Staff Updates
Lauren Hirth recently joined the GNCC team in a newly created position as Program Assistant, which includes having frontline responsibility for our Visitor Center and the Northampton Gift Card Program. Lauren will also provide deep cross-functional and project management support for investor relations, marketing and communications, and event management. As Program Assistant, she will also perform program analyses and assist with special projects to enhance GNCC’s programming effectiveness and overall delivery.Lauren is a recent graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she majored in English and graduated cum laude with high honors. Through her campus leadership and intern experiences, Lauren brings exceptional skills in customer service, communications, and social media, along with a deep passion for community building. When Lauren isn’t at the office, she enjoys hosting a bi-weekly Dungeons & Dragons group with fun, fantasy-themed drinks!
Jenna Lloyd has been promoted from Office Manager to Operations Manager. A 20-year veteran of GNCC, Jenna began her Chamber career as an administrative assistant and bookkeeping clerk and has advanced through numerous roles with increasing responsibility. Her promotion to Operations Manager reflects a steady stream of cost savings projects that she has identified over the past few years. Most recently, Jenna demonstrated outstanding leadership, careful planning, and diligent oversight of major renovations to the GNCC offices.In her new role as Operations Manager, Jenna will take on increased responsibility as program manager for the Northampton Gift Card Program by setting the annual strategy and operating plan for the program’s future growth and success. Her other areas of responsibility include continued management of our billing, financial, and customer relationship management systems; human resources and payroll functions; and overall office needs.Over the years, Jenna has provided continuity through staff transitions, operational changes, and business improvements. We are fortunate to have Jenna’s historical perspective and management skills focused on even greater opportunities ahead.Prior to joining GNCC, Jenna worked for The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western and Central Mass. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management from UMass Amherst. When she isn’t working, Jenna likes spending time with her family members Jeff, Jagger, and Jovie.
Jack Brown has been promoted to Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. Since joining the GNCC just over a year ago as Marketing and Communications Manager, Jack has consistently demonstrated strong strategic leadership, hands-on experience, and an owner-operator work ethic that have been a real boon in enhancing the marketing and communications agenda for both the GNCC and our tourism affiliate, the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council (HCRTC). Specifically, the GNCC and HCRTC e-newsletters, websites, and social media channels have all experienced substantial growth under Jack’s management, and our digital toolkit now includes videos and other features that have driven increased engagement. Jack also developed the four-month long “Summer Shindigs” marketing campaign that was funded by a Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). The campaign featured 27 festivals and six performance venues and outdoor dining attractions. This was a very complex project where Jack leveraged his creative talents and relationship skills to make things “simpler but bigger” and delivered outstanding campaign results as well. Jack has further distinguished himself as a prolific writer and analytical guru – a unique combination for even the most well-rounded marketers. As senior manager, Jack will assume even greater responsibility for the annual MOTT tourism grant by identifying strategic marketing investments and expanding his involvement in the grant application process – bringing increased focus and traction to the HCRTC.Prior to joining GNCC, Jack worked with The Artisan Gallery and The Valley Advocate while also building his own business as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer at jackjohnbrown.com. Jack received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hartford. When not working or drawing, he can be found on adventures with his three children.
Please join me in welcoming Lauren to our team and congratulating Jenna and Jack on their well-deserved promotions. We wish them much success in their new roles.