Young Professionals - Growing Your Network Through Public Service 5/11/2026 5:00 PM - 5/11/2026 6:30 PM

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:42:01 GMT

May 11, 2026 | Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Looking to expand your network while making a meaningful impact in your community? Join Young Professionals for an engaging panel discussion on how public service can support both your personal and professional growth.

Hear from local leaders and professionals actively involved in public service as they share how they got started, what opportunities are available, and how civic engagement has shaped their careers. From serving on boards and commissions to participating in leadership programs, this conversation will highlight accessible ways to get involved at any stage.

Whether you are just getting started or looking to deepen your involvement, you will leave with practical insights, valuable connections, and clear next steps to take action.

Meet the Panelists:

Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace - Beach Pace became the 51st Mayor of Hillsboro on January 7, 2025, and is the city’s second female and first LGBTQAI+ mayor. She previously served on the Hillsboro City Council, as well as on the Planning Commission and Civic Leadership Academy. Mayor Pace holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MPA from Northern Michigan University, and served in the U.S. Army Bomb Squad both domestically and overseas. Her professional background includes more than nine years in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, followed by over 17 years in the nonprofit sector supporting youth and families. She currently serves as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portland and, outside of work, enjoys walking and hiking with her wife Jincy, their two adult children, and their rescue dog, Jack.
Hillsboro City Councilor Elizabeth Case - Elizabeth Case is a small business owner and Hillsboro City Councilor. She serves as chair of the City of Hillsboro’s Environmental Stewardship Committee and is on the Community Action board. Elizabeth served on the Hillsboro Library Board as Chair, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board (Chair - 2024). Elizabeth has long been passionate about our community and has worked on local campaigns to elect strong leaders to offices from school board to the city to the legislature. Elizabeth and her husband, Jeremiah, live in Orenco with their chocolate lab Cliff.
Jen Little, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Chamber - Jen Little is Vice President of Public Affairs at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads government relations and advocacy efforts to ensure the voice of business is represented at all levels of government. With more than 15 years of experience in communications, public policy, and community engagement, she has built strong partnerships between business leaders, elected officials, and the communities they serve. Jen’s commitment to public service includes three terms as an elected member of the Mathews County School Board in Virginia and gubernatorial appointments to the Virginia Board of Psychology and the State Board for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. She is passionate about civic engagement and believes public service is a powerful way to build meaningful relationships and expand professional networks.

The Young Professionals program brings together emerging leaders (primarily ages 18–35) to build connections, grow their careers, and engage with the local business community. For questions about the program, contact Jessica at JessicaA@wcchamber.org or Ashley at AshleyB@wcchamber.org

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

Young Professionals - Growing Your Network Through Public Service 5/11/2026 5:00 PM - 5/11/2026 6:30 PM