisade in 2001 to be closer to loved ones.
Before entering real estate, Thomas spent 15 years working as a mechanic in the oil industry, gaining valuable experience in Minot, ND, and Odessa, TX. When the opportunity arose, he took over his family’s long-standing local business, reflecting his commitment to preserving and enhancing Palisade’s unique charm.
Thomas is married and has two children. He is passionate about the growth and opportunities emerging in Palisade over recent years. Serving on multiple boards across the valley, he brings a wealth of outside experience, a strong work ethic, and marketing expertise to his roles. His dedication to collaboration and community development makes him a valuable addition to the Palisade Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Thomas enjoys snowmobiling on the Grand Mesa during the winter and camping with his family in the summer. He is also an enthusiastic supporter of Palisade’s vibrant local culture, from its exceptional restaurants and fruit stands to its exciting community events.
Interested in Becoming a Board Member?
Fill out the application below! Deadline to apply for the 2025/2026 term is October 31st by 12:00 p.m.