As we begin a new fiscal year at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, I’m excited to introduce the leader who will serve as Chair of our Board of Directors: Will Dugger, Principal and Chief Financial Officer at JACOB | MARTIN.
Will has been a familiar face around the Chamber for many years, giving his time and leadership to numerous programs, councils and initiatives that have helped move Abilene forward. His commitment to this community, his thoughtful leadership and his belief in the power of relationships make him a natural fit to help guide our Chamber in the year ahead.
A graduate of Baylor University, Will spent six years on active duty as an Air Force Communications Officer before joining JACOB | MARTIN in 2003. Today, he serves as a Principal and Chief Financial Officer of the Abilene-based architecture and engineering firm. For Will, the most meaningful part of his career has been making a difference in people’s lives through the projects JACOB | MARTIN delivers for communities across Texas and through the relationships he has built along the way.
His service extends well beyond his professional career. Will has been involved with numerous community and professional organizations, including the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, Texas Midwest Community Network, Abilene Youth Sports Authority and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Will and his wife, Amy, have been married for 32 years. Their daughter Abby and her husband, Zach Koele, live in Waco and are expecting their first child, while their son John David and his wife, Olivia, live in Abilene with their one-year-old son, Callaway. John David also works alongside Will at JACOB | MARTIN.
We want our members and community partners to know the people who help lead their Chamber, so I asked Will to share a little more about himself, his involvement and why he continues to invest his time in the work of the Chamber.
Involvement with the Chamber
Will’s involvement with the Chamber spans nearly two decades and includes Leadership Abilene Class of 2008, the Abilene Business Council, Military Affairs Council, Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, and service on both the Chamber’s Full Board and Executive Board. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance for 2025–2026.
Why is it important for your business to be a part of the Chamber?
“The Chamber provides tremendous value and opportunity for its members. Our organization and our employees benefit from many of the programs, resources and content generated by the Chamber and its affiliates, but ultimately, it comes down to making connections and building relationships.
“Chamber membership isn’t simply about what we can ‘get out of’ the Chamber. It’s also about what we can give back, sharing our expertise, supporting other businesses and organizations, and finding opportunities to partner with the Chamber to make Abilene a better place to live, work and play.”
What is your favorite part about volunteering with the Chamber?
“It’s the people. I’ve lived in Abilene for a long time and feel fortunate to know so many people in our community, but I’m still meeting great people all the time. There’s something special about working alongside both old friends and new friends toward a common goal, making Abilene the best place to live, work and call home.”
Why is a successful Chamber important to the community?
“We live in a fast-paced world, and that world is changing all the time. It’s important to have an organization like the Chamber that is looking ahead and creating ‘opportunity’ for its members and our community.
“‘Opportunity’ can take many forms: supporting Dyess AFB, its mission, airmen and their families; advocating for key legislative priorities like water, energy and education; facilitating dialogue around important community issues such as housing, workforce and childcare; or positioning Abilene as a great place to visit, a vibrant community full of history, culture and activity that attracts people to our city and encourages them to spend their time and money with local businesses.
“A successful Chamber helps our community think beyond today and prepare for what comes next.”
Favorite Quote
“The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.” – Abraham Lincoln
What inspires you?
“I love a good cup of coffee, a crisp morning in the backcountry and the sound of family around the table at Thanksgiving, but what stops me in my tracks? Only this: ‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ – Romans 5:8”
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
“I’m proud of a lot of the work we’ve done at JACOB | MARTIN helping communities throughout Texas, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together as an Abilene Chamber for our community. But my greatest accomplishment? Being a husband, a father and a friend.”
Where do you work, and what is your role?
JACOB | MARTIN, where Will serves as a Principal and Chief Financial Officer.
Pets?
“We’ve had some great pets over the years, but currently, none.”
Last book you read?
If You Can Keep It by Eric Metaxas.
“I think every American should read it. We face a lot of challenges in this country, but we are incredibly blessed to live in the greatest country in the history of the world. The charge to preserve our Constitutional Republic belongs to all of us. Let me know what you think after you read it.”
Favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
“Plan a trip or a great adventure.”
Favorite place to vacation?
“That’s a hard one. According to my daughter, ‘We don’t take vacations, we take trips,’ meaning I tend to like a little, or a lot, of activity and a full itinerary. I’ve always preferred the mountains over the beach, although as I get older, I’m learning to appreciate the beauty and value of both.”
Tell us a little about your family.
Will and Amy have been married for 32 years. Their daughter, Abby, and her husband, Zach Koele, live in Waco and are expecting their first child. Their son, John David, and his wife, Olivia, live in Abilene with their one-year-old son, Callaway. John David also works alongside his dad at JACOB | MARTIN.
We’re grateful for Will’s willingness to serve and for the experience, perspective and genuine care for Abilene that he brings to this role. I look forward to working alongside him, our Board and our members as we continue creating opportunities, strengthening relationships and building an even stronger Abilene.