Aces of Trades: Heidi Jones has a passion for promoting others
She’s a lifelong resident of Marion with a desire “to see folks reach their full potential.”
“As a kid, I had always dreamed of becoming an astronaut,” recalled Heidi Jones. “I loved school. English, science, and music were my favorite subjects. During my elementary days, I wrote a song for our retiring music teacher (Ms. Jenkins), the whole school sang it to her on her last day.”
“Growing up,” she continued, “never would I have imagined myself doing some of the incredible things that I have gotten to experience over my career. I love people and I love this community. It’s a passion of mine to see folks reach their full potential. I see the good in everyone and help them recognize those attributes within themselves. It seems that no matter the position I’ve held, I’ve always been drawn to motivating the people around me. It’s that very reason I decided to toss my hat in the ring for the Chamber president position.”
Today, Heidi J. Jones is in fact president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jones grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1993, then The University of Toledo. “I’ve only lived outside of Marion during my time at Toledo,” she said. Upon her return, she then spent years with Marion Matters.
Bring experiences to the Chamber culture
“While I absolutely loved the work I was able to do during my nearly 10-year tenure as the executive director of Marion Matters,” she said, “I found myself listening to a phrase that I often said to my staff, ‘Never turn down a chance to hear about an opportunity.’”
Jones became president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 1.
“I had no intention of applying for the role at the Chamber,” she added. “I didn’t ever see myself leaving a career I loved. But after weeks had passed, I made the decision to submit a resume. It was after the first interview that I truly saw a career move as a possibility. I saw the potential of incorporating the fundamental principles that I not only gained at Marion Matters, but also practiced daily, into the fiber of the Chamber culture.”
Natalie Longmeier succeeded Jones as executive director of Marion Matters Inc.
“Heidi and I have worked together toward community efforts for the last 8 years or more,” noted Longmeier. “Working for her and alongside her has exposed me to the passion she brings to the Marion community and her desire to see people succeed. She is a master at thinking strategically and planning for the future. Her work through the Chamber will impact this entire community from the business and economy sector to every individual person.”
“As I reflect on my life and career over the past nearly three decades,” Jones responded, “I’m so proud of how much I’ve grown personally and professionally. This community made me who I am, and I try my best to be a game changer for the next generation of leaders here in Marion.”
Marion Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 267 W. Center St., Suite 200 in Marion.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs — whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at news@marionstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Chamber president's passion for helping others achieve their potential
