Today, we sat down with 2025 Deputy National President Josh Hoveln. Let’s learn about his journey from Wilmington Chapter Treasurer to Deputy National President!
Tell us about how you started off in JCI
My journey with the Jaycees began in February 2019 when I joined JCI Wilmington. Initially, I was drawn to the organization for professional development opportunities, eager to enhance my skills and expand my network. However, I quickly realized that JCI Wilmington offered much more than just career growth. I made amazing friends within my local chapter, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Driven by a passion for community service and personal development, I immediately immersed myself in the organization’s activities. From the very start, I saw the potential for making a significant impact, both personally and professionally, and I was eager to contribute. Within weeks of joining, I was appointed Treasurer, where I managed the finances and spearheaded the revamping of our chapter’s bylaws. This initial role set the foundation for my rapid ascent within the Jaycees and fueled my commitment to transparency and efficiency.
How did you further your leadership skills and positions?
As my involvement deepened, I took on the role of JCI Delaware’s Membership Director. This position allowed me to focus on enhancing membership engagement and driving growth across the state. My innovative approach and dedication to member satisfaction led to a significant increase in membership, setting new standards for the organization. It was incredibly rewarding to see our efforts pay off as more people joined and became active in our community projects.
In January 2020, I assumed the role of President of JCI Wilmington. This was a pivotal moment in my Jaycee journey and a significant step in my evolution as a leader. Under my leadership, we organized impactful projects such as the Christmas Parade, Thanksgiving Food Baskets, and a CPR Training Course for community members. These initiatives not only served the community but also brought significant recognition and growth to our chapter. Leading these projects and seeing their positive effects on our community was immensely fulfilling, and I continued in this role until December 31, 2021. This period was marked by my development from a passionate member to a strategic leader capable of guiding a team towards a shared vision.
My journey took another significant step forward in January 2022 when I became the State President of JCI Delaware. This role challenged me to expand my leadership skills even further. During my tenure, we expanded JCI’s reach and achieved membership growth unseen in a decade. My strategic vision and hands-on approach revitalized the organization, and I am proud of the milestones we achieved together. This role allowed me to broaden my impact and work closely with dedicated members across the state, honing my ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects.
In 2023, I was appointed JCI USA Program Manager for Civic Leadership Certification. This role was an exciting opportunity to contribute at the national level and test my leadership on a larger scale. I developed an online submission form that streamlined the certification process for local chapters, enhancing their effectiveness and ease of submission. This contribution significantly improved the operational efficiency of JCI USA, and it was gratifying to see how my efforts helped chapters across the country. This experience was instrumental in refining my leadership skills, particularly in project management and organizational development.
Later that year, I was elected National Vice President for JCI USA, focusing on Partnerships for 2024. This role has been one of the most exciting and challenging yet, pushing me to evolve further as a leader. I collaborated with United to Beat Malaria and planned an in-person summit in Washington, DC. Fostering new partnerships has multiplied JCI USA’s impact, providing essential resources and opportunities for our members. It’s been inspiring to see how these collaborations can drive meaningful change and support our mission. My ability to forge strategic partnerships and manage large-scale initiatives has grown significantly in this role.
What keeps you coming back?
I stay involved in the Jaycees not only for the continued professional development and community impact but also for the mentorship opportunities. It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide others on their journeys, much like I was mentored when I first joined. I want to ensure that others, including my younger family members, have an organization like this to help them grow, develop, and create positive change. The friendships I’ve made, the lives we’ve impacted, and the leaders we’ve developed motivate me to remain deeply engaged with the Jaycees.
As I reflect on my Jaycee journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had and the incredible people I’ve worked with. From my early days at JCI Wilmington to my national role with JCI USA, my experiences have shaped me as a leader and reinforced my commitment to community service. I look forward to continuing this journey, fostering new partnerships, and driving impactful initiatives. My vision for a better future remains unwavering, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together.
About Josh
Josh resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with his wife, Brittany, and son, Beckett. Outside of his JCI USA responsibilities, Josh enjoys taking family walks, spending time with his niece Emerald, and collecting sneakers. With a decade of experience in Software Product Management, he currently serves as a Director of Product Management at Comcast, where he leads a team responsible for developing the tools and technology utilized in Xfinity Retail locations across the country.