Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) Vice Chair of Civic Engagement Jesse Imse was named to Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
Age: 28
Company: AECOM
Title: Marketing Communications and Brand Management Consultant
No. of years with current company: 2
Town where I live: West Hartford
Town where I work: Rocky Hill
College: St. Anselm College and University of Hartford
Highest Degree: Master’s degree in integrated marketing communications
Jesse Imse serves as a marketing communications and brand management consultant within Fortune 500, AECOM’s design and consulting services group. He helps lead all things marketing communications and brand management for his team’s main client, the state of Connecticut’s Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
Imse provides innovative strategies to promote CTDOT brands CTrides, CTrail Hartford Line, CTrail Shore Line East, and CTfastrak. Imse is also an adjunct professor within the School of Communication at the University of Hartford.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
Due to my community involvement and fierce advocacy of the advancement of Connecticut, I was asked to join ‘Face the State’ with Dennis House on WFSB-CBS, one of the most-watched political talk shows in the state of Connecticut. The interview focused on how recruiting and retaining young professionals impacts the revitalization of Connecticut.
How are you involved in the community?
As a passionate advocate for Connecticut, I was elected to serve on the executive board for Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), an initiative of the MetroHartford Alliance. In this role, I help organize events, spur civic engagement, as well as educate and engage a membership body of more than 4,000 young professionals.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I am not in a suit, I am an avid outdoorsman, museum frequenter, and concert goer. I love fishing, hiking, live music, and exploring history.
How did dealing with the coronavirus pandemic help you grow as a leader?
The coronavirus pandemic has led me to further lean into creativity and empathy as a leader. The dynamic of work life and home life converged due to work-from-home mandates. This led to the implementation of new creative solutions for what used to be basic problems.
Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:
Elected to the executive board of Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE).
Serve as an adjunct professor within the School of Communication at the University of Hartford.
Appeared on ‘Face the State’ with Dennis House on WFSB-CBS to discuss the revitalization of Connecticut by attracting and retaining young professionals.
Regularly asked to participate and speak at events to engage and consult dignitaries, stakeholders, and community leaders as a voice for young professionals from the region.
Fun Fact
I can play the trumpet and most brass instruments.