Claire Jennings is an accomplished management development professional, public-sector leader, educator, ordained Baptist minister, and community advocate whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to developing people and strengthening organizations.
Claire began her professional career with Magnavox Consumer Electronics Company in Personnel Administration, whose corporate office was located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she made history as the first African American female professional. She later joined Union Carbide, where she held roles in Training and Employee Relations supporting the Research and Development Department in South Charleston, West Virginia. These early experiences established the foundation for a career centered on employee development, organizational effectiveness, and leadership.
Claire subsequently joined Philip Morris USA in Louisville, Kentucky, serving as a Management Development Specialist. In that role, she focused on developing talent, strengthening leadership capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Her work involved creating meaningful learning experiences that encouraged collaboration, prepared future leaders, and supported organizational objectives.
After her corporate career, Claire returned home to Georgia and entered public service with the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources in Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked in Training. She later joined the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, coordinating programs within the Office of Prevention, Program Development and Evaluation. In this capacity, she coordinated statewide annual training conferences and federally funded initiatives and contributed her expertise to review panels serving the Governor of Georgia.
Throughout her career, Claire has demonstrated a talent for identifying opportunities to strengthen leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, and employee development. She is known for her collaborative approach, strategic perspective, and ability to build trusted relationships that encourage engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. Her professional philosophy is grounded in the belief that investing in people is fundamental to building strong, resilient, and successful organizations.
Claire’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional career. Following her corporate and public-sector leadership experiences, she continued her personal and spiritual development through the Interdenominational Theological Center and later became an ordained Baptist Minister. Her faith and commitment to serving others remain important aspects of her life and leadership.
She has also remained actively engaged in civic and community organizations. Her affiliations have included the National Democratic Party, Georgia Democratic Party, Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, Black Achievers Professional Network, Democracy First PAC Social Security Advisory Board, and the Louisville Urban League Board of Directors. Claire has been recently asked to serve on THE MICHELLE AND BARACK OBAMA LEGACY BOARD and the Michelle Obama Training Committee, further reflecting her continued involvement in civic and community initiatives. Claire is the daughter of the Late Mr. Howell D. Hester, Sr. and the Late Mrs. Beatrice Hester, both originally of Atlanta. Georgia.
Now retired, Claire remains committed to leadership development, faith, lifelong learning, and community service. She continues to inspire others through her professional experiences, civic engagement, and dedication to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Claire is the proud mother of one loving daughter, who also resides in Atlanta. She values family, faith, service, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
EDUCATION & HONORS
Bachelor of Arts Degree in English
Cum Laude
Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia
Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee