One of Charleston’s very own, Jama Jarrett, has been selected to receive Connect and Rejuvenate magazines’ “40 under 40” top industry leaders designation.
Jarrett is the vice president of operations and communications at the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and led the bureau during the recent search for the bureau’s new president.
“It is always an honor to be chosen among one’s peers,” Jarrett said. “I enjoy coming to work each and every day knowing that what we do at the CVB helps Charleston’s economy and the many tourism businesses here. This designation is an affirmation that our work is important and has a positive impact on the city.”
The “40 under 40” young professionals include meeting planners, hoteliers, chefs, destination managers, speakers, entrepreneurs and students. Honorees are nominated by their peers for their high skill level and outstanding accomplishments within their field. Once selected by the magazines’ committees, each “40 under 40” honoree is featured in an upcoming issue of Connect and Rejuvenate magazines and honored at their annual trade shows.
“On behalf of the entire board, we congratulate Jama,” said CVB Board Chairman Gary Chernenko. “She has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and ingenuity, and we are thrilled that those in the travel and tourism industry have seen the same qualities. She is truly a rising star.”
Prior to joining the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2010, Jarrett served as deputy director of communications for former Governor Joe Manchin, and was a public information specialist for the West Virginia Department of Commerce where she acted as spokesperson for the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training; WorkForce West Virginia; and the Division of Labor. She also served as communications manager for the Charleston Area Alliance. Jarrett was recognized by the Public Relations Society of West Virginia for her crisis communications support during the Upper Big Branch mining disaster.
Jarrett has a master’s degree in integrated marketing and communications from West Virginia University, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and development from Wheeling Jesuit University, and an associate degree in finance from West Virginia State University.
For more information about Connect magazine and its 2012 “40 under 40” class, visit http://connectyourmeetings.com/the2012forty. Rejuvenate magazine will publish its “40 under 40” in the August/September publication.
