Julia Stafford and Courtney Kubesch assumed the positions of development and marketing manager and business manager, respectively, at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum this November. They are stepping into former executive director Sharon Weber’s tall cowgirl boots.
With their strong family heritage and solid hometown upbring- ing, Stafford and Kubesch have confidently returned to Cuero. They bring extensive college education, valuable work experience, and insights gained from their time in the big city. Both women sought a supportive and loving community to raise their children.
“The sense of community is so strong, and we have been able to connect with a lot of other families who care about the same things,” Stafford said.
Stafford moved to Cuero a little over two years ago with her husband, Wade Stafford, and two children, Josie and August, from the Fort Worth area. Raised in Baytown, she has fond memories of visiting Cuero growing up.
“I grew up coming to Cuero and Hochheim to visit my mother’s parents and my father’s parents,” she recalled.
Julia Stafford brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her position. “My professional background was in community relations in general. I have worked for nonprofits before…for city government…and a large corporation,” Stafford said.
Courtney Kubesch is a Cuero native and echoed similar sentiments as Stafford.
“We moved back to Cuero about five years ago with our four kids. Just looking to get closer to family. Back to small schools. Shared values,” Kubesch said.
“I grew up here in Cuero and graduated from Cuero High School. My husband and I both did. …I went to Texas A&M,”she said.
She received a degree in finance, moved to Houston, and entered a twenty-one year career in corporate oil and gas banking.
Kubesch’s volleyball and basketball photos are highlights in the Cuero Record. Additionally, she serves as school board member and treasurer for the Cuero All Sports Booster Club.
Regarding her goals for the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Stafford has clear objectives in mind.
“The expansion project with the museum is most certainly one of our biggest goals…add more programming and more consistent exhibits,” she said.
“Having a new interesting exhibit that for people who have come to the museum many times (to) have a reason to come again…to draw visitors from other areas,” Stafford said.
