W.A.C.E Academy 2025 Welcomes New Faculty

The W.A.C.E. Academy Committee is charged with ensuring that the content delivered during our annual programs represents the best practices available to create a solid foundation for successful chamber management.   Additionally, they are charged with identifying dynamic, successful leaders who can share that knowledge as members of the Academy faculty.
 
W.A.C.E. is fortunate to have a solid core of faculty who return each year to share their experience and that of others with our attendees.  We’re also fortunate to have a large network for resources we can turn to when it’s necessary to replace a faculty member.

​Academy 2025 will see the addition of four new faculty members. Teaching courses ranging from Legal Basics in year 1 to Media Relations in year 3, these individuals bring a wealth of experience from within and outside of the Chamber industry.  Joining the faculty for the first time are:

Matt Klink, Owner & President, Klink Campaigns
Academy Class: Dealing With the Media (Year 3)
With over three decades of experience in strategic communications, corporate public affairs, and political campaigns, Klink has successfully navigated complex, high-profile challenges both domestically and in more than 35 countries.   His extensive toolkit encompasses crisis management, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and coalition building. ​

---

TJ Sullivan, President & CEO, Parker (CO) Chamber
Academy Class: Board & Committee Development (Year 1)
After a highly successful career as a professional speaker on the college circuit, TJ pivoted to non-profit management in 2018, becoming CEO of the Superior (CO) Chamber and ultimately the Parker (CO) Chamber. He currently manages two boards of directors and a wide range of committees.
TJ brings deep experience and skills in communications, board and membership development, programming, and operations.

---

Gail Zurek, Attorney-at-Law, Lozano Smith
Academy Class: Legal Basics (Year 1)
Gail brings a rare dual perspective as a former 10-year Chamber CEO and practicing attorney, positioning her as a trusted advisor with both legal precision and practical experience.

---

Note:  The instructor for Introduction to Economic Development (Year 3) will be announced shortly.
Returning faculty for Academy 2025 include:
 
Year 1 Courses:

• Chamber Overview & Trends: Dave Kilby, President Emeritus, W.A.C.E.
• Budget Development & Monitoring: Kristen Miller, President & CEO, Santa Barbara South Coast (CA) Chamber
• Marketing & Communications: Kami Welch, President & CEO, Greater Arvada (CO) Chamber
• Membership Sales & Recruitment: Allison Walden, Sr. VP, Resource Development, Tulsa (OK) Regional Chamber

 
Year 2 Courses:

• Financial Policies & Procedures: Patrick Ellis, President & CEO, Murrieta/Wildomar (CA) Chamber
• Representing Business with Government: Michael Guymon, President & CEO, Tucson (AZ) Metro Chamber
• Revenue Development: Tallia Hart, President & CEO, Healdsburg (CA) Chamber
• Keeping Your Chamber Relevant: Chris Romer, President & CEO, Vail Valley (CO) Partnership
• Membership Retention: Katie Slimko-Stice, President & CEO, Rancho Mirage (CA) Chamber
• Policy Development: Ann Hutchison, President & CEO, Fort Collins (CO) Chamber

Year 3 Courses:

• Staff Development: Amy Shields, Vice President, Programs, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
• