We were deeply saddened by the passing of our long-time friend and colleague Jan Riepen. After a long battle with cancer, Jan passed away on July 8.

From the day she started and throughout her 13-year Chamber career, Jan was a much respected professional and friend to those who served with her.

Her Chamber journey began in 2003 when the organization had significant challenges. She joined the team and worked hard to ensure the Chamber had a bright future.

At the height of Jan’s career as CFO of the Chamber, she introduced and led the Chamber’s successful travel program. She was able to combine her passion for travel by developing a new revenue channel for the organization.

She retired from the Chamber in 2016 to enjoy life with her family. She was especially looking forward to her son’s wedding in Oregon and taking on the mother of the groom responsibilities.

Her parting wisdom to staff was to always take advantage of present opportunities.

“You will meet so many people whose paths you would never have crossed and they will expose you to interests you didn’t even know you had,” she said.

Jan requested that there be no formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in her honor. To donate, click here.