2019 Officers of the Board
Michelle Niven
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
Chair
Michelle joined CARD in January of 2017 and currently holds the position of HR Manager. She is responsible for the administration of all human resources services for CARDS’s 400 employees. This includes maintaining compliance with legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resource functions as well as ensuring policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance with the law. Michelle came to Chico in 1988 and completed her degree in Speech Communications at California State University, Chico.
From then, till now, she worked 20 years as an HR Specialist for a local employer, along with participating in a variety of community activities which has included mentoring students at Fairview High School, providing them with resume writing assistance, interviewing skills and the basics of being a valuable employee as well as conducting Job Skills Workshops for the EDD. When she isn’t wearing her professional hat, she is the mother to teenage twin daughters and enjoys reading, travel, music and spending time with family and friends.
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
Chair
Michelle joined CARD in January of 2017 and currently holds the position of HR Manager. She is responsible for the administration of all human resources services for CARDS’s 400 employees. This includes maintaining compliance with legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resource functions as well as ensuring policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance with the law. Michelle came to Chico in 1988 and completed her degree in Speech Communications at California State University, Chico.
From then, till now, she worked 20 years as an HR Specialist for a local employer, along with participating in a variety of community activities which has included mentoring students at Fairview High School, providing them with resume writing assistance, interviewing skills and the basics of being a valuable employee as well as conducting Job Skills Workshops for the EDD. When she isn’t wearing her professional hat, she is the mother to teenage twin daughters and enjoys reading, travel, music and spending time with family and friends.
Jolene Francis CFRE
Enloe Medical Center
Chair-Elect
Jolene Francis, CFRE, Director of Advancement & Communications, Enloe Medical Center: Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 35 years in local business including positions in the financial industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and Chairman’s Award. Jolene is married to Mark Francis
Jolene Francis, CFREEnloe Medical CenterFirst Vice ChairJolene Francis, CFRE, Director of Advancement & Communications, Enloe Medical Center: Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 35 years in local business including positions in the financial industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and Chairman’s Award. Jolene is married to Mark Francis
Enloe Medical Center
Chair-Elect
Jolene Francis, CFRE, Director of Advancement & Communications, Enloe Medical Center: Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 35 years in local business including positions in the financial industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and Chairman’s Award. Jolene is married to Mark Francis
Jolene Francis, CFREEnloe Medical CenterFirst Vice ChairJolene Francis, CFRE, Director of Advancement & Communications, Enloe Medical Center: Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 35 years in local business including positions in the financial industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and Chairman’s Award. Jolene is married to Mark Francis
Ben Winter
Transfer Flow, Inc.
1st Vice Chair
Ben Winter is the Project Manager at Transfer Flow, an automotive manufacturing company that specializes in certified legal fuel systems. I have grown up in the Butte County my whole life with education through Butte College and Chico State. I have worked at Transfer Flow since 1993 where I established a position as the Sales Manager and piloted positive growth over 18 years. Our customer base ranges from retail through OEM vehicle manufactures around the world. I have developed a vast experience working with many fortune 500 companies introducing services and closing project with successful profits. In 2010 I accepted a position as the lead Project Manager with emphasis on company growth. My roles include networking, customer maintenance, presenting to new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing. I currently play an active role as an adviser or a board seats for many different associations connected to a manufacturing core business mission.
I am extremely lucky to be living in Chico raising 5 children who attend local schools, play sports and absorb our community’s lifestyle. The “Winter 7” all have a strong passion for our community and want to focus making our lifestyle happy and positive. My interests are running, training and providing a positive connection to youth sports or clubs.
Transfer Flow, Inc.
1st Vice Chair
Ben Winter is the Project Manager at Transfer Flow, an automotive manufacturing company that specializes in certified legal fuel systems. I have grown up in the Butte County my whole life with education through Butte College and Chico State. I have worked at Transfer Flow since 1993 where I established a position as the Sales Manager and piloted positive growth over 18 years. Our customer base ranges from retail through OEM vehicle manufactures around the world. I have developed a vast experience working with many fortune 500 companies introducing services and closing project with successful profits. In 2010 I accepted a position as the lead Project Manager with emphasis on company growth. My roles include networking, customer maintenance, presenting to new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing. I currently play an active role as an adviser or a board seats for many different associations connected to a manufacturing core business mission.
I am extremely lucky to be living in Chico raising 5 children who attend local schools, play sports and absorb our community’s lifestyle. The “Winter 7” all have a strong passion for our community and want to focus making our lifestyle happy and positive. My interests are running, training and providing a positive connection to youth sports or clubs.
