For nearly a decade, Jamison Shimmel has experienced the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership programs from the participant’s perspective. Today, he’s helping shape their future.

Shimmel is joining the Chamber as director of leadership programs, where he will oversee Leadership Chattanooga, Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC) and Protégé. His appointment marks a full-circle moment after participating in each of the Chamber’s flagship leadership initiatives throughout his career.

“It’s the perfect convergence of everything I love,” Shimmel said. “My passion for people development, my experience building programs and curriculum, and my unique perspective as a graduate of each of these programs have all led me here.”

Originally from the Chicago area, Shimmel moved to Chattanooga in 2011 to attend college. What began as an exciting leap into an unfamiliar city quickly became home.

“My love for travel turned out to be some of the best training I could have asked for,” he said. “Traveling in Central America and Spain allowed me to refine my Spanish and cultural fluency, and I brought that love of cultures into my work.”

Over the past 15 years, Shimmel has built a career centered on helping others grow. He began as an upper school Spanish teacher before transitioning into nonprofit leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work evolved from bilingual case management to program leadership at Partnership for Families, Children and Adults before becoming chief stability officer at Northside Neighborhood House, where he designed and launched the Rooted Together program supporting single mothers across northern Hamilton County.

Throughout those career changes, one organization remained a constant.

“The Chamber has truly been the invisible thread tying my entire career together,” he said. “When I heard this role was open, I felt a distinct calling to step into it.”

A Leadership Journey Comes Full Circle

Shimmel’s relationship with the Chamber began early in his professional career when he was accepted into the Protégé program, graduating in 2019. He later served as Protégé chair, helping mentor the next generation of young professionals.

“That experience was the spark,” Shimmel said. “I completely fell in love with community leadership work.”

As his nonprofit career progressed, he continued encouraging colleagues and friends to participate in Chamber programs while remaining actively involved himself. Earlier this year, he graduated from Leadership Chattanooga as a member of the Class of 2026.

“Looking back, every step of my journey has led me exactly where I am meant to be,” he said. “I’m thrilled that things have come full circle.”

Having experienced Leadership Chattanooga, Protégé and YPC firsthand gives Shimmel a unique perspective as he steps into the role.

“These programs helped shape my career and introduced me to an incredible community of leaders who continue to inspire me,” he said. “I want to build on that foundation while creating opportunities for even more people to experience the same kind of growth.”

A key part of that vision is engaging alumni as mentors, volunteers and planning committee members.

“If we want these programs to reflect the true heart of our city, then the voices helping shape them must represent a wide variety of lived experiences,” Shimmel said.

 

Investing in Chattanooga’s Future Leaders

For Shimmel, the value of the Chamber’s leadership programs extends well beyond networking.

He believes the programs challenge participants to engage with Chattanooga in meaningful ways, exposing them to the opportunities and challenges facing the community while building lasting relationships across industries and backgrounds.

“The ripple effect after graduating from Protégé or Leadership Chattanooga, or being an active part of YPC, is massive,” he said. “It creates a lifelong community of support.”

Looking ahead, Shimmel hopes to continue building on the strong foundation established by previous program leaders while broadening the voices represented throughout each experience.

“The key to strengthening Chattanooga’s leadership pipeline lies in intentionally diversifying the voices shaping it,” he said. “Whether through participants, panelists, mentors or presenters, those different perspectives make our programs stronger.”

He believes tomorrow’s leaders will need three defining qualities: a growth mindset, authenticity and passion.

“My hope is that every person graduating from our programs leaves with an ignited passion for Chattanooga,” Shimmel said. “Giving back looks different for everyone, but when we’re united in our love for this city, real change and growth can happen.”

Outside the office, Shimmel enjoys exploring Chattanooga’s diverse restaurant scene, supporting local arts and culture, and discovering new scenic overlooks throughout the region.

As he celebrates 15 years in Chattanooga, he says he is excited to invest in the city’s next generation of leaders.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that I now get to pour into our city’s emerging and established leaders full time,” he said. “I can’t wait to help take these programs we love so much into the future.”

As Shimmel begins leading the Chamber’s leadership initiatives, another group of emerging leaders is preparing to begin its own journey. The Chamber is proud to announce the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2027. Throughout the coming year, class members will explore the people, places and issues shaping the Chattanooga region while building lasting relationships with fellow leaders committed to strengthening the community.