Jennifer Johnson, IOM

Vice President, W.A.C.E.
Director of Local Chamber Relations, California Chamber

Background

Personal: I was born and raised in Clovis, CA in the heart of the Central Valley and have lived in both Southern California and Northern California.

Education: I earned an A.A. in liberal arts from Fresno City College and then graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Northridge with my B.A. in liberal studies and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

In 2016 I graduated from W.A.C.E Academy and in 2018 completed the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management at West Institute.

Chamber Experience: I worked for the California Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, eight of which I spent in the Local Chamber Department supporting local chamber members from both CalChamber and W.A.C.E. Most recently I returned to my hometown and served the Fresno (CA) Chamber as the communications and marketing manager.

Business Philosophy

Guiding Principles: I believe that everyone brings a unique perspective and experience to the table and should be valued and heard. I value honesty and believe in admitting mistakes and facing them head on with a solution/correction. Ask questions rather than assume you know the answers. I greatly admire leaders who run their organization as a team that shares in success and failure.

Advice to Others: Be kind. It’s easy to do and you don’t know what challenges the people you interact with are facing. The smallest act of kindness can have a huge impact.

Judgment Calls

Best Business Decision: Accepting a customer service job at CalChamber, which led me to a chamber career I could never have foreseen.

Worst Business Decision: Not speaking up with an idea or opinion.

One-Word Description of you: Kind

Confessions

Like Best About Job: Every day is a new challenge and new opportunity to help others.

Pet Peeve: Seeing others bully or single out another person.

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Robert F. Kennedy

Your No. 1 Strength: Attention to detail.

Area of Improvement: Not sweating the small stuff.

First Choice for a New Career: Something that involves traveling the world and serving others.

Predilections

Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby

Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman

Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Favorite Vacation Site: Domestic: Anywhere on the California coast. International: I had the best trip to Israel and would love to go back again.

Favorite Way to Spend Free Time: Traveling, game night and reading a good book.