by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Meredith Connell’s position at the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce has evolved pretty rapidly over the last eight years. She was recently promoted to vice president of human resources and planning — but back in 1998, she started as a temporary administrative assistant.
“You have to take every opportunity you get,” said Connell. “I think a lot of it is a proven track record with being willing to tackle new challenges.”
She said her secret to advancing is “a lot of good work and lot of good luck.”
Connell has worked in several areas during her time with the Chamber, including area councils and events and member benefits.
When she first began working for the Chamber, Connell was fresh out of Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Retirements have given her opportunities for promotion every few years. She enjoys management and interacting with employees, so human resources became a natural match. Connell said she gets to use her psychology skills, as well.
“It (my job) is all about working with people and understanding them,” said Connell. “Listening is a huge skill. Half the time, people just want to be heard.”
She said the Chamber promotes people within the organization and invests in employees that show potential for growth. Connell is a graduate of a professional development program for Chamber executives, the Institute for Organization Management. The Chamber paid for her to improve her skills by attending a week-long seminar annually for four years.
“It (my job) kind of evolved,” said Connell. “There have been unique opportunities at times in my life when I’ve felt I’ve mastered something and gotten a routine.”
Connell said she learns something new every day she goes to work. The planning part of her job requires her to help put together the board of directors and create an annual plan that outlines the Chamber’s goals. As vice president of human resources, Connell hires, fires, negotiates employee conflicts and sets up individual goals for employee performance.
The job changes she’s experienced don’t particularly upset Connell; she said she adjusts quickly and believes everything happens for a reason.
“Everything in my life has felt very natural to me, from moving to Jacksonville to having a baby,” said Connell. She cares for her 13-month-old son, Steven, with the help of a babysitter and her husband, Andrew. Connell only returned from part-time work status a few months ago. She said balancing work and family life can be extremely difficult.
“It is the ultimate challenge,” said Connell. “There is no ‘balance.’ I have to balance on a daily basis, not on an overall basis.”
She explained that her work schedule changes constantly; she may leave early one day, and come in early on another to make up the difference. She said more employers, including the Chamber, are trying to be flexible and accommodate working parents. In the end, Connell said effort and quality results are what matter to employers most.
“If you work hard, if you’re proud of the work you produce, nothing should stand in your way,” said Connell.