Tag Archives: jan harrison

Poulsbo chamber names new director

MAbshireThe Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce announced its next director of operations this week.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Abshire will succeed Jan Harrison, who announced her plans to step down earlier this fall. Abshire will begin his duties Nov. 3, according to a chamber news release.

Abshire has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, marketing, corporate communications, public relations, and operations. He has also worked extensively as a speech writer and coach.

Abshire grew up on the Olympic Peninsula. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s from the University of Colorado.

“The Board is thrilled to have found a candidate who has his breadth of experience in business, marketing, communications, and team operations,” chamber President Jessie Nino said in the release.

Harrison led the chamber for the past two years. She plans to return to her consulting business.

Poulsbo Chamber director to step down

HarrisonGreater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jan Harrison will step down at the end of 2014, after two years leading the organization.

“The timing just feels right,” Harrison said in a Tuesday announcement. “This was a one- to three-year project for me and the Chamber’s response exceeded my expectations. I’ve accomplished what we set out to accomplish and it’s time for me to leave it in the capable hands of the board, and move on to my next challenge.”

Chamber Board President Jessie Nino credited Harrison with pulling the Chamber out of a slump brought on by the recession.

“Jan was the right person at the right time,” Nino said in the announcement. “We needed a lot of energy that would motivate others to roll up their sleeves and launch some big initiatives.”

Harrison led efforts to move the chamber to its new offices on Highway 305, clean up its records, and boost attendance at monthly luncheons. She made the chamber more welcoming, Nino said.

“Perhaps most important, she moved this Chamber to one of inclusion, rather than exclusivity,” Nino said. “She’s positioned us so that businesses want to be a part of the fun — rather than feel obligated to join us.”

Harrison said she will relaunch her consulting practice after departing the chamber.