Jean Jernigan, CAE, IOM, CMP
MSAE role: Chair Elect
1st Year of Involvement in MSAE: 1996
Professional role: President
Employer: Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce
Years in Current Position: 8
In-office, hybrid or remote: Hybrid
MSAE: Tell us a little bit about your experience working with or for associations.
JJ: I firmly believe MSAE shaped my career. As a young professional serving on the membership committee, it was my first experience understanding what the value of membership means. Being a member of an association or Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your company, your employees and your community. The work we do has lasting impact and makes a significant difference in the strength of a particular industry or overall business community.
JJ: My first job out of college included working with associations. I joined MSAE and joined the Membership Committee. It was then that I learned the impact associations can make. I was so inspired and impressed with the work and professionalism of others on the committee. Plus they all seemed to truly enjoy what they do and have fun doing it with their members.
JJ: Serving on the Board of Directors has been a lifelong career goal of mine. Timing is everything. I’m old enough – wait – experienced enough now to understand the value of giving back to the profession and also how to do it. Working with Donna Oser and the team at MSAE is simply icing on the cake because they do such an amazing job representing us.
JJ: I’ve been married to my husband Brad for 30 years. We have a son, John who is in his second year at Michigan Tech University. Clarkston is home but Auburn Hills is definitely my work home.
JJ: Traveling to the UP for sure to see my son. Walking my dog, any beach time possible, playing cards, coloring, exploring historic homes and gardens, reading books, and hanging out with family and friends for sure.
JJ: I serve on some local boards - the Downtown Development Authority and Auburn Hills Community Foundation. Statewide, I serve on the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals board. To give back, I serve on the Neighborhood House board - they serve those who need assistance to get back on their feet, food, clothing, financial support, and housing assistance.
JJ: Every association should invest in being a member of MSAE. The resources and information are invaluable. When you need to leverage support from a fellow organization, MSAE serves as an incredible resource when you need it. You can’t be an expert at everything, but if you utilize your MSAE membership, you have access to all the expertise you need.
JJ: Born to shop, forced to cook.