Anastacia L. Snyder
Catalyst Domestic Violence Services
Chair of the Board
Anastacia L. Snyder is the Executive Director at Catalyst Domestic Violence Services in Butte County. In this capacity, she is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s operations. In addition to her work, Anastacia holds many state and local leadership positions including a Governor’s appointment to the California Office of Emergency Services Domestic Violence Advisory Council where she is the current co-chair and is a Regional Policy Representative to the state domestic violence coalition’s Public Policy and Research Committee.
Locally, Anastacia participates on the FEMA Board serving as the chair, Children’s Services Coordinating Council serving on the Executive Committee and is an elected member of the Butte County Continuum of Care Council. Anastacia is an active Rotarian since 2008 and currently services as the Chico Noon Rotary club president as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chico Chamber of Commerce where she serves as the Chair of the Board. Anastacia is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California and attended California State University, Chico pursuing a Master’s Degree in English. She is dedicated to providing vital safe housing and social services to victims of domestic violence and their children in the community in which she lives and serves.
Catalyst Domestic Violence Services
Chair of the Board
Anastacia L. Snyder is the Executive Director at Catalyst Domestic Violence Services in Butte County. In this capacity, she is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s operations. In addition to her work, Anastacia holds many state and local leadership positions including a Governor’s appointment to the California Office of Emergency Services Domestic Violence Advisory Council where she is the current co-chair and is a Regional Policy Representative to the state domestic violence coalition’s Public Policy and Research Committee.
Locally, Anastacia participates on the FEMA Board serving as the chair, Children’s Services Coordinating Council serving on the Executive Committee and is an elected member of the Butte County Continuum of Care Council. Anastacia is an active Rotarian since 2008 and currently services as the Chico Noon Rotary club president as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chico Chamber of Commerce where she serves as the Chair of the Board. Anastacia is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California and attended California State University, Chico pursuing a Master’s Degree in English. She is dedicated to providing vital safe housing and social services to victims of domestic violence and their children in the community in which she lives and serves.
Mark Pierce
North Valley Ag Services
Vice Chair
Mark Pierce has been with North Valley Ag Services, a dba for Chico Bean Growers, since 1989. North Valley Ag is grower-owned cooperative that specializes in all things important to agricultural production including crop consulting, fertilizers and crop protection products. He has been fortunate to see the company evolve from primarily a dried bean handling and marketing association to a successful six-county farm supply company. North Valley’s customer base is a great diversity of both small and large growers with many minority growers and vertically integrated crop processors in the mix.
Over Pierce’s 35 years he has held many positions in the company. Initially hired out of high school as a warehouse man to bag dried beans, Pierce has moved on to manage various divisions. In 2001 he became President of North Valley Ag Services and continues to work with a CEO and seven-member Board of Directors that is composed of association’s farmer-patrons. Pierce is also a board member of the Chico Noon Rotary and the California Fertilizer Foundation; as well as an active member of the Butte College Ag Advisory Committee, the Western Plant Health Retailers Council and the Chico High School Ag Boosters.
North Valley Ag Services
Vice Chair
Mark Pierce has been with North Valley Ag Services, a dba for Chico Bean Growers, since 1989. North Valley Ag is grower-owned cooperative that specializes in all things important to agricultural production including crop consulting, fertilizers and crop protection products. He has been fortunate to see the company evolve from primarily a dried bean handling and marketing association to a successful six-county farm supply company. North Valley’s customer base is a great diversity of both small and large growers with many minority growers and vertically integrated crop processors in the mix.
Over Pierce’s 35 years he has held many positions in the company. Initially hired out of high school as a warehouse man to bag dried beans, Pierce has moved on to manage various divisions. In 2001 he became President of North Valley Ag Services and continues to work with a CEO and seven-member Board of Directors that is composed of association’s farmer-patrons. Pierce is also a board member of the Chico Noon Rotary and the California Fertilizer Foundation; as well as an active member of the Butte College Ag Advisory Committee, the Western Plant Health Retailers Council and the Chico High School Ag Boosters.
Sierra Grossman
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Vice Chair
Sierra Grossman is a second-generation owner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a leader in America’s craft beer industry. Working at the brewery since she was 15 years old—from washing dishes to fixing equipment—Sierra admired her father’s hands-on approach to management, which she now applies in her role as Vice President. In response to Butte County’s experience with the devastating Camp Fire, Sierra is at the helm of the brewery’s philanthropic efforts to support their hometown through funds, resources, and community collaboration.
Sierra has also served on nonprofit boards focusing on sustainability, local resources, and education. Her current board seats include the Chico Chamber of Commerce, the John Muir Trail Foundation, and the Wildflower Open Classroom.
Sierra graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Health Science.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Vice Chair
Sierra Grossman is a second-generation owner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a leader in America’s craft beer industry. Working at the brewery since she was 15 years old—from washing dishes to fixing equipment—Sierra admired her father’s hands-on approach to management, which she now applies in her role as Vice President. In response to Butte County’s experience with the devastating Camp Fire, Sierra is at the helm of the brewery’s philanthropic efforts to support their hometown through funds, resources, and community collaboration.
Sierra has also served on nonprofit boards focusing on sustainability, local resources, and education. Her current board seats include the Chico Chamber of Commerce, the John Muir Trail Foundation, and the Wildflower Open Classroom.
Sierra graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Health Science.
Toni Scott
Morrison & Company
Vice Chair
Toni Scott is a principal with Morrison & Company, a business consulting firm focused on providing services related to planning and feasibility, grant writing, interim executive searches and special projects. Toni primarily works in the firm's grants practice, writing competitive grant proposals on behalf of clients in production agriculture, processing, agribusiness, distribution, manufacturing, and alternative energy. Toni is a member of the City of Chico Planning Commission and Butte County Library Advisory Board, past President of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Organization, is on the Butte County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and is a founding director of the Butte Agriculture Foundation.
Toni moved to Chico to attend Chico State in 2002, leaving briefly to pursue graduate school. She returned to Chico after receiving her master's degree in print journalism and worked several years as a reporter for the Chico Enterprise Record and Oroville Mercury Register. Toni continues to freelance write for California Bountiful, a bimonthly statewide magazine featuring California farmers, ranchers, and chefs. Toni and her husband Nick enjoy spending time with their dog Conner.
Morrison & Company
Vice Chair
Toni Scott is a principal with Morrison & Company, a business consulting firm focused on providing services related to planning and feasibility, grant writing, interim executive searches and special projects. Toni primarily works in the firm's grants practice, writing competitive grant proposals on behalf of clients in production agriculture, processing, agribusiness, distribution, manufacturing, and alternative energy. Toni is a member of the City of Chico Planning Commission and Butte County Library Advisory Board, past President of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Organization, is on the Butte County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and is a founding director of the Butte Agriculture Foundation.
Toni moved to Chico to attend Chico State in 2002, leaving briefly to pursue graduate school. She returned to Chico after receiving her master's degree in print journalism and worked several years as a reporter for the Chico Enterprise Record and Oroville Mercury Register. Toni continues to freelance write for California Bountiful, a bimonthly statewide magazine featuring California farmers, ranchers, and chefs. Toni and her husband Nick enjoy spending time with their dog Conner.
Mark Chrisman
Healthy Solutions Insurance Services
Mark is a home-grown Chico native, after moving to Chico in 1970, where he attended Rosedale, Chico Junior and Chico Senior High School. Growing up and living in Chico for the past 46 years Mark has been able to watch Chico grow from a sleepy, small college town of approximately 30,000 residents to a thriving city of almost 100,000! Mark believes Chico offers a great quality of life and enjoyed it growing up as a kid. He is now grateful to be able to give these experiences to his two children, raising them here in Chico!
Mark spent 36 years in the automotive industry, with almost 30 of those years working in the service department for Chuck Patterson Auto World in Chico. That experience provided a great way to learn the workings of business! In May of 2015, Mark retired from the automotive industry to join his wife, Leanne Chrisman, at Healthy Solutions Insurance Services. Now he is able to experience and enjoy what Chico offers business owners in the community. You might see Mark out running in Bidwell Park or at a Chico Heat baseball game. He feels very fortunate to have grown up in and able to continue living in Chico, enjoying all it has to offer from education, to business, to raising a family!
Healthy Solutions Insurance Services
Mark is a home-grown Chico native, after moving to Chico in 1970, where he attended Rosedale, Chico Junior and Chico Senior High School. Growing up and living in Chico for the past 46 years Mark has been able to watch Chico grow from a sleepy, small college town of approximately 30,000 residents to a thriving city of almost 100,000! Mark believes Chico offers a great quality of life and enjoyed it growing up as a kid. He is now grateful to be able to give these experiences to his two children, raising them here in Chico!
Mark spent 36 years in the automotive industry, with almost 30 of those years working in the service department for Chuck Patterson Auto World in Chico. That experience provided a great way to learn the workings of business! In May of 2015, Mark retired from the automotive industry to join his wife, Leanne Chrisman, at Healthy Solutions Insurance Services. Now he is able to experience and enjoy what Chico offers business owners in the community. You might see Mark out running in Bidwell Park or at a Chico Heat baseball game. He feels very fortunate to have grown up in and able to continue living in Chico, enjoying all it has to offer from education, to business, to raising a family!
2019 Directors
Craig Ahlswede
Allevity Employer Solutions
Craig Ahlswede grew up and attended college in Chico. He has been with Allevity Employer Solutions since 1995 in various capacities, and as President since 2006. Craig is focused on organizational strength and health as well as providing the highest quality services to Allevity’s clients and employees. Craig maintains a Life and Health Insurance License which he obtained in 2011 to greater understand the health insurance industry so he can better lead the purchasing and managing of health insurance policies for his clients. Craig served as a director of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) and is the current California Leadership Chair for NAPEO. Craig assists NAPEO in working with California legislation and regulations as it pertains to the Professional Employer industry and employers in general. Prior to joining Allevity, Craig worked as a Technical Contract Recruiter in the Silicon Valley. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from CSU, Chico.
Allevity Employer Solutions
Craig Ahlswede grew up and attended college in Chico. He has been with Allevity Employer Solutions since 1995 in various capacities, and as President since 2006. Craig is focused on organizational strength and health as well as providing the highest quality services to Allevity’s clients and employees. Craig maintains a Life and Health Insurance License which he obtained in 2011 to greater understand the health insurance industry so he can better lead the purchasing and managing of health insurance policies for his clients. Craig served as a director of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) and is the current California Leadership Chair for NAPEO. Craig assists NAPEO in working with California legislation and regulations as it pertains to the Professional Employer industry and employers in general. Prior to joining Allevity, Craig worked as a Technical Contract Recruiter in the Silicon Valley. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from CSU, Chico.
Taj Atkins, Chair: ServiceMASTER by Cronic
As the Business Development Manager with ServiceMaster by Cronic I am dedicated to the success of the company, employees and myself. I joined ServiceMaster by Cronic in November 2012 after leaving my previous career of building custom swimming pools. I started with the company as a Water Technician and was promoted to the Water Operations Manager. Prior to joining ServiceMaster by Cronic I was an iron worker, a sub-contractor, a wild land firefighter, and a custom pool builder. At all these jobs, I learned a lot about work ethic, and what hard work really was.
Aside from working for SeviceMaster I serve as the President of the Chico Business Builders, one of the largest networking groups in Chico. Being a part of this community and doing what I can to move it in a positive direction is something I am very happy to be a part of while raising 2 children here.
I was born in Olympia, Washington and moved to Taiwan with my family when I was 5 years old. We lived there for a year, where my parents taught English and lived at a church. We then joined a Christian Organization called YWAM and moved onto a hospital ship named the M/V Anastasis. I lived on the ship all my elementary school and traveled to over 30 countries and 5 continents in 7 years. We provided free medical care to the people of Africa, building wells and clinics in the different ports that we visited. During my travels at a young age it opened up my eyes to what a beautiful and diverse world that we live in. Traveling and the different things I have seen has taught me to stay open-minded and treat everyone with compassion. I moved to Chico over 20 years ago and have lived here ever since. I am raising my 2 amazing children here with my beautiful wife and count my blessings every day.
As the Business Development Manager with ServiceMaster by Cronic I am dedicated to the success of the company, employees and myself. I joined ServiceMaster by Cronic in November 2012 after leaving my previous career of building custom swimming pools. I started with the company as a Water Technician and was promoted to the Water Operations Manager. Prior to joining ServiceMaster by Cronic I was an iron worker, a sub-contractor, a wild land firefighter, and a custom pool builder. At all these jobs, I learned a lot about work ethic, and what hard work really was.
Aside from working for SeviceMaster I serve as the President of the Chico Business Builders, one of the largest networking groups in Chico. Being a part of this community and doing what I can to move it in a positive direction is something I am very happy to be a part of while raising 2 children here.
I was born in Olympia, Washington and moved to Taiwan with my family when I was 5 years old. We lived there for a year, where my parents taught English and lived at a church. We then joined a Christian Organization called YWAM and moved onto a hospital ship named the M/V Anastasis. I lived on the ship all my elementary school and traveled to over 30 countries and 5 continents in 7 years. We provided free medical care to the people of Africa, building wells and clinics in the different ports that we visited. During my travels at a young age it opened up my eyes to what a beautiful and diverse world that we live in. Traveling and the different things I have seen has taught me to stay open-minded and treat everyone with compassion. I moved to Chico over 20 years ago and have lived here ever since. I am raising my 2 amazing children here with my beautiful wife and count my blessings every day.
Melanie Bassett
Downtown Chico Business Association
Melanie Bassett has been the Executive Director of the Downtown Chico Business Association for 3 ½ years. She previously served as branch Manager for Tri Counties Bank for five years and spent 14 years as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Sierra Cascade. Melanie was born in Traverse City, Michigan into a Navy family, traveled extensively and grew up on the Monterey Peninsula where her father retired. She attended Chico State University getting a Masters in Criminal Justice and returned to Chico in 1990. Melanie is a member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club and served as President 2011-2012. She currently serves on the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 3CORE Loan Administration Board and chairs the Beautiful, Clean & Safe Action Group. She has a son Benjamin who is an attorney in Chicago, however his real passion is music and he is on a solo tour across the country this year.
Downtown Chico Business Association
Melanie Bassett has been the Executive Director of the Downtown Chico Business Association for 3 ½ years. She previously served as branch Manager for Tri Counties Bank for five years and spent 14 years as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Sierra Cascade. Melanie was born in Traverse City, Michigan into a Navy family, traveled extensively and grew up on the Monterey Peninsula where her father retired. She attended Chico State University getting a Masters in Criminal Justice and returned to Chico in 1990. Melanie is a member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club and served as President 2011-2012. She currently serves on the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 3CORE Loan Administration Board and chairs the Beautiful, Clean & Safe Action Group. She has a son Benjamin who is an attorney in Chicago, however his real passion is music and he is on a solo tour across the country this year.
Natasha Beehner
Golden Valley Bank
Natasha Beehner graduated from CSU, Chico with a BA in Organizational Communications and is the Marketing Manager for Golden Valley Bank. She is involved in the community through the Chico Chamber of Commerce as a Board Member and Chair for the Special Events Committee; she is a JAR (Junior Active Rotarian) through Chico Noon Rotary; serves on the Marketing Committee for BGCNV and serves on the Chico Make a Difference Day Committee. In 2013, she was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Chico Chamber. She is married to her husband Chris and they have a son named Gage.
Golden Valley Bank
Natasha Beehner graduated from CSU, Chico with a BA in Organizational Communications and is the Marketing Manager for Golden Valley Bank. She is involved in the community through the Chico Chamber of Commerce as a Board Member and Chair for the Special Events Committee; she is a JAR (Junior Active Rotarian) through Chico Noon Rotary; serves on the Marketing Committee for BGCNV and serves on the Chico Make a Difference Day Committee. In 2013, she was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Chico Chamber. She is married to her husband Chris and they have a son named Gage.
Calen Chapman
Harris Commercial Real Estate Services
Calen Chapman is a Senior Associate at Harris Commercial Real Estate Services, specializing in
commercial sales and leasing. Upon graduating from CSU Chico, Calen decided to stay local after
noticing the quality of life and many opportunities that Chico has to offer. Calen has
continued to be very active in the local community, bringing leadership involvement to the
Chico Chamber of Commerce and Chico Rotary Club.
Harris Commercial Real Estate Services
Calen Chapman is a Senior Associate at Harris Commercial Real Estate Services, specializing in
commercial sales and leasing. Upon graduating from CSU Chico, Calen decided to stay local after
noticing the quality of life and many opportunities that Chico has to offer. Calen has
continued to be very active in the local community, bringing leadership involvement to the
Chico Chamber of Commerce and Chico Rotary Club.
Mark Francis
Golden Valley Bank
Mark Francis, a Chico native and lifelong resident, is the President and CEO of Golden Valley Bank and a Chamber Director since 2007 and a member since 1982. He is a graduate of CSU, Chico and has been in banking for 31 years.
Golden Valley Bank
Mark Francis, a Chico native and lifelong resident, is the President and CEO of Golden Valley Bank and a Chamber Director since 2007 and a member since 1982. He is a graduate of CSU, Chico and has been in banking for 31 years.
Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson
California State University, Chico
In 2016, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Gayle E. Hutchinson, Ed.D., as president of California State University, Chico. Hutchinson spent nearly 20 years in various instructional and leadership roles at Chico State. She served as dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology, Academic Senate Chair, Statewide Senator and was a member of the President’s Diversity Council. Before that time, she was a member of the Chico State faculty, teaching kinesiology with a specialty in teacher preparation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education teacher education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University in teaching analysis & curriculum development, and a doctorate of education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in teacher education/staff development.
California State University, Chico
In 2016, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Gayle E. Hutchinson, Ed.D., as president of California State University, Chico. Hutchinson spent nearly 20 years in various instructional and leadership roles at Chico State. She served as dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology, Academic Senate Chair, Statewide Senator and was a member of the President’s Diversity Council. Before that time, she was a member of the Chico State faculty, teaching kinesiology with a specialty in teacher preparation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education teacher education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University in teaching analysis & curriculum development, and a doctorate of education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in teacher education/staff development.
