JEANNIE HEBERT BENCHMARK PRACTITIONER

Ms. Jeannie Hebert brings nearly twenty years of helping businesses and communities to grow through the local chamber of commerce movement regionally and nationally. Since 2008, Jeannie has led the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce in the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Through Jeannie’s efforts, the Blackstone Valley Chamber has pioneered the nation’s first chamber-based makerspace, 24/7 innovation center, and education hub for in-person and online applied certifications in advanced welding, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), CNC machining, electronics, and robotics.

Jeannie’s efforts extend the chamber’s online program to the county correctional facility which makes it possible for incarcerated individuals to begin studying virtually at the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development. Once paroled, each learner can complete their certifications in-person at the Hub and receive advanced manufacturing positions with chamber members.

Beyond the Blackstone Valley, Jeannie has served as President of the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Jeannie also presented as part of the Fellowship’s pilot program at the national convention of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in Nashville, TN with chamber leaders from across the U.S. and beyond. In alignment with the U.S. Armed Services, Jeannie has spoken with leaders from the Defense Industrial Base, U.S. Transportation Command, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Pentagon Joint Staff. She has also hosted a Live from the Pentagon session with Major General Thomas Murphy to upskill chamber members on cybersecure growth and intellectual property protection.

Prior to her chamber role, Jeannie joined the fourth generation leadership for family-owned Hebert Candies which pioneered white chocolate after its founding in 1917. Jeannie went on to become the firm’s co-owner and VP of Marketing. She also served as the Tourism Director for the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jeannie received a BS in Dental Hygiene from the Forsyth School which is now part of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science.