Despite how happy or content a person may be, there are opportunities in life that simply can’t be passed up.
That’s the position Jennifer Wesselhoff recently found herself in.
Wesselhoff, who has been with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce for nearly 20 years — 13 years as president and CEO — announced last week that she will be taking over the helm of the Park City, Utah, chamber in October.
“I was excited,” she said of getting the news. “To go after something you want and you get it is a very rewarding feeling. Knowing that I was their top candidate made me feel really good about the work we’ve done here to position me to take over such a great organization there.”
Along with excitement, she said her emotions have run the gamut, especially now that reality is starting to sink in that she’ll be leaving. But leaving wasn’t something she had in mind until the position became open and she began receiving interest.
“I’ve always admired Park City and the work they’ve done,” she said. “Bill Malone, the retiring CEO there, and I have been friends for a very long time. Our organizations are really similar. We’d talk to each other a lot. When I was contacted by the recruiter, I sent them my resume and just thought I’d explore the opportunity just because I didn’t want to regret it or miss out on an opportunity. I was afraid that if I didn’t go after it now, that I may never have the chance.”
Park City received 100 applications, which was narrowed down to eight and then the three finalists. Once she made it to the top eight, she and her husband Rick, a local Realtor, began making a list of pros and cons on the job, if she was selected. They decided that while his transition would be a little more time-consuming, it was doable if she was offered the position. What they also agreed upon is that she would not sell their home because some day they hope to return to Sedona.
“We decided that maybe it would be good to go somewhere else and start a new adventure and then come back,” she said. “Sedona has been home for 20 years but we’re both looking forward to something new. It was still a very difficult decision. I love my job here — it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
While she was thinking about her decision on a personal level, she also thought about what she would be leaving behind. She said the chamber has made great strides in positioning Sedona as a leader in global sustainable destination management. Arizona’s first Sustainable Tourism Plan will provide the foundation to protect the environment, enhance resident quality of life, build upon the robust economy and create positive visitor experiences for years to come.
“Sedona can be proud of their chamber and the role each Sedonan has played in the amazing things we have accomplished together,” she said. “The people of this organization have become my family. The talented staff, the dedicated board, the passionate volunteers and our dedicated 900 partners have filled my cup to overflowing. I will miss the deep connections we made, but the friendships and fond memories will stay with me forever.
“While new challenges await me in Utah, I look forward to watching great things happen in Sedona. But maybe it’s time for a fresh set of eyes for this organization and the community. A fresh perspective is always healthy.”
Sedona City Manager Justin Clifton, who has worked with Wesselhoff on numerous city-chamber projects, said she will be missed.
“Jennifer obviously had a tough job trying to serve the business community while also preserving all that makes Sedona special,” he said. “She was never going to make everyone happy. But she never wavered in her professionalism, leadership and integrity. She was willing to reach beyond her comfort zone to push tourism in a bold new direction. I really enjoyed working with her and know she will be hard to replace.”
Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, agreed.
“Jennifer’s leadership in Sedona and as a member of the Arizona Tourism Advisory Council has always been very valuable to me,” she said. “She is always a strong advocate for the city and Sedona will continue to see the positive impact of Jennifer’s leadership for years to come.”
Lonnie Lillie, president of the chamber board, said the chamber plans to do a nationwide search to fill the position. He expects to fill it in late October to early November.
“We are incredibly saddened by Jennifer’s announcement,” Lillie said in a chamber press release. “She is an inspiring leader and a powerful advocate for a balanced quality of life for all Sedonans. While she leaves big shoes to fill, we are excited for her in this next step in her professional development. Park City is getting a winner.”
