Jennifer Wesselhoff to take Position in Park City Utah
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
August 21, 2020
It has been an emotional week.
Since I announced last Friday that I would be taking on a new position as President/CEO of the Park City, Utah Chamber of Commerce|Convention & Visitors Bureau, I have felt and encountered the broadest range of emotions I have ever experienced.
I am deeply touched that so many people tell me they will miss my friendship and my leadership. It is humbling, too, since I always felt that it is me who relied on their friendship, not the other way around, especially in tough times. I also know that the leadership I have shown over the years has only been possible with the advice, encouragement, and support of my friends and colleagues.
People have called, emailed, even stopped me at the grocery store to share stories of how we have grown, managed change, handled crises, fought for Sedona, celebrated victories and regrouped in defeat. The week has been like an extended family reunion with lots of stories and shared experiences. We’ve been through so much together.
I will miss you all.
People have asked me, why leave? Like so many things in life, it comes down to timing and opportunity.
When Park City’s recruiters contacted me, I was not looking for another opportunity. Sedona had my undivided attention, as has been true for the 13 years I have served as Chamber President /CEO.
But of all places, Park City has been among my most-admired for years. I love the area’s beauty and its people, so energetic and full of optimism. I have a close colleague in retiring Park City Chamber/Bureau CEO Bill Malone. We have worked together for years. He was positive Park City and I were a good match. I listened.
As I became a serious candidate, I noted with pride that Sedona is positioned to move forward, with or without me. Our tourism policy is now clearly defined in the Sustainable Tourism Plan. This summer’s Fly Friendly agreement and completed Uptown SIM project prove our commitment to making it happen. The Chamber and the City Council are more collaborative than ever in setting annual goals and budgets. We have an excellent Chamber staff and a strong Board of Directors. I am convinced the right management and policy pieces are in place.
Personally, perhaps there was a part of me asking – what is next? We all seek professional and personal growth. In that sense, a new challenge appealed to me. Soon the deal was done, and I have notified the Board that my last day will be October 9.
I have learned so much since I started at the Chamber as a staffer in 2001. I learned that the many who touched my life became family and parting will be painful; that the slings and arrows that come with leadership helped me understand others while sharpening my ability to advocate with conviction; that finding solutions made me more empathetic and broadened my view; that common ground is critical to success and that generally; that patience is essential, and that everyone deserves personal kindness.
I will carry these lessons and the people who taught them in my heart forever.
My husband Rick and I plan to stay connected to Sedona and eventually call Sedona home again at some time in the future. That means Rick’s transition to Utah will be slower than mine as he stays active in his profession. Over time, we are determined to keep our Sedona relationships as strong and meaningful as ever.
I have no doubt Sedona will achieve greatness in all we aspire to accomplish. It will always exert its magical attraction. So, we won’t say goodbye, just farewell for now, to the Most Beautiful Place, and the Most Beautiful People, on Earth.
–Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO
