2022 Officers of the Board
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Mark Chrisman
Healthy Solutions Insurance Services Chair 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! |
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Ben Winter
Transfer Flow, Inc. Past Chair Ben Winter is the Director of Business Development and Sales at Transfer Flow,Inc. 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. My roles include networking, customer maintenance, presenting to new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing. I am a current Board member of the NTEA (National Truck Equipment Association) and sit on 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, riding and giving back through local clubs and associations. |
Brandon Slater
Slater & Son, Inc.
Chair Elect
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.
Chair Elect
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).
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Calen Chapman
Calen Chapman - Harris Commercial Real Estate Services Calen Chapman is the Director of Real Estate at Harris Commercial Real Estate Services. He specializes in the sales and leasing of commercial properties, working with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants looking to do business here in Chico. Calen began his community engagement with the Chico Economic Planning Corporation and has continued to be very active in Chico since then, bringing leadership involvement to the Chico Rotary Club and Chico Chamber of Commerce. Calen is also a member of the California Association of Realtors and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Calen is a graduate of CSU Chico, College of Business and feels fortunate to live, work, and raise a family in Chico. |
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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 California Craft Brewers Association. Sierra graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Health Science. |
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Karli G. Olsen
Pinion Vice Chair Karli Olsen has been providing tax and accounting advisory to businesses for over ten years. As a Principal, her passion for working with clients to identify ways to maximize value has resulted in increased efficiencies, effectiveness, and profitability within their businesses. Karli expertly provides recommendations that improve effectiveness so that business owners can monitor operations, employees, and customers. As a certified public accountant, Karli excels at providing valuable solutions for the tax challenges unique to food and beverage clients. With her manufacturing-centric tax knowledge, she proactively helps clients plan for changes in their operations, optimize tax structure, and avoid obstacles to minimize tax burden. Karli has specialized knowledge and experience from working with businesses in the food and beverage, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. |
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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. |
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Levi Russell
Morgan Stanley Vice Chair Levi grew up enjoying the outdoors in Alaska, where he taught as a ski instructor, learned to fly bush planes from his Dad, and graduated from the University of Alaska. Before moving to Chico Levi spent a decade working in public affairs, specializing in media strategy and marketing in roles that spanned from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. When Levi and his wife Laura welcomed their first little ones, it was time for a change of pace. After starting a career in financial services, Levi and his wife were thrilled to move closer to family in Laura's hometown of Chico. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Levi focuses on helping families and businesses develop and implement financial plans that provide confidence during life's big transitions and unexpected moments. Levi says, "The priority now is helping ensure growing families like mine have a community that is rich in opportunity where they can explore, grow, and call home. I'm part of the Chamber because it helps advance that mission and opens up new opportunities for service." In addition to serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Levi serves on the boards of Chico Noon Rotary, Nord Country School, and the Chico Boys and Girls Club. |
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Anastacia L. Snyder
Catalyst Domestic Violence Services Vice Chair 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 having served as the Chico Noon Rotary club president as well a past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chico Chamber of Commerce. 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. |
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2022 Directors
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Bob Bracewell
Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home Bob was born and raised in Chico. He worked at Enloe Hospital for a short time before attending and graduating from the Mortuary Science Program in Southern California. He returned to Chico and worked locally for ten years before purchasing Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home in 1991. Bob is happy to work along side his son Dane. Newton-Bracewell is proud to be a locally owned and operated business. Bob is also involved with Chico Meals on Wheels, Work Training Center and Chico Noon Rotary. He has three children and seven grandchildren all living in Chico. |
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Carol Bertagna
Almendra Winery & Distillery Carol Bertagna was born in Chico, raised in Hamilton City and graduated from Chico State in 96'. She majored in Ag. Science and returned for her teaching credential in 97'. She is a mother to 2 grown boys and a wife to a 4th generation Almond Farmer who is also a Chico native. Berton and Carol have been married for 23 years. In the last 3 decades she has been very busy and involved in the Chico community. She has held offices in the PTA, Scholarship committees, and other local organizations. Currently, she is busy running her businesses/restaurant and event center while keeping the farming and other ventures going as well. |
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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 40 years. |
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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. |
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Toni Scott
Morrison 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. |
Nick Andrew
La Salles
La Salles
Steve Mora
Heritage Insurance Agency
Heritage Insurance Agency
Bodie Shepherd
Motto Mortgage Company
Motto Mortgage Company
Jordan Daigre
Robert Lee & Associates, LLP
Robert Lee & Associates, LLP
Michelle Kalberer
Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen
Suzie Lawry-Hall
Enloe Medical Center
Enloe Medical Center
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Amy Velazquez
Alliance for Workforce Development Amy Velazquez was born and raised in Chico, as were her parents. Amy and her husband raise their children in Chico so the importance of a healthy community, recreation opportunities, and quality education are always in the forefront. Amy graduated from Chico State with a degree in Social Sciences specializing in career & Life Planning and Sociology. it is her passion to provide resources to underserved populations, with education and employment often being the foundation of those efforts. Although Amy has a background in Banking and Social Services, she has spent the past 6 years as the Director of Business Services for Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. providing crucial workforce resources to businesses and job seekers in Northern California. As a member of Team Chico, she lends herself to implementing key support to help Chico businesses thrive. |
2022 Ex-Officio Directors
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Carolyn Denero
Explore Butte County Carolyn Denero serves as the Executive Director for Explore Butte County. She began as a contractor working for the board of directors and was hired as the first staff person and executive director of the organization in May of 2018. Carolyn graduated from University of the Pacific with a degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Carolyn has had the opportunity to work for diverse organizations throughout her career. Prior to moving (back) to Butte County in 2017, she worked with the managing partners of Epicenter, a large-scale sports and entertainment complex in Santa Rosa, to build policy, recruit staff, and open the visitor-serving complex to the North Bay Area. Prior to that, Carolyn worked as the membership and event coordinator for the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce where she was able to help build the visitor-serving infrastructure and economy through events. Most notable was the conception and execution of the first “Calistoga Harvest Table,” which in only a few short years has become a must-attend sell-out event. Carolyn enjoys spending time exploring Butte County with her husband of 11 years, Steve, and their 2 dogs, Sophie and Mud. |
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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. |
Kelly Staley
Chico Unified School District
Kelly Staley is Superintendent of Chico Unified School District. Chico Unified, with an average daily attendance of 12,000 students, consists of 21 schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school, twelve of which have been honored with California Distinguished School status. The Chico Unified annual budget exceeds $170M, contributing greatly to the local Butte County economy. Kelly has many ties to Chico, including being born at Enloe Hospital. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and received her teaching credentials from California State University, Chico. Her educational career began as an English teacher at San Clemente High School in the Capistrano Unified School District. After completing her Master's Degree at Pepperdine University, Kelly began her administrative career within the Lodi Unified School District. She served two years as Assistant Principal and nine years as Principal at Lodi High School during which time she also completed her doctorial coursework at the University of the Pacific. In 2001, Kelly returned to Chico as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services for the Chico Unified School District. In 2007, she became Superintendent. Kelly lives in Chico with her Husband, Keith Scoles.
Chico Unified School District
Kelly Staley is Superintendent of Chico Unified School District. Chico Unified, with an average daily attendance of 12,000 students, consists of 21 schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school, twelve of which have been honored with California Distinguished School status. The Chico Unified annual budget exceeds $170M, contributing greatly to the local Butte County economy. Kelly has many ties to Chico, including being born at Enloe Hospital. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and received her teaching credentials from California State University, Chico. Her educational career began as an English teacher at San Clemente High School in the Capistrano Unified School District. After completing her Master's Degree at Pepperdine University, Kelly began her administrative career within the Lodi Unified School District. She served two years as Assistant Principal and nine years as Principal at Lodi High School during which time she also completed her doctorial coursework at the University of the Pacific. In 2001, Kelly returned to Chico as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services for the Chico Unified School District. In 2007, she became Superintendent. Kelly lives in Chico with her Husband, Keith Scoles.
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 served as interim Superintendent/President for the year prior to that. She has worked at Butte College for over thirty-seven 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 on the Board of Directors for the Association of California Community College Administrators and on the boys and Girls Club of the North Valley Governing Board. Dr Yaqub’s professional interests include leadership development, student equity, and adult literacy.
Butte-Glenn Community College District
Dr. Samia Yaqub was appointed Superintendent/President of Butte-Glenn Community College District effective July 1, 2016. She served as interim Superintendent/President for the year prior to that. She has worked at Butte College for over thirty-seven 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 on the Board of Directors for the Association of California Community College Administrators and on the boys and Girls Club of the North Valley Governing Board. Dr Yaqub’s professional interests include leadership development, student equity, and adult literacy.
Annabel Grim
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
