KNIGHTDALE - Around these parts, Joe Bryan – the longtime county commissioner and former Knightdale mayor who’s lived here since 1978 – is known as “Jennifer’s husband.”

His wife, Jennifer Bryan, runs the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce as its executive director.

“When we go out, it’s hard to tell which one of us is the politician,” Joe says. “She’s much more well-known than I am. People come up to her all the time. They love her.”

Jennifer, 57, with her feathery voice and seemingly permanent smile, has been Knightdale’s community connector for 17 years. Her roles include acting as a liaison between local businesses and the Town Council, scheduling luncheons where chamber members can network, and aiding Town Hall in bringing new business to Knightdale.

But she’s also used her position to elevate the community in ways that aren’t outlined in the job description.

She also seeks to educate the community.

One example is her recruitment of Michael Walden, who annually speaks to townsfolk about the year’s economic forecast.

Walden is an N.C. State professor and nationally recognized economist. He has appeared on NBC, CBS, The Fox Report, and is frequently quoted in such newspapers as the The News & Observer, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. His biweekly column is carried by over 40 newspapers in the state.

Part of his job is to educate the public on the economic climate. So he deals with many Chamber of Commerce in the state to schedule speaking arrangements.

“I would certainly put Jennifer at the top of the list (of chamber directors) when it comes to her commitment and organizational skills,” Walden says.

“She always puts on a very professional, organized presentation and always calls me the day after I speak to thank me and schedule me for the next year.”

Bryan also aims to keep her town politically informed by hosting forums and debates.

In December, N.C. Sen. Dan Blue, N.C. Rep. Darren Jackson, Wake County commission chairman Paul Coble, Wake school board member Chris Malone, and Knightdale mayor Russell Killen for a forum called “Emerging Issues.”

They congregated at Knightdale Town Hall where they discussed how local and state politics could effect eastern Wake County.

Jennifer was the event’s creator and host.

“She runs a highly effective chamber that any town or city would be envious of,” Coble said.

“If she’s having an event, I’m sure to be there because I know it’s going to be fun, informative and well done. Not all chamber events are like that.”

Not only is she an effective leader, she also embodies the friendly, forward-thinking zeal that townsfolk like to boast as Knightdale’s main lure.

She was instrumental in the creating Knightdale 100 – the local, educational advocate – which has secured the STEM program at East Wake Middle and Knightdale High while improving Knightdale schools in countless other ways.

Bryan doesn’t see her work with schools as philanthropic so much as necessary for the town’s future. Education and economic development go hand-in-hand, she says.

“(The quality of local schools is) one of the first things businesses look at when they seek to relocate somewhere new,” she says, adding that the chamber of commerce staff deserves most of the credit. “Passionate, engaged parents and teachers are so valuable.”

Indeed, and Bryan matches their enthusiasm.

“She works constantly,” her husband says. “She sits up in bed thinking of ways to help this business or that person or come up with the next cool event that could help people in Knightdale.”

Town leaders have noticed and consider her among Knightdale’s most valuable assets.”She has an unbelievable amount of energy for what she does and she has spent years cultivating relationships throughout the county and state that she can use to benefit businesses in Knightdale,” Councilman James Roberson said.

“An active and vibrant chamber of commerce is a critical element for the ongoing success of our town,” Killen says. “Jennifer is one of the linchpins that brings Knightdale together.”