CICE Shows its Commitment to Institute of Organization Management with a Strong Presence and Support for the Program
CICE’s Jennifer Reiser, director of operations, and Logan O’Neill, midwest regional director, serve on the Board of Regents for the Midwest site for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organization Management and were both in attendance in June. Jennifer also represented CICE by serving as chair for the site.
CICE was pleased to sponsor the Welcome Reception and to have Brian Dicken, vice president, advocacy and strategic initiatives for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Justin Groenert, chief strategy officer of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, in attendance as well— both of whom serve on CICE’s National Leadership Council.
Jennifer and Logan each compiled a recap of their experience this year.
Chamber Leadership on Display
By: Jennifer Reiser
Participating in the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) over the last decade has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I’ve had the chance to serve on the Board of Regents at two sites, the Board of Trustees, and the Curriculum Committee. Every step of the way, it’s been about the people. The encouragement, the friendships, the shared experiences. I am especially proud to have represented Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) this year as chair for the 2025 Midwest site. CICE works to support and amplify the voice of chamber and economic leaders, and builds the business case for clean energy as a driver of economic growth. This purpose aligns seamlessly with the forward-thinking leadership cultivated at IOM. Being part of this dynamic network reinforces how innovation and economic growth can, and should, go hand in hand.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to help guide and support a program that consistently delivers excellence in leadership development for chamber and association professionals. The passion and dedication of the IOM attendees, faculty, volunteers, and staff reaffirm the enduring value of the Institute experience.
In my graduation ceremony remarks, I shared that leadership doesn’t happen by accident. Attendees at IOM made the intentional decision to invest in themselves to sharpen their skills, challenge their thinking, and build a stronger foundation for the organizations and communities they serve. That kind of decision matters. Because in a world that’s moving faster than ever – where change is constant and expectations are high – we can’t afford to lead on autopilot. We HAVE to lead with purpose.
That’s what Institute is all about. It’s not just about theories or titles. It’s about shaping real-world leaders who know how to listen deeply, think strategically, and act boldly. But the most important part is putting what they’ve learned into practice. Because leadership is NOT just what you know – it’s what you DO.
I encouraged the attendees to commit to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just react to the world around them, but shapes it with clarity, compassion, and purpose all while asking themselves “what will I do with what I’ve learned?”.
Seven Summers at Midwest Institute: More Than Just a Program
By: Logan O’Neill
My association with Midwest Institute for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) program over the past seven years has been a great experience. IOM isn't just a professional development program—it's a vibrant community. My time at IOM has allowed me to deepen friendships, strengthen bonds with peers across the country, and find immense purpose in helping to shape the next generation of leaders in the chamber, association, and nonprofit sectors.
It has also afforded me, over the last two years as a Regent and faculty member, the opportunity to better connect with our chamber partners at CICE. To have in-person time to discuss their chambers’ priorities and see how they align with ours, is an invaluable way to strengthen my relationships with my peers. To hear how they engage in economic development, workforce development, and improving quality of life in their communities is truly valuable. Forging partnerships to help their communities grow via clean energy economic development opportunities is a great win when it is possible.
To me, being a Regent is about more than just governance. As a board, we're charged with stewarding the program's growth—driving attendance, supporting recruitment and retention, and ensuring the experience lives up to the IOM legacy. It's also about being present, offering guidance, encouragement, and a little humor when needed. I've seen firsthand the power of peer-to-peer mentorship and how a simple hallway conversation can lead to real change back home.
It's been a true privilege to give back to a program that has given me so much. As I reflect on these past seven summers, I'm reminded that leadership is a journey, not a destination.