Jamie Hanks, 35
Executive director, West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce
As her former boss once said, don’t let her size fool you. Jamie Hanks has big ambitions. As executive director of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, Hanks is taking on economic development, tackling traffic with the CRISIS coalition and working to gain accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she served as communications director for former Congressman Rodney Alexander and director of legislative affairs for the state Division of Administration. She is a member of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s External Image Working Group, she recently served as a panelist for the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s Decentralized Arts Funding program, and she is a member of the Port Allen Rotary Club.
NAME THREE MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
- Ever since I interned in Washington, D.C., in college, I wanted to become a communications director for a congressman. Working for Rodney Alexander afforded me this opportunity. When he was appointed cardinal of a House appropriations subcommittee, the position opened more doors to working with national press.
- Most of what I consider “professional accomplishments” are a team effort. One example I am really proud of is the West Baton Rouge Chamber undertaking the first economic development “familiarization” tour of the parish.
- Last but not least, I’ve always been told, “It’s not work if you love what you do.” My current role is truly indicative of this saying. It combines my favorite aspects of former positions into one.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS AND INVOLVEMENT.
These are a real highlight as I am able to collaborate with remarkable and altruistic individuals in West Baton Rouge and throughout the Capital Region, who in the end all have the same goal: to make our area the best it can be. I’m involved in the CRISIS coalition. Given the prominent need for traffic congestion to be addressed, this group has excelled in keeping the issue in the press even when the Legislature is out of session. When West Baton Rouge Parish recently updated its strategic plan, I took part as an adviser. I’m elated by the possibilities of what West Baton Rouge can become and the plan going forward. Additionally, I am a Community Advisory Panelist (CAP) for a team The Dow Chemical Company put together, representative of West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes. These meetings provide a relaxed roundtable discussion to share and learn important updates covering a wide array of subjects impacting the parishes. Two other affiliations I’m still relatively new to are the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s External Image Working Group, and I recently served as a panelist for the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Decentralized Arts Funding. These really take me back to my roots as I was a marketing major and have always been a lover of the arts. Another group near and dear to my heart is the Port Allen Rotary Club. I have never come across so many kindhearted individuals in one organization and am honored to have made the cut.
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY.
Hands down – Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Starving artist or author – I still have time.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?
Intern in CenturyLink’s marketing department at 18. My brilliant Dad figured out a way for me to choose to pursue a business degree without making the suggestion himself. He knows me all too well. However, this internship showed me the creative side of business, and I was sold.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?
Wasn’t a paid job, but for four years I had to wear a bright green tuxedo-ish suit complete with top hat and bow tie for Kappa Delta’s St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser. Being under 5-feet tall, the gig was safely secured from any competition as I was the only one who could fit the costume.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?
Downtown’s The Little Village. Village bread – “You’ve gotta get the bread!”
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My mom always tells me I’ve lived life to the fullest. And to some degree I believe this to be true. I’ve been fortunate to live in and travel to some really extraordinary places, experiencing unforgettable moments and making lifelong friends along the way.
HOW DO YOU GET PUMPED UP BEFORE A BIG MEETING, PRESENTATION OR PITCH?
I recently learned the art of the power pose. There is a good chance you can find me in a women’s restroom striking some of these. And if I need an extra boost, Cake’s The Distance has never failed me.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
I can’t take credit for this, but having the smallest part in helping a child from my hometown battling Fanconi anemia meet his idol – President George W. Bush. President Bush met with the father and son duo on Air Force One and prayed with them during a visit to the state with former Congressman Rodney Alexander. I wish more of these stories made the news.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA MOMENT?”
Not everything has to be accomplished at once. Yes, have specific goals defined. However, create your own box for what is reasonable for your organization. Keep in mind staff size and volunteer time. And most importantly, remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PRODUCTIVITY HACK?
A good friend of mine called my attention to what he calls “Eat the Frog.” Mark Twain famously said, “If you eat a frog first thing in morning, the rest of your day will be wonderful.” Twain also said, “If you have to eat a frog, don’t look at it for too long.” I take this to mean tackle the most unpleasant OR the most important task as soon as possible.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?
I do not have control over everything. Take care of what you can, delegate what you can’t, and lift up the rest to God.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB WOULD SHOCK CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS IF THEY KNEW ABOUT IT?
I think many would assume there is a lot of competition between the chambers and/or economic development organizations throughout the Capital Region, especially when it comes to vying for a new company. Obviously, we want it in West Baton Rouge! But it is key to keep in mind that any prospect has the potential to bring value to the whole area. I can’t thank our parish government, BRAC and LED enough for their assistance in selecting potential sites, but also helping in our retention and expansion efforts.
HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY DRESS FOR WORK—CASUAL? PROFESSIONAL? BUSINESS CASUAL? OTHER?
All of the above! I always look at my calendar the night before, so I know ahead of time the correct attire for the following day.
WHAT PART OF YOUR JOB DO YOU LOVE? WHAT PART DO YOU HATE?
Best part is the people I have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis– the chamber staff, our committee volunteers and a dedicated Board of Directors—all committed to making West Baton Rouge a great place to live and do business. Hate is a strong word, but there are some days when I am unable to allot the necessary time to an important project no matter how far in advance I plan. Thankfully, someone is always a phone call away to step in when needed.
WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN FROM A COLLEAGUE OR BOSS?
Definitely a memorable statement from a former boss to my past board chairman during the hiring process (and I have to paraphrase due to language content): Don’t let her size fool you. She packs a mighty punch.
