This month marks an impressive milestone for Jessica Welch, IOM, ACE, and a fortunate milestone for the Greater Irvine Chamber. She celebrates 15 years of service to the organization.
“It’s been an honor to serve our community in my role as an executive of the Greater Irvine Chamber. One of the best aspects of my job is working with such a capable team that is dedicated to our shared mission to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine,” Welch said.
Welch began her career in the Chamber industry in 2007 with the Greater Irvine Chamber as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and rose through the ranks to align with her responsibilities and impact. On her 15th anniversary, Welch was promoted to Executive Vice President of the Greater Irvine Chamber and its Destination Irvine division by a board-appointed review committee. She also serves as Executive Director of the Chamber’s Irvine Forward Foundation.
“Jessica is an industry expert and has dedicated her career to our organization and industry. She has contributed to the incredible evolution and growth of our organization over the last decade and a half,” said Bryan Starr, president & CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “Jessica’s accomplishments and dedicated service to our community, our members, and our team have significantly impacted the betterment of each. Her leadership continues to create a new generation of professionals that will fuel our economy in meaningful ways.”
Welch oversees investor relations, membership services, events, board development, operations, and strategic planning. In 2018, she spearheaded earning a 5-star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a designation that less than 2% of chambers in the country hold. Jessica serves on the board of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE), the WACE Foundation, and the WACE Academy Steering Committee. She graduated from Academy in 2016 and now teaches at that program. In 2019, she was honored with the WACE Gerald W. Hathaway award and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 40 Under 40 award. This year Welch was invited and accepted into CHIEF, an exclusive membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. She is an Accredited Chamber Executive and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s West Institute for Organization Management.
Welch resides in Irvine, where she enjoys attending her daughter’s softball games. She actively supports the academics of her daughter and son, both of whom have served in student body leadership roles at their schools.
