Jenny Collins leaving CVB for Darton

ALBANY — After more than a decade as a familiar face with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jenny Collins is leaving the fold to pursue a job at Darton State College.

Collins, who has most recently served as manager of the CVB’s downtown Welcome Center, said the opportunity presented itself to further her career and take a job as Communications Manager for Darton.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Collins said.

Collins added that in her new role, reporting directly to Darton’s interim Chief Advancement Officer Cynthia George, she will handle internal communications, website management and will work extensively with Darton alumni on planning the school’s 50th anniversary which is coming up next year. Additionally she will handle certain public relations duties as well.

According to George, who has worked with Collins through various Chamber activities for some time, she is excited to have Collins’ experience and talent joining Darton.

“I am thrilled Jenny’s joining our team,” said George. “I’ve known her for years and I know how talented she is and the energy she’s going to bring to the job. It’s very exciting for Darton.”

Despite being excited about the new position, Collins did say she was a touch sad about leaving the civic fold where she has built her career.

“I have really enjoyed my time here,” said Collins of the CVB and Chamber. “I’ve learned so much about working with the community. I’m going to miss everybody that I have built relationships with and that have influenced my career and my life. They’re extended family.”

Collins said she will remain active in the community through her new role and will continue to support Albany and Dougherty County.

“I’m still going to be active with the Chamber,” said Collins. “I’ll still be around being involved. Darton has always been very involved in the community and I don’t see that changing any time soon.”

While Darton is gaining a asset, Collins departure is creating a void at the CVB, which Executive Director Rashelle Beasley said would be hard to fill.

“Jenny has been an incredibly valuable member of our team and won’t easily be replaced,” said Beasley. “We’re definitely going to miss her, but at the same time we’re family so we’re excited for her to have this opportunity as well. I know she will do a great job in her new role.”

Beasley added that the CVB has already posted a job opening looking for Collins’ successor and is hoping that the right person will come along very soon.

“We’re just looking for that person that loves Albany and loves to talk about it and wants to join our team,” she said.

Collins’ last day at the CVB was Friday and she will begin her new role Monday.