Jennie Davis Stepping Down As Chamber Director

The Mills County Chamber Of Commerce is in search of a new executive director following last week’s surprise resignation of Jennie Davis, who has held the post since June 2022.

Davis announced her resignation in an email to chamber members on Thursday.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as Executive Director of the Mills County Chamber of Commerce,” Davis stated. “Serving this organization and community has been the most rewarding experience. I am so grateful for the support, collaboration, and successes we have achieved together.

“Recently, a new professional opportunity presented itself, and after careful consideration, I have decided to accept it. While this decision was not easy, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. However, my commitment to Mills County and our business community remains the same. I plan to continue being actively involved in our community and advocating for the businesses and people who make this area so special.”

In a subsequent interview with The Opinion-Tribune, Davis said in her new position, she’ll serve as marketing director for Emily Swinford’s Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Brokerage.

“Emily recently purchased the building next to Subway and has remodeled that. That will be her brokerage,” Davis said.

Davis stressed that she wasn’t looking for a new position and was surprised when Swinford, a longtime friend, reached out to her with the job offer. Davis said it was a “gut wrenching” decision to give up the chamber post, but she’s excited her new job will allow her to remain active in the Mills County business community.

“I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for the chamber and for the county. I really am going to stay involved as much as possible,” she said. “I still plan on going to all the ribbon cuttings and supporting the chamber as much as possible. I’ll just be wearing a different hat.”

Davis said she’s grateful for the support she and the chamber have received from the Mills County business community during her two-plus years as executive director.

Shortly after Davis came aboard, the chamber transitioned from being the Glenwood Area Chamber Of Commerce to the Mills County Chamber Of Commerce. Davis counts that transition as one of the chamber’s accomplishments during her tenure.

“In that short time, I feel like we’ve made a lot of accomplishments by changing the name to Mills County Chamber of Commerce, a new website, a new found focus on tourism,” she said. “I’m proud of the Droppett recycling box, the (city hall) mural, the attention on the county and of course, RAGBRAI.

“I enjoyed getting to know more people in the county. I loved collaborating with the city. I believe they’re also still committed to community betterment and I loved collaborating with local business owners - putting on events, such as the Glenwood Holiday Market.”

The chamber’s board of directors has already begun the search for Davis’ replacement. A full job listing can be found on glenwoodia.com or livemillscounty.com. Resumes may be emailed to director@glenwoodia.com.

Davis said her last official day as executive director will be Oct. 11, but she will be available to provide assistance during the transition.

“I thank the community and the members for all their support and successes that we have achieved together,” she added. “I look forward to many more.”