Valley Industry and Commerce Association Vice President (VICA) Jessica Yasukochi worked her way to a top-level position and now serves as an anchor for the business advocacy organization. Yasukochi started at VICA about 10 years ago as an executive assistant and moved up to the position of vice president within five years. VICA President Stuart Waldman said she is now a vital part of the organization. “Jessica’s the glue that holds this organization together,” said Waldman. “She knows everything, knows everybody, (and) has been part of this organization for a decade. … She’s incredibly organized.” From managing the organization’s budget to placing flowers on the table at a VICA-sponsored event, no job is too big or small for Yasukochi, he said. At a recent meeting where the servers were moving too slowly, Yasukochi was quick to take charge, Waldman recalled. “She grabbed a tray and started serving all our members,” Waldman said. “She does that from accounting, human resources… and event logistics and event management.” Yasuokochi said organization is her key tactic for managing VICA effectively. “I like everything orderly and efficient and early,” she said. Some of Yasukochi’s accomplishments include changing VICA’s database system to run more efficiently, restructuring its accounting system and helping double its staff levels. She also remains in contact with board members on a daily basis and finds ways to cut down on supply and vendor costs, she said. “We don’t try to skimp on things to make things cheaper,” Yasukochi said. “We just make things more efficient.”
Business Group Pushed by Executive’s Management Skills
