We love witnessing young professionals gaining skills and growing in their careers, and we’re especially excited for Kat Thompson, FLEX President, as she begins a new journey.

Kat recently joined the team at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, the parent organization of FLEX, as Membership and Education Manager.

In her new role, Kat will focus on attracting and retaining chamber members, while also working to connect the business and education communities. Although she will focus on membership and education, Kat will assist with other Chamber programs, too, like FLEX and Be Here.

Not only has she helped FLEX grow as an officer over the years, she is now employed at the Chamber and will continue to help strengthen our group.

“One of my biggest values is building community, and I’m excited to be part of an organization that has a purpose of building the business community and helping make our region better,” Kat told us. “From being involved with FLEX, I already knew the team here, and I’m excited to work with a great group of people, including the Chamber staff, board, and members.”

Kat credits FLEX to a lot of the skills and connections she has gained over the years. She has become familiar with the community, while strengthening her skills in communication, public speaking, networking, leading meetings, and more. She also is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Venango, the Chamber’s leadership program, which helped her grow and learn more about the community, too.

When asked what advice she has for other young professionals looking for a job transition or to try something new, Kat said: “We need people to show up and contribute their skills, try new things and grow, and to familiarize themselves with what we have here.”

“This is a really unique place with a lot happening,” she added. “I encourage you to focus on the good, figure out how you can join, and jump in.”

Please join us in congratulating Kat on her new position! Reach out to her at her new email at kthompson@venangochamber.org.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) October 2021 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.