Angie Atkins is the President & CEO of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on business growth, membership development and community engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in chamber leadership, communications and marketing, she previously served as President & CEO of the Goddard Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles with organizations including the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, Westar Energy and Hinkle Law Firm. Outside of her professional work, Atkins enjoys powerlifting. We caught up with Atkins and got her thoughts on…
… leadership lessons that remain relevant in every sector.
The greatest leadership lessons I’ve learned from former supervisors have stayed with me throughout my career, regardless of the industry. They taught me to always have a pen and paper ready, document everything, communicate often and make sure there are no surprises. One lesson that has especially stuck with me is to never bring a problem without also bringing a potential solution. That mindset encourages accountability, preparation and collaboration. Whether you’re leading an organization or serving as a member of the team, these principles apply in every sector and help build trust, strengthen communication and move organizations forward.
… a decision that reaped slower results but proved to be the right call.
Choosing to invest time in building relationships before pushing major initiatives. It’s always tempting to focus on quick wins or launch new programs right away, but I’ve found that lasting success comes from earning trust first. I also believe it’s extremely important to observe every major event or initiative at least once before making changes. You can learn a great deal by seeing how things operate, understanding why certain decisions were made and listening to the people who have been involved. That perspective helps you make thoughtful improvements instead of changes for the sake of change.
That philosophy is especially true in economic development. The Chamber does economic development every single day, but it doesn’t always look like what people expect. It’s not just about ribbon cuttings or announcing a new company coming to town. It’s about connecting business owners with resources, supporting entrepreneurs, advocating for workforce and infrastructure needs, and building relationships that encourage businesses to invest and grow in our community.
I’ve made it a priority to listen to business owners, community members, elected officials and stakeholders before making significant changes. That approach may seem slower, but it leads to stronger partnerships, better decisions and more sustainable results. Some of the most important work a leader does isn’t always the most visible—it’s the work that builds trust and creates the foundation for long-term success.
… what role a chamber should play when a community is divided.
First and foremost, the Chamber’s role is to support businesses. We are a membership-based organization, and our responsibility is to advocate for our business community and help create an environment where businesses can succeed. When a community is divided on major issues, I believe the Chamber’s role is best described as a convener. We bring people together, create opportunities for productive conversations, and help identify common ground. That doesn’t mean we can or should solve every disagreement, but we can provide a trusted space where business leaders, elected officials, organizations and community members can have respectful, solution-focused discussions.
The Chamber doesn’t have to take a position on every issue, but it should always encourage collaboration. Healthy communities aren’t built because everyone agrees – they’re built because people are willing to listen, respect different perspectives, and work toward compromise. When we keep the focus on what’s best for our businesses and the long-term success of the community, the Chamber can play an important role in helping move difficult conversations forward.
… what it would take for her to feel she’s “moved the needle” in Jenks.
When I eventually look back on my time in Jenks, I hope my legacy isn’t tied to one event, project or accomplishment. I hope people can say that I helped make Jenks a stronger community by supporting local businesses, building partnerships and bringing people together to solve problems. I want businesses to feel that the Chamber was a true partner in their success and that we helped create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.
I also hope people see that we elevated Jenks’ story – showcasing what makes our community unique while attracting new visitors, investment and opportunities. Most importantly, I hope I leave the Chamber and the community stronger than I found them. If I’ve built relationships, developed future leaders, strengthened collaboration and created a foundation that allows the next generation to be even more successful, then I’ll feel like I’ve truly moved the needle for the City of Jenks.
… what her hobby of powerlifting has taught ger about discipline and leadership.
Powerlifting has taught me that meaningful results don’t happen without putting in the work. Big things don’t happen overnight. Growth requires discomfort – you have to be willing to challenge yourself, stretch beyond your comfort zone and put yourself in rooms with people who are stronger, more experienced and performing at a higher level. That is where real learning and growth happen.
One of the greatest lessons powerlifting has taught me is that the bar and the weights don’t lie. They are exactly what you expect them to be. They don’t care about excuses, titles or intentions – they simply reflect the preparation and effort you have put in. Leadership is very similar. The results of your decisions, your consistency, and the trust you build with others will ultimately show the work you have done.
I’ve also learned the importance of believing in your own strength. In powerlifting, no one else can step onto the platform for you. The preparation, discipline and execution are yours alone. Leadership works the same way. Business is a lot like powerlifting. There will always be someone better, stronger or someone who wants to compete against you. The key is not to focus on comparison, but to focus on becoming better each day. If you continue to put in the work, learn from challenges, and hold yourself accountable, you will continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
… balancing authenticity with eye-catching marketing.
Every community has a story, and that story is shaped by the people who live there, the businesses that invest in it, and the history that gives it character. When you focus on telling those stories honestly, authenticity comes naturally. Rather than trying to create an image that doesn’t exist, our goal with Discover Jenks is to highlight what already makes our community special. One of the things that makes Jenks truly unique is that it’s home to the Oklahoma Aquarium – the only “ocean” experience in Oklahoma and the home of the world’s largest collection of bull sharks. It’s a great example of how we can celebrate distinctive attractions while also showcasing the local businesses, events and people that make Jenks such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
… moving from the Goddard Chamber to the Jenks Chamber.
Growth and change are challenging for any community, regardless of its size. Moving from the Goddard Chamber to the Jenks Chamber taught me that every community is unique. The people who live there have different priorities, different expectations and different ideas about the amenities and experiences they value. As a leader, it’s important to listen first and understand what matters most to the community you’re serving rather than assuming one approach will fit every place. At the same time, one thing has remained constant between Goddard and Jenks: the pride people have in their community. Residents want to see their town succeed, support local businesses and create opportunities for future generations. That sense of community pride is something you can build on, no matter the size or pace of growth.
… signals that a community is ready for its “next level” of growth.
I’m not sure there are clear signals that tell you an entire community is ready for its next level of growth. In many cases, communities don’t get to choose whether growth happens – location, population trends and economic conditions often drive that. The real question is whether a community is prepared to respond to that growth successfully.
To me, a community is ready when people are willing to come to the table, have honest conversations, ask hard questions, seek solutions together and be open to compromise. Productive communication is the key to long-term success. That doesn’t mean everyone has to agree on every issue, but it does mean everyone has to respect one another and recognize that moving a community forward requires collaboration. The strongest communities I’ve worked with are the ones that focus less on winning individual debates and more on finding common ground. When business leaders, elected officials, organizations and residents are willing to work together toward shared goals, that’s when a community is truly positioned for its next level of growth.
