Jennifer Thoma

CODY — The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce has hired a finance and banking professional from Missouri as its new executive director.

Jennifer Thoma steps into the role of chamber leader, effective May 20.

It’s the second new hire for the organization since longtime executive director Tina Hoelbelheinrich resigned in March 2023. Her replacement, EJ House, resigned in January after a short tenure that included outcry after the controversial decision to relieve longtime Buffalo Bill Art Show director Kathy Thompson of her role. Thompson was later brought back for this year’s show to prepare a new director.

Thoma’s experience includes banking, financial operations and small business ownership, as well as community development, according to a chamber press release.

“I am so excited to be your incoming executive director for the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce,” Thoma said in the release. “Cody has stolen my heart and I truly believe moving here was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself and my family.”

Thoma has spent most of her career in leadership positions with regional and international banks based out of Missouri, and within those positions she volunteered for years in chambers of commerce committee leadership.

Her chamber experience includes 10 years with the Columbia, Missouri Chamber as part of the Women’s Network Steering Committee, serving as both committee chair and president of that division. The Women’s Network division had over 300 member businesses at the time. Thoma was also founding co-chair of the Emerging Professionals Division and served as a chamber ambassador for four years.

After stepping out of banking in 2020, she has spent the last four years working for family businesses leading administrative, marketing and strategic planning efforts.

“This experience only furthered my passion for supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners, which I plan to focus on during my tenure as executive director, she said, adding, “Throughout my career I have repeatedly focused on three key strategies for success: First, establish a clear vision and strategic plan, so we know where we are headed and work together to get there. Second, ensure teams are taking the right actions to accomplish our goals, by eliminating non-productive work and creating systems and processes to make our jobs easier. Third, collaborate cross functionally to benefit from our collective strengths.”

The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce represents over 475 members across industries with a mission to “represent the interests of its members and the entire business community, extend exceptional western hospitality and promote an unparalleled visitor experience.”