Stemming from her love of Marketing, North Thurston Alumnae Jennie Foglia-Jones now works for the Port of Olympia where she spends her time managing the communications and marketing departments.

Before her graduation from North Thurston High School in 1999, Foglia-Jones had worked as a Marketing Intern for the Port of Olympia. Following her graduation, the Port opened a permanent position in which she moved into soon after. Throughout her years in high school, Foglia-Jones was enrolled in various classes to help her prepare for her future in this field. Some of these classes included Marketing where NTHS Marketing Teacher Ronna Reed “helped foster my love of marketing,” according to Foglia-Jones.

Foglia-Jones is currently the Communications, Marketing & Outreach Manager for the Port of Olympia where she oversees social media, builds marketing strategies, designs all print materials and ads, as well as administers the Foreign Trade Zone. “Among all my duties, I enjoy the outreach piece the most. I conduct tours of the Port and oversee our sponsorship program where I get to spend time in the Port booth interacting with the public.” says Foglia-Jones. She has recently begun working with Career & Technical Education (CTE) Directors in the County where she helps students to understand the world of work as well as combine hands-on experience with academics. “The Port allows me to engage individuals throughout our county and beyond.” says Foglia-Jones. “It’s an amazing asset to the community by being the largest economic engine in the county.”

Foglia-Jones has been with the Port of Olympia for a little over 20 years where she has worked for all departments except for two. “I enjoy the fact that the work I do helps contribute to a better and stronger Thurston County.” says Foglia-Jones.

Aside from her work with the Port of Olympia, Foglia-Jones mentions that she “had the honor” of returning to North Thurston High School as a coach. She coached the dance team for two years as well as the cheerleading team for six years, during which the team placed 1st at State. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. Together her and her husband, Matt Jones, have two daughters. “They keep us on our toes, but also remind us what’s important in life” she says.

Foglia-Jones wanted to share some advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing. “Keeping up with the trends is a must in this field. In a world of Communications and PR, it can come down to whom rather than what.” says Foglia-Jones. “Remember to always find a work/life balance; you will never regret this decision.”

--Written by Clara Hall, Community Relations Intern