Kacee Gillis might be new to the village of Callaway, but she is already making an impact.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Kacee went to college in Austin, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). She is licensed as a registered nurse, and after college went to work in Austin specializing in post-partum, labor and delivery, and the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

After doing that type of nursing for a little while Kacee made the decision to move back to Houston and work in an out-patient clinic setting where she remained for a couple of years.

“When I was living in Houston, I was kind of itching for a little bit of a change. I’m 26-years-old, and I figured if I wanted to make a change maybe now was the time to do it,” she explained.

Kacee said she discovered Callaway through visiting cousins here – Brooke and Henry Moore. “I had visited a few times and just really kind of fell in love with Callaway’s charm and the people in the community. So I thought I would just talk to the people at the hospital here and see if this was something that could work out for me,” Kacee continued. “I got a job working on the hospital side and currently work as a full-time RN at Callaway District Hospital.”

Shortly after moving to town in February of 2023, Kacee met and began dating Callaway native Garrett Hrupek. The couple quickly became inseparable and recently purchased a home together in the community. “So, it looks like I am here to stay for quite a while,” Kacee laughed.

Though she does already have a full-time job, Kacee said she heard the economic development position came open and thought that might be a good fit for her. “I love to talk to people and do things behind the scenes,” she shared. “I like to help where I can in the community and be involved as much as I can, and I saw this as a great opportunity to do that and to further Callaway. I am a young person and think we have to do more things to get young people to live in Callaway, so I talked to some people to see if that was something I might be interested in and I decided to add this to my plate as well.”

She typically works three 12-hour shifts per week at the hospital. “So, I do have some flexibility within that schedule, and during my days off I found myself just sitting around doing nothing. I felt like I could be using that time to do something beneficial.”

She started her position as the Callaway Economic Developer in May. Kacee said she is still trying to get into the swing of things. She is an employee of the Village of Callaway, and her position is overseen by the Village Board.

Kacee said when she was hired the board did not give her specific goals but rather somewhat of a broad vision of getting new businesses to town and/or expanding the current businesses. “My job is to get ideas out there to bring more life for the businesses that are here and give new people to Callaway a place to visit and live and see its beauty,” Kacee added. “I think a huge push for the economic developer’s job right now is just to find ways to make people more interested in coming here to live and work. I’m trying to find people to start some new businesses and I have different resources to help get them on their feet.”

She said she is also looking into various grants that can be used to support changes in the community without causing hardship for the people who already live here. That includes the spaces that people utilize year-round that may need improvements.

“I just want to help get people excited about bringing new people here and help get some new things that we can market for our community,” she shared. “I have to give kuddos to the people on the Village Board and community members on other boards and committees in Callaway. They care so much and work so hard to keep things going. Seeing those people work so hard for the community has inspired me to want to do the same. I feel like people come to Callaway and fall in love with it, just like I did.”

If looking for something different was her goal, Kacee definitely succeeded. She admits that Callaway and Houston are complete opposites, and that the transition has not been without its share of issues. “To go from somewhere that you can just pick up your keys at any time of day and go grocery shopping or go out to eat at a new place you’ve never been that’s only five minutes from your house, it is a lot different in Callaway,” she said. “But there’s pros and cons to both places. There is such a peacefulness to Callaway, with the people and the open, clean air. It’s so nice being here.”

Kacee gives credit to the people of the community for doing an amazing job of keeping their town alive and active. “It isn’t easy to create new ideas, especially in a town where generations have lived for a long time. Change can be difficult. But everyone here is so willing to make changes to see the community thrive, and I have already received so much support.”

Seeing young people in the community who have graduated from Callaway, went to college or trade school and earned their degree, then came back to Callaway to live and work is just a testament to how wonderful the community is, Kacee reflected. “The community and people here deserve to have a beautiful, thriving community that lasts for generations to come.”

Office hours for the economic development office will be a little sporadic due to Kacee’s work schedule at the hospital, and she encourages residents to follow the Village of Callaway Facebook page where she will post updates. The Village will host a meet and greet for Kacee on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Callaway Village Board Room. Light refreshments will be provided by the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.