Chamber hires new CVB director

• Brookings native takes post at newly reorganized Convention Visitors Bureau



BROOKINGS – The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention Bureau has hired Jennifer Johnson as executive director of the newly re-organized Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Johnson, a Brookings native, joins the Chamber with a background in business development, strategic marketing and leadership.

After earning a bachelor’s in English, Johnson began her career at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn., where she directed a public relations program. From there Johnson moved to a marketing and advertising agency, where she was responsible for developing new business and community relationships.

“Throughout the search process and meetings with the search committee, we stressed the importance of hiring the right person for the job – Jennifer is that person,” said Justin Sell, SDSU athletic director and chair of the CVB Executive Director Search Committee.

“With Jennifer’s relationship-building experience and the tourism industry experience of the CVB Board, we are 100 percent confident we have a recipe for success.”

Jeff Harms, of Harms Oil Company and Chamber board of directors president, added, “Jennifer will be a key asset in building upon the foundational work that all the committee members, Chamber members and community volunteers have achieved this year.”

The first official meeting with the new director and the new CVB Board is today. Beyond introduction and formalities, the meeting will serve to set the annual goals and exceptions.

“I strongly believe the success of ‘I’ comes after the success of ‘we,’ and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the Chamber, the city, and the entire Brookings community. My door, and my ears, are open,” said Johnson.



– From the Brookings Chamber