Meet Our Chamber Staff
Michelle Bundren
President/CEO
270-753-5171
michelle@mymurray.com
Michelle has over 11 years of experience in the Chamber industry combined with a background in business management. She is the first female president/CEO of our organization's 98-year history. In 2025, she joined the elite 4% of chamber executives in the country to have earned the ACCE Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation, the highest personal achievement in the industry. She also earned a 4-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this year, a prestigious recognition of excellence in chamber operations and leadership. She brought home ACCE’s 2019 National Chamber of the Year award, the highest award a chamber of commerce can receive in the industry.
Michelle is a graduate of Murray State University with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing, and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation four-year Institute of Organization Management program. In 2025, she was honored as the Kentucky Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) “Businessperson of the Year” for Region 1. She is a member of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky program and 2016 graduate of the Leadership Murray program. In 2021, she was named as Chamber Professional of the Year by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives and earned recognition as a Kentucky Accredited Chamber Executive in 2023. She is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Business Leads Fellowship Program and has participated in two additional Master Classes of the program - childcare and quality education. Michelle helped start and continues to assist leading the regional Leadership West Kentucky program as a Board Member of the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance (WKRCA).
Michelle has been married for 21 years to a fellow Murray State graduate and has three children. When it’s time to unwind, you will find her traveling, enjoying a concert or musical, singing and spending quality time with friends and family.
Jessica Morris
Director of Membership Development
270-753-5171
Jessica is a graduate of Murray State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Print Journalism with a minor in Psychology. As a seasoned administrative professional, Jess brings knowledge and a passion for building strong, engaged communities. She considers herself a dedicated life-long learner with a heart for community and a drive to connect people, ideas, and opportunities. She loves finding creative ways to build relationships, spark collaboration, and deliver value that helps members succeed.
She is currently in year two of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation four-year Institute of Organization Management program. She is married to a fellow Murray State graduate, Matthew, and has two children Madison {18, who will be a freshman at Murray State University this fall} and Liam, {14}. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, spending time with family, and reading.
Contact About:
Chamber Membership, Ribbon Cuttings, Leadership Initiative for Teachers Program, SPARK: 8th Grade Career Exploration Experience, and Chamber Ambassadors
Gwendolyn Darnell
Communications & Events Manager
270-753-5171
While not originally from Murray, Gwen is a proud Murray State University alum and quickly fell in love with the community during her time as a student. With a background in communication and sales, Gwen brings a relationship-focused approach and a passion for connecting people with opportunities. She has a strong appreciation for small businesses and marketing and enjoys helping create meaningful experiences that support both professional and personal growth for Chamber members.
Gwen is passionate about building relationships and helping strengthen the local business community through engagement, collaboration, and memorable events. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local parks, relaxing by the pool, and supporting small businesses whenever she can.
Contact About:
Chamber Events and Registration, Community Event Information and Calendar, Sponsorship and Networking Opportunities, Young Professionals of Murray, Member Minute E-newsletter, Small Business resources and support, Marketing and promotional opportunities, General Chamber information and assistance.