Rodney Krebs
Rodney Krebs, Realtor
Mr. Krebs joined the firm of Coldwell Banker Commercial, DuFour Realty as a broker in 1997. His prime area of focus is commercial and investment property brokerage and commercial leasing. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) of the National Association of Realtors’® Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute. He attained Coldwell Banker’s “International President’s Elite” award in 2011 and the “International President’s Premier’ award in 2012. Mr. Krebs has served as President of the Chico Association of Realtors®.
Rodney Krebs, Realtor
Mr. Krebs joined the firm of Coldwell Banker Commercial, DuFour Realty as a broker in 1997. His prime area of focus is commercial and investment property brokerage and commercial leasing. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) of the National Association of Realtors’® Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute. He attained Coldwell Banker’s “International President’s Elite” award in 2011 and the “International President’s Premier’ award in 2012. Mr. Krebs has served as President of the Chico Association of Realtors®.
Tom Lando
Tom Lando Consulting
Tom Lando, of Tom Lando Consulting, holds a Doctorate of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and is a past City Manager for the City of Chico. Before serving as City Manager, Tom held the positions of Community Services Director and Planning Director for the City of Chico. Tom is active in the community serving as a prior Chair for the Enloe Medical Center Board of Trustees and prior Chair of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Tom is an active member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club, serving as President in recent years.
Tom Lando Consulting
Tom Lando, of Tom Lando Consulting, holds a Doctorate of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and is a past City Manager for the City of Chico. Before serving as City Manager, Tom held the positions of Community Services Director and Planning Director for the City of Chico. Tom is active in the community serving as a prior Chair for the Enloe Medical Center Board of Trustees and prior Chair of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Tom is an active member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club, serving as President in recent years.
Mark Orme
City of Chico, City Manager
Mark Orme has served in City Administration for over 15 years. He started his work in Chico in April 2013, as the Assistant City Manager, before being appointed to the City Manager position in June 2014. He has been recognized by the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce as “Man of the Year” in 2012. Prior to working in local government, Mark served on the staff of Congressman Sonny Bono, and thereafter, Mary Bono-Mack, in the House of Representatives. Mark’s collegiate endeavors resulted in him attaining a Masters in Business Administration.
City of Chico, City Manager
Mark Orme has served in City Administration for over 15 years. He started his work in Chico in April 2013, as the Assistant City Manager, before being appointed to the City Manager position in June 2014. He has been recognized by the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce as “Man of the Year” in 2012. Prior to working in local government, Mark served on the staff of Congressman Sonny Bono, and thereafter, Mary Bono-Mack, in the House of Representatives. Mark’s collegiate endeavors resulted in him attaining a Masters in Business Administration.
Jaclynne Phelps
Golden Valley Bank
Born and raised in Chico, California, Jaci Phelps is dedicated to the development and success of our community. After graduating from Pleasant Valley High School, she went on to get her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration with a focus in Hotel and Lodging Management. Although she’s worked at a variety of hotels during her schooling, she found her niche at Golden Valley Bank pursuing a passion for marketing. Since she started in 2016, she’s lead and organized multiple volunteer opportunities for the Bank and sits on the board as Vice President for CSU, Chico Young Alumni Network. Fueling her love for health and fitness, you can often find Jaci spending her free time working out at In Motion Fitness. She also loves to travel and has a passion for all things Disney.
Golden Valley Bank
Born and raised in Chico, California, Jaci Phelps is dedicated to the development and success of our community. After graduating from Pleasant Valley High School, she went on to get her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration with a focus in Hotel and Lodging Management. Although she’s worked at a variety of hotels during her schooling, she found her niche at Golden Valley Bank pursuing a passion for marketing. Since she started in 2016, she’s lead and organized multiple volunteer opportunities for the Bank and sits on the board as Vice President for CSU, Chico Young Alumni Network. Fueling her love for health and fitness, you can often find Jaci spending her free time working out at In Motion Fitness. She also loves to travel and has a passion for all things Disney.
Brett Sanders
Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance
Brett grew up in Orange County, CA and the Seattle, WA area before moving to Redding, CA in 2005 to attend Simpson University. At Simpson he obtained a B.A. in Business and HR Management. He has been working as an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance since 2009. Brett loves the Chico community and enjoys being a part of moving Chico forward, making it a great place to do business and raise a family.
Office of Brad Jacobson, Farmers Insurance
Brett grew up in Orange County, CA and the Seattle, WA area before moving to Redding, CA in 2005 to attend Simpson University. At Simpson he obtained a B.A. in Business and HR Management. He has been working as an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance since 2009. Brett loves the Chico community and enjoys being a part of moving Chico forward, making it a great place to do business and raise a family.
Dan Shea
Recology Butte Colusa Counties
Dan Shea joined the Recology in August of 2017 as the General Manager Butte Colusa Counties. He comes to the Recology family from Waste Management of Massachusetts where he held various management positions. Dan started his waste career six years ago as a route manager in Plymouth Massachusetts. Over the Next 4 years Dan was promoted into more senior leadership roles. He joined the Operations Improvement Group providing Market Area analytics and business improvement strategies. As the Market Area Logistics Engineer for Rhode Island and Central Massachusetts, Dan was instrumental in the role out of of WM’s new Service Delivery Optimization leadership program and certification. Dan was awarded the WM Circle of Excellence award for his work in 2014/2015 prior to assuming the role of District Manager Central and Western Massachusetts.
Prior to Waste Management Dan served as an officer in the US Navy earning his wings in 2001. After the tragedies on September 11, 2001 he was assigned to Carrier Airwing 5 serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon completion of his Carrier tour in late 2004, Dan was assigned to the European Command and NATO J-3 Operations Staff as the Commander US Navy Europe Liaison Officer responsible for Naval Operations in 92 countries in Africa and Europe. Dan studied Engineering and Economics. He completed his Engineering thesis on Co-Generation and zero waste solutions.
Recology Butte Colusa Counties
Dan Shea joined the Recology in August of 2017 as the General Manager Butte Colusa Counties. He comes to the Recology family from Waste Management of Massachusetts where he held various management positions. Dan started his waste career six years ago as a route manager in Plymouth Massachusetts. Over the Next 4 years Dan was promoted into more senior leadership roles. He joined the Operations Improvement Group providing Market Area analytics and business improvement strategies. As the Market Area Logistics Engineer for Rhode Island and Central Massachusetts, Dan was instrumental in the role out of of WM’s new Service Delivery Optimization leadership program and certification. Dan was awarded the WM Circle of Excellence award for his work in 2014/2015 prior to assuming the role of District Manager Central and Western Massachusetts.
Prior to Waste Management Dan served as an officer in the US Navy earning his wings in 2001. After the tragedies on September 11, 2001 he was assigned to Carrier Airwing 5 serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon completion of his Carrier tour in late 2004, Dan was assigned to the European Command and NATO J-3 Operations Staff as the Commander US Navy Europe Liaison Officer responsible for Naval Operations in 92 countries in Africa and Europe. Dan studied Engineering and Economics. He completed his Engineering thesis on Co-Generation and zero waste solutions.
Brandon Slater
Slater & Son, Inc.
As the third generation owner of Slater & Son, Brandon Slater has deep roots in the construction industry. He's managed everything from a $44 million dollar, 378 unit multi-family housing project, to small tenant infill projects. Brandon has a strong background in managing public works projects, as he's handled multi-million dollar public school facilities and school modernization projects, while utilizing the fast track method of scheduling. Certifications: A LEED Accredited Professional (AP), Brandon has a thorough understanding of the practices and principles of Green building, as well as the LEED rating system. In 2017, Brandon attained full certification as a Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA).
Slater & Son, Inc.
As the third generation owner of Slater & Son, Brandon Slater has deep roots in the construction industry. He's managed everything from a $44 million dollar, 378 unit multi-family housing project, to small tenant infill projects. Brandon has a strong background in managing public works projects, as he's handled multi-million dollar public school facilities and school modernization projects, while utilizing the fast track method of scheduling. Certifications: A LEED Accredited Professional (AP), Brandon has a thorough understanding of the practices and principles of Green building, as well as the LEED rating system. In 2017, Brandon attained full certification as a Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA).
Brooke Smith
Residence Inn & Courtyard by Marriott
Brooke Smith is the current Director of Sales for the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. She has been at the two Chico Marriott properties for almost 10 years and Director of Sales for 8 years. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 2010 with a degree in Recreation Administration optioning in Special Events, Tourism, Resort, and Lodging Management with a minor in Political Science. While in college she was President of her sorority, Sigma Kappa.
Staying in Chico after college, she became very involved with the Chico Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. She currently serves on the Committed Leaders for the Young Professionals Organization, and the special events committee. She was YPO President in 2016, and was the Young Professional of the Year for the Chico Chamber of Commerce for 2016. Brooke also is Vice President for Explore Butte County- a tourism improvement group in the county and was recognized in 2016 as one of California Travel Associations Emerging Leaders 30 and Under award. She was also nominated for Sales Person of Year for 2016 from her hospitality management company, Aimbridge. She continues to be active in the Chico Community as much as possible. You can find her most days exploring Chico and beyond looking for new craft beers to try.
Residence Inn & Courtyard by Marriott
Brooke Smith is the current Director of Sales for the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. She has been at the two Chico Marriott properties for almost 10 years and Director of Sales for 8 years. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 2010 with a degree in Recreation Administration optioning in Special Events, Tourism, Resort, and Lodging Management with a minor in Political Science. While in college she was President of her sorority, Sigma Kappa.
Staying in Chico after college, she became very involved with the Chico Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. She currently serves on the Committed Leaders for the Young Professionals Organization, and the special events committee. She was YPO President in 2016, and was the Young Professional of the Year for the Chico Chamber of Commerce for 2016. Brooke also is Vice President for Explore Butte County- a tourism improvement group in the county and was recognized in 2016 as one of California Travel Associations Emerging Leaders 30 and Under award. She was also nominated for Sales Person of Year for 2016 from her hospitality management company, Aimbridge. She continues to be active in the Chico Community as much as possible. You can find her most days exploring Chico and beyond looking for new craft beers to try.
Kelly Staley
Chico Unified School District
Kelly has served as Superintendent of Chico Unified School District since 2007. She was born in Chico and graduated with a BA in English from CSU, Chico. She did post-graduate work at Pepperdine University, as well as the University of the Pacific. Kelly, and her husband Keith, are proud to be able to live in the positive, supportive and education friendly community of Chico.
Chico Unified School District
Kelly has served as Superintendent of Chico Unified School District since 2007. She was born in Chico and graduated with a BA in English from CSU, Chico. She did post-graduate work at Pepperdine University, as well as the University of the Pacific. Kelly, and her husband Keith, are proud to be able to live in the positive, supportive and education friendly community of Chico.
Steve Vickery
Madison Bear Garden/Mom’s
Madison Bear Garden/Mom’s
Ann Willmann
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
I was first introduced to the field of Community Recreation when I was 16 years old. Working as a recreation leader for a program that served youth and adults with disabilities. I credit my lifelong career in Recreation to my mother who suggested I get a degree in Parks & Recreation. At 18 years old I embarked on my education and career and have never regretted my choice.
Upon graduation from Chico State, I have had the opportunity to work in several communities such as Vallejo, Davis, Sausalito and of course now Chico. I am truly passionate about the field of Community Recreation. I believe that every community deserves to have a quality recreation program to enhance the lives of those that live there.
While there have been brief times I have left the field of Recreation, I always seem to return. My philosophy in life is to choose a career that feeds your soul and you will continue to be successful throughout your life. Community Recreation feeds my soul.
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
I was first introduced to the field of Community Recreation when I was 16 years old. Working as a recreation leader for a program that served youth and adults with disabilities. I credit my lifelong career in Recreation to my mother who suggested I get a degree in Parks & Recreation. At 18 years old I embarked on my education and career and have never regretted my choice.
Upon graduation from Chico State, I have had the opportunity to work in several communities such as Vallejo, Davis, Sausalito and of course now Chico. I am truly passionate about the field of Community Recreation. I believe that every community deserves to have a quality recreation program to enhance the lives of those that live there.
While there have been brief times I have left the field of Recreation, I always seem to return. My philosophy in life is to choose a career that feeds your soul and you will continue to be successful throughout your life. Community Recreation feeds my soul.
Dr. Samia Yaqub
Butte-Glenn Community College District
Dr. Samia Yaqub was appointed Superintendent/President of Butte-Glenn Community College District effective July 1, 2016. She has worked at Butte College for over thirty years, most recently serving as the Vice President for Student Learning and Economic Development. Prior to moving into administration, she taught English as a Second Language and developmental reading and writing for fifteen years. Dr. Yaqub received her doctorate in education with an emphasis on Community College Leadership from Oregon State University. Her dissertation, Latina Student Perceptions of Learning Communities, won the RP Group Excellence in Dissertation award in 2011. She also holds a master's degree in English from CSU, Chico and a bachelor's degree in English from UC Davis.
Dr. Yaqub has served on the Board of Directors for the Inspire School of Arts and Sciences and serves as an advisory board member of the California Writing Project. She is the co-chair of the Management Development Commission, the professional development arm of the Association of California Community College Administrators. Dr Yaqub’s professional interests include leadership development, student equity, and adult literacy.
