Making an Impact

Gina Pence leads the Harker Heights chamber

By Janna Zepp | Photography contributed

Moving to a new state far from home terrifies some, intimidates most, and, for a few, marks the beginning of a new and rewarding professional life. Gina Pence found her career and is making an impact in Central Texas.

As a young Army wife transplanted to The Great Place in the early 1990s with no family in the area, Pence began to volunteer her time in the community, and, over the years, she expanded her volunteer work to the surrounding chambers of commerce. That volunteer work put her on the path to understanding the power of professional networking and parlayed itself into a career.

Since 2012, Pence has made her mark in Central Texas as the president and chief executive officer for the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

Giving back and serving the community has always been a top priority for her. Originally from Chicago, Pence was pleasantly surprised that she was invited in to the Central Texas community with open arms and it changed her life forever.

Having a robust support network is essential for success, so it was challenging for Pence in the beginning to connect with other female advisors and mentors. She says the Harker Heights Chamber created the “Women in Business” networking group to help each other grow personally and professionally. She also says that with the majority of the high-level businesses in the world being dominated by men, it can be hard for women to blaze their own paths and facilitate the introductions and connections into some of the more elite business networks.

“As most of business today still rings true with the philosophy that ‘it’s not what you know; it’s who you know,’ this can be a huge factor in your ultimate success,” she says. “I am forever thankful to my mentors and my tribe of ladies that always support me. Knowing where to find the right support network isn’t always easy so please use your local chamber as a resource.”

Realizing valuable professional lessons in the service industry also influenced Pence. She credits her job at a Dairy Queen restaurant during her high school years as an experience that taught her much about achieving career success. She says the job taught her teamwork and that no matter how small or large the task given, it must be completed with quality work and dedication.

“I truly believe it is a miracle that I still like ice cream after working there through my high school years,” she says.

There is no secret to success, according to Pence. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. She credits achievement to creativity, commitment, professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement, and an attitude of service. She says that a woman’s taking control and ownership of her professional path one of the best things she can do for her career. It’s not about “fake it ‘til you make it” but “MAKE it make it,” to Pence.

“That means expressing yourself clearly, and being an advocate for your own interests. The more you can project confidence and competence, the more you’ll be able to build confidence in your abilities,” she says. “Remember: growth and comfort never coexist, so get out of that comfort zone!”

Pence loves living and working in Central Texas. She says that each day in her job is different depending on the needs of the community. She also says that her workday involves meeting new residents and small business owners, helping with tourism, events, fundraisers, educational workshops, business advocacy, staff continuing education and bridging the gap between business and area students.

“I am incredibly proud to lead my team and a team of community volunteers that serve the community that accepted me years ago, as a new Texan,” Pence says. “Central Texas will always be home and a proud place in which we have raised our children.”