When Auburn businessman Dick Gleason hired Jennifer Hogan for a sales position at his radio station more than 10 years ago, her first job in the area, he told her to get out there.

“If you’re going to work for me, you’re going to be involved in the community. It can be whatever you want it to be. You have to commit yourself to something,” said Hogan, 34, remembering that advice.

Through the Maine Women’s Network, she helped start Classy Lady Boutique, a nonprofit that helped women entering the workforce find affordable, professional clothing. She ran the register, took in donations.

“I just found a huge passion for it,” Hogan said. “I love Lewiston-Auburn. I love Androscoggin County. I love giving back and I like knowing that the work that I’m doing is putting people into better positions, putting them onto a better life path. For me, that’s really important.”

One of her radio station clients: Community Credit Union. When they reached out with an open marketing position, she said she was excited for the opportunity.

Over nine years, she’s held several different positions there. Last month, Hogan officially became president and CEO.

The credit union has 35 employees and 8,500 members. 

She’s held onto the passion for the area and getting involved.

Through the credit union and other volunteer work, she’s been involved in activities like a recycling day and Read Across Lewiston. 

Hogan, who moved a lot as a child with a father in the Navy and who now lives in Turner, brings her daughter whenever she can.

“She’s only 6, so maybe at this age she doesn’t completely get it, but she will, and I think that’s really important,” Hogan said. “I don’t want to just be a CEO that’s sitting in my office and just pushing paperwork. I want to be a CEO that’s out and about and involved. That’s what I want my legacy to be.”

kskelton@sunjournal.com