The Grimes Area Chamber of Commerce announced Jennifer Chittenden as the organization’s new president. Chittenden, started in the role May 11, succeeding longtime leader Brian Buethe, who is departing after nearly 20 years and will remain in an advisory role through mid-June. Chittenden, a Grimes resident for more than two decades, has previously held leadership roles with Simpson College, P.E.O. International and served as executive director of the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce, which was named the 2018 Small Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. “We are exceptionally pleased to have Jennifer join the team and lead the Grimes Area Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership and experience will position the organization well during this exciting and vibrant time in our community,” 2026 board chair Chris Watkins, of Raccoon Valley Bank, said in a news release.