Jessica O'Donnell - Gower
Executive Vice President, Chambers of Commerce

Jessica O’Donnell-Gower is the Executive Vice President of Chambers of Commerce for The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, one of the nation’s top ten chambers. Since joining the Chamber in 2014, Jessica has been a driving force behind its regionalization strategy, leading key partnerships and mergers including Emmaus Main Street Partners, Whitehall Area Chamber, and the Nazareth Area Chamber — to strengthen connections and support communities across the Lehigh Valley. Her leadership embodies the Chamber’s philosophy that it’s not just a Chamber of Commerce, but a Chamber of Communities, uplifting people, neighborhoods, and local economies.
 
Jessica leads a talented team of fifteen and works closely with the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton Area, East Penn, Greater Northampton Area, Greater Northern Lehigh Area, Hellertown-Lower Saucon, Nazareth Area, Southern Lehigh, Western Lehigh, and Whitehall Area Chambers of Commerce, as well as regional partners including the Warren County Council, Emmaus Main Street Partners, the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, and the Pocono Chamber of Commerce. Through these partnerships, she connects key business and community leaders, fostering collaboration, economic growth, and vibrant communities throughout the region.
 
A proud native of Palmerton in Carbon County, Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University and pursued her Master’s degree at Cedar Crest College. She brings the same passion to her work that she cherishes in her personal life — building strong communities, making meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
 
Jessica’s leadership has been recognized throughout the region and beyond. Among her honors, she was named a 2025 Circle of Excellence awardee by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal, a 2023 Lehigh Valley Woman of Influence, and a 2021 40 Under 40 recipient. She has also been recognized by the Saucon Valley Community Center where she received a key to the Borough of Hellertown from Mayor David Heintzelman and recognized by Pennsylvania State Representative Justin Simmons for her contributions to local communities. Jessica actively participates in the Parkland Education Foundation as a Board of Director and serves on the Lehigh County General Purpose Authority, demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and community development.
 
Outside the office, Jessica enjoys snowmobiling in the Adirondacks, traveling to new destinations, spontaneous adventures with her husband, and making memories with her daughter, Evie, and stepchildren, Lena and Nico. She’s also passionate about exploring the Lehigh Valley and Carbon County food scene, and spending time with her two fur babies, Odis and KeKe. Whether professionally or personally, Jessica lives her mission of connecting, uplifting, and celebrating communities wherever she goes.