Professional Q&A: Sherry Jordan

Sherry Jordan has served as the Edmond Chamber CEO for six years after working her way up from being a part-time employee in 2004. Her community involvement beyond the Chamber has brought her recognition from across the state and furthered the goals of the organization. She is passionate about helping businesses grow and has a firm belief that anyone can be successful if they put their mind to it.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: We moved here from Denver in 2004, and we have lived in Edmond since then. We currently live near downtown Edmond in Clegern Place. We built a house there in 2020 in a cul-de-sac of seven homes built by Josh Moore. I started working part-time as the controller at the chamber in September of 2004. I worked my way up to full-time Chief Financial Officer, and then went back to school to get my masters in Organizational Management before being promoted to CEO in 2016.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in southwest Oklahoma, graduated from OU with an accounting degree, became a CPA, and moved to Denver in 1988, where I met my husband, who is a Colorado native. We lived in Denver and Colorado Springs until 2004 when we moved to Oklahoma for him to work for Kerr McGee.

Q: What did you do prior to getting involved with the Edmond Chamber?

A: As a young teenager, I had my sights set on the future. I was determined to overcome a difficult childhood. I paid my way through college and believe that no matter where you come from, you can be whatever you want to be as long as you are willing to put the work in to make it happen. I have always tried to look to the future and never blame anything on the past. I built a career in finance and accounting, but after serving in a leadership position, decided to pursue the role of CEO at the chamber when the opportunity arose.

Q: How did you get involved with the Chamber?

A: I started out as a part-time temporary employee. 

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: We are a community-focused organization, and we are here to move the community forward and be the voice for business. My favorite part of our organization is helping members connect and grow their businesses.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: I am passionate about being involved in our community. In 2009, I was named one of the 100 most influential women in the history of Edmond. I am a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class 33, the Tinker Honorary Commander Program, and Leadership Edmond Class 27. In 2017, I was named one of the 50 Women Making a Difference in Oklahoma. I joined the Edmond Women’s Club in 2005 and served as its 33rd president in 2016. In 2015, I was named the Outstanding Chamber Leader of the Year by the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I love Edmond because it is a community where everyone works together for a common goal of making this the best place it can possibly be. The chamber, city, EEDA, area nonprofits, and schools all work together and that isn’t common in all communities.

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: My personal philosophy is modeling what you stand for, always telling the truth, and being direct in all communications. My most important influence has been my husband of 33 years because he has taught me to be a lifelong learner and a good parent.