The transition reflects the close relationship between the Chamber and Baker College, two organizations with deep community ties and a shared interest in advancing workforce development, strengthening regional partnerships, and expanding opportunity across the region.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for Jordan and a positive development for our entire region,” said Laura Archer, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors and President and CEO of the Shiawassee Family YMCA. “Baker College is a valued community partner, and Jordan’s new role will create additional opportunities to connect education, employers, government, and community organizations around shared regional priorities.”
Under Hankwitz’s leadership, the Chamber has experienced significant growth, strengthened its organizational capacity, expanded its partnerships, and increased engagement with members and community stakeholders. The Chamber has also focused on recruiting a strong and diverse Board of Directors that represents the industries, employers, and perspectives shaping the region.
Hankwitz and the Board are committed to building on that progress. Hankwitz will continue providing full day-to-day and organizational leadership of the Chamber through mid-November, working closely with the Board and staff to maintain continuity and position the organization for continued growth. The Chamber will remain focused on serving its members, delivering high-quality programs and events, strengthening partnerships, and advancing opportunities for the regional business community.
“The Chamber has built tremendous momentum, and the Board and Jordan have no intention of letting up,” Archer said. “We have an engaged Board, strong staff, and growing relationships throughout the region. Our focus is not simply on preserving what has been accomplished, but on continuing to grow, serve our members, and position the Chamber for even greater impact.”
Following the transition, the plan is for Hankwitz to remain engaged through a leadership role on the Chamber Board of Directors and serve on the Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees. This will allow him to continue supporting the Chamber’s work from a governance and community leadership perspective while helping maintain and grow important relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
Hankwitz will also remain engaged with Shiawassee Recycles, a private nonprofit partnership he helped form and establish within the Chamber Foundation. The initiative is creating a regional one-stop shop for recycling information, education and resources. It brings together local governments, employers, schools, nonprofits, processors, haulers and philanthropic partners to advance recycling and waste diversion while helping to build a circular economy in the region. Hankwitz’s continued involvement will support the initiative’s growth, regional reach, and long-term success.
“Baker College and the Chamber share a belief that lasting progress happens when organizations work together and invest in the communities they serve,” Hankwitz said. “This opportunity allows me to carry that commitment into a new leadership role at Baker College while remaining connected to the Chamber and the people, businesses, and partnerships that have contributed to its success. I look forward to continuing that work and helping create meaningful opportunities for the people and communities we serve.”
Hankwitz’s move to Baker College builds on work already underway across the region. He has helped build Stunio, Inc., a Michigan-based technology company focused on student success and workforce development and has brought the company together with Baker College to help launch and grow their partnership. His established relationships with local and state government leaders will also create opportunities to collaborate on regional priorities and strengthen connections among Baker College, the Chamber, employers, students, and public partners.
“This is more than a career transition,” Archer said. “It is an opportunity to extend the impact of a proven community leader, deepen the partnership between two important regional institutions, and create significant new opportunities for collaboration. We see it as a win for Baker College, a win for the Chamber, and a win for the region.”
The Chamber Board is actively developing a leadership transition plan. Additional information about the Chamber’s succession process will be shared later this fall. In the meantime, the Chamber remains fully focused on its members, programs, partnerships and upcoming events, including the 65th Annual Chamber Golf Classic on September 29th.