MAC OR PC?
PC.
ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND ON AN AVERAGE DAY? HOW MANY EMAILS?
Don’t think I’ve gone a month without going over my data limit. Perhaps it’s time I revisit my current plan.
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE OR COMPUTER BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
Random, but 58% seems to be the magic number.
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
19 and that produces anxiety.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?
Waitr – seriously life changing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?
I’ve just been introduced to the Smart TV. To have Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, etc. on a big screen verses an iPad makes me want to book a staycation.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WISH WAS NEVER INVENTED?
Not necessarily never invented, but it would be nice to occasionally go back to the days of “Can you hear me now?” if I could select the exact dates.
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?
This varies depending when and where my first meeting is scheduled. What is constant is I always allow time to hit snooze three times. If I go to hit it a fourth, my dog will immediately start kicking me because she knows at this point her walking time will be cut short. Yes, I have a dog who can count and packs a mean punch.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
Coffee at home. Coffee on the go. Coffee at the desk.
THE SAYING GOES: ‘BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.’ SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU ‘BEING’ TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?
Baton Rouge has come so far since I originally left after college. Visiting for football games and weddings, it was amazing to see the rise of Live After Five, revitalization of downtown, growing farmers and arts markets, starting our own marathon and the evolution of the art scene and tech sector. Baton Rouge is also embracing mixed-used developments, something I’ve always admired in other cities. Being a member of organizations who want to position the Capital Region as a place top talent from around the country are proud to live, I’m able to participate in the conversations where these ideas are explored even further as well as new concepts. I believe we are on our way, and I am happy to no longer be watching from the sidelines.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?
When my parents put the car insurance under my name. That first bill was painful, but a great lesson in budgeting.
WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
Studying abroad in London one summer. Experiencing London alone was unbelievable, but when you also tack on side trips to Scotland, France, Spain and Italy, you leave with a new world perspective and possibly a tad spoiled rotten.
FAVORITE GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN AS A CHILD?
My grandpa convinced my dad into going with him to him to see a puppy he found listed in the newspaper. Needless to say, they returned with her and I had a wonderful surprise waiting on me hidden in a clothes hamper. I think the story about convincing and seeing was made up for my mom’s ears.
WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?
So, so many, but to eat whatever I want without gaining weight or to wake up already dressed and caffeinated for work are probably top two.
WHAT’S A NICKNAME YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE FOR YOU?
MMMbop – I may or may not have been a fan of Hanson and shared the same haircut.
WHAT ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS ABOUT?
I have to climb the same number of stairs with both legs. If this isn’t possible due to number of stairs, there is a chance you will see me take two, jump down or opt for a ramp. This is quite difficult to keep up in high heels.
WHO FASCINATES YOU?
I am in awe of a lot of people, but it has been fascinating to watch Samantha Power’s achievements unfold. Already a Pulitzer Prize winning author and current U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, I can’t wait to see what’s next.
WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
One of my brothers always calls me Amy Brookheimer from VEEP. Today, I’m not as bad with a smart phone being glued to my hand, but I get the resemblance.
FAVORITE DRINK?
Old fashioned.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?
The Beatles.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
Step Brothers. There is so much room for activities!
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?
Oh this is fun, especially since I get to pick. Anna Kendrick. She is also vertically challenged. I find her extremely witty, and I’ve been obsessed since the first Pitch Perfect.
WHAT SCARED YOU AS A CHILD, AND WHAT SCARES YOU NOW?
Candyman – he lived in my closet until I graduated high school. Well, he still lives there. I just sleep in another room when I visit.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
That scarf you picked out to wear for senior portrait is not a good look to be captured for all time. Just because Carrie Bradshaw wore a similar one doesn’t mean it will be stylish forever. And your friends will post it for the world to see on a thing you’ll one day know as Facebook every chance they get.
PETS?
A rambunctious ball of fluff named Scout. Though a girl (name chosen from To Kill A Mockingbird), her groomer always writes “Good Boy!” on receipt. I’m beginning to grow concerned.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY MEMORABLE CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS? WHAT HAPPENED?
My most memorable celebrity encounter was with Charlie Daniels in Nashville. I met him during a break outside of the BMI Country Awards. For some reason it didn’t register to me that this is Charlie Daniels, so I rattled on and on about who knows what, completely commandeering his time. Later in the evening, the same man appeared on stage to accept the BMI Icon Award. That sweet, patient person was probably trying to rehearse his speech. Definitely a face-palm moment.
WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PERSONAL OR CAREER CHALLENGE YOU PLAN TO TAKE ON?
My long-term goal for the West Baton Rouge Chamber is to attain the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation. It’s the only national program of its kind that defines excellence in planning and recognizes chambers for contribution toward positive change in their communities.
WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?
The presidential election.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?
I, in some shape or fashion, have worked for Louisiana the better part of my career and have seen us come out of the most troubling of circumstances. In the past months, our area weathered even more adversity. Though the national news mainly showed the bad, what they didn’t display to the rest of country is how we came together to help one another in prayer, by boat, you name it… We were a beacon for how to handle hardships. Louisianans have always been resilient, and we will continue to be.
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Absolutely! Though I left, I found my way back. Have roots firmly planted, and this is home.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST HOPE FOR BATON ROUGE?
Baton Rouge has a very distinct culture only we can claim. I hope we continue to grow without losing who we are – a place that can offer the amenities of a big city, but keep intact the charm of a close-knit community.
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?
- Skydiving.
- Re-learn how to speak and read French.
- Write a book.
