Chester Jenke is the Vice President of Economic Development with the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC). Jenke spent 23 years in the United States Air Force as a C-5 Aircrew Member and 10 years as a Higher Education Administrator with Alamo Colleges at a Regional Workforce Training Center. During his time at the regional workforce center had a close relationship with economic development through educational training and skills development/training grants with companies such as Caterpillar, Toyota, and Commercial Metals Company (CMC). After spending 10 years working in higher education as a campus administrator and 23 years as a member of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a C-5 Aircrew Member, this new adventure in life has been challenging, but very rewarding.
As the Vice President of Economic Development, Jenke oversees the Economic Development functions for New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC). In this position, he oversees the recruitment, communication, and coordination of prospective development projects to develop and improve the local economy through business expansion and retention programs, real estate development as well as workforce development opportunities.
Jenke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Wayland Baptist University, a Master of Arts in Education from Tourou University, and a Doctoral Degree from Texas Tech University where his dissertation title was, “Perceptions of Community College Workforce Development Administrators of their Community Partners.”
Jenke’s hobbies include competitive Bass Tournament Fishing, hanging out with his three grandkids, and anything outdoors. Jenke also serves on several local, state and national committees.
Fun Facts:
What is one thing on your bucket list? I really do not have a bucket list – I have always thought that today is promised, but tomorrow is not guaranteed. The one thing that I really want to do, but I do have to wait for, is to take the grandkids hunting and fishing. I guess that this could be considered a bucket list item.
Who is your favorite superhero? My Superhero list is long since the start of the pandemic – teachers and healthcare workers are at the top of the list.
If you could go on a free vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Back to Germany!