Highland Chamber of Commerce hires new executive director

Nancie Zobrist has worn many hats over the years.

A 2003 graduate of Highland High School, Zobrist had earlier worked in an array of industries spanning from green geothermal energy to hotel/hospitality to physical therapy. Last week, she was hired as the new executive director of the Highland Chamber of Commerce. Zobrist will be replacing Jami Jansen, who recently announced her resignation effective June 5 after serving 10 years in the post.

Zobrist, who has a bachelor of science in advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has worked in the marketing departments at Entertek Manufacturing in Greenville, Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton and Collinsville Physical Therapy.

She believes her prior marketing experience will be an asset to the Chamber.

“I’m excited to be able to use my education and experience to help our community businesses grow, as well as managing the many philanthropic endeavors of the Chamber. I believe keeping businesses strong keeps our community strong,”she said.

Nancie is married to Eric Zobrist, and they have a 2-year-old daughter.

Outside of work, she is a volunteer with the Highland-Pierron Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and also teaches a comprehensive natural childbirth class. She enjoys working in the yard, gardening, canning and spending time with family and friends.

Zobrist is also looking forward to putting on Chamber-sponsored events.

“I am really looking forward to the July 3 Peanut Butter & Jam Festival, when the Scott Air Force Band will perform,” she said.

She has hit the ground running.

On Tuesday, Zobrist attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at San Gabriel Memory Care, where she is also planning to attend a business after hours party later today. Earlier Thursday, Zobrist attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at Spin to Win.

While Zobrist looks forward to participating in more ribbon cutting ceremonies, she wants to help educate the existing Chambers members regarding the benefits of their Chamber investment and strive for continued membership retention.

“I to intend to serve as a business referral source, advocate and information center while identifying the needs of chamber members and using feedback to enrich their programs,” she said.

This story was originally published May 20, 2015 at 10:47 AM with the headline "Highland Chamber of Commerce hires new executive director."