By Kate Bartlett
Jill McCormick recently accepted the position as Director of Communications at The Chautauqua Institution, a dream job for her. Jill has always held The Institution in high regards and is thrilled to be working with them, promoting events and values she wholeheartedly embraces.
Jill brings many years of broadcasting experience, as she worked for several years producing in Denver, an internship with CNN in Atlanta, and for 30 years as an anchor in Erie, PA. Throughout her career, she covered several stories at The Chautauqua Institution, and the energy she felt on the campus always stuck with her. “I remember vividly how welcoming it felt walking onto the campus; it was almost magical. This stuck with me over the years, and I’ve always loved returning.”
A few years ago, Jill decided it was time for a career change. While she enjoyed her broadcasting career, she was looking to broaden her experience and try something new. She explored her options and kept an open mind while looking on the job market, all the while knowing it had to be a good fit in order to leave her career as an anchor. She accepted a position as Corporate Communication Manager with Big Ideas Learning, a family run company in Erie, PA, but continued to keep her eye on the market. When she saw this position posted with The Chautauqua Institution, she felt it was clandestine. “I always thought it would be an amazing opportunity to work with The Institution, so I was practically giddy when I saw the job positing.”
Jill was offered the position and accepted with elation. “I still can’t believe this is my job. I am so incredibly honored to be working with The Institution, promoting the arts and lifelong learning. This season has so many exciting programs, speakers and concerts that I’m truly thrilled about. I would be attending them anyway, and the fact that I get to promote them as my job is simply amazing.”
Jill is a testament to do what you love. She took the leap, left a solid career, and landed in a job she is ignited by and passionate about. Her career in broadcasting taught her flexibility and has prepared her for the unpredictable nature of daily events that her job entails. “You never know what’s around the corner, the energy is incredible here and I’m invigorated by it.”
As The Institution is celebrating 150 years, Jill feels it is the perfect time to join on the team in order to promote the next 150 years. “This is such a special time for The Institution. We’re celebrating our history of 150 years, and it’s also a turning point, looking forward to the next 150 years. I’m honored to be a part of putting this plan into play of what the coming years have to offer.”
Jill is excited about this seasons events, full of inspirational speakers, authors, renown musicians, and artists in combination with The Institution’s already bustling campus of events. It’s an honor “to share these events with the community, and be a part of making it happen.”
Jill is also taking on a role with Chautauqua Travels, promoting tourism centered around learning. “This program is relatively new, and I’m excited to help build it from the ground up. I’ll be working with programming directors and the ATA (Academic Travel Abroad) to build vacations centered around education. We’re helping provide opportunities to learn while traveling, and offering an elevated experience.” Programs offered through CHQ travels include adventures to Iceland and Paris while learning abroad and visiting historic sites.
Jill will also be utilizing her journalism experience in this role as she will be researching stories of Chautauqua that haven’t been told. “I’m honored to have this opportunity to share stories of our community and I’m excited to watch it take shape.”
For more information about The Chautauqua Institution and this season’s events visit https://www.chq.org/.
Jill has a vast background in broadcasting.