Chamber Spotlight: Judy Jones Pointer, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce

What does your organization do?
Our organization provides a connection to our community's business sector and leadership opportunities through networking and community events.

What do you like about being a Chamber member?
I have an opportunity to meet business owners and learn more about their businesses

What was your first job?
My first job was a cashier at Zayre's Department Store in St. Louis, MO. I was a teenager in high school at the time.

How did you choose the field you're in?
Being an avid alumna of my undergraduate university, Fisk University, I began to look at the struc ture of Institutional Advancement and found a love for alumni relations. I discovered a master's program in Institutional Advancement at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College and pursued my program. After graduation in 1995 , I sought meaningful employment and realized that I needed more training. So I was selected to attend an internship program through CASE, Inc. and became one of the 1st interns under the Clarence Jupiter Fellowship Program. This program provided me with the needed training and networking opportunities to become a fully employed advancement officer.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career?
My parents, my husband and daughter and some very special friends

What is your most memorable experience in your career?
Being able to graduate at the age of 40 with my master's degree and attending college as a full time student and parent of a young child

What is your greatest skill that you have learned or developed in your career?
Patience and diligence tempered with faith and love

What's your favorite thing about the Charlottesville area?
The Blue Ridge Mountains

How do you like to spend your days off?
Working crossword puzzles, listening to music and watching reruns of some of my favorite tv programs

What is your favorite quote or piece of advice?
Never give up or lose your soul for any amount of money

Is there anything that you feel Charlottesville is missing? Spark ideas for others!
Really cool things for young kids and teens to engage in; a regular mall that everyone can benefit from and not feel ostracized; some more great restaurants like Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel and even a Sonic – also a Dave & Buster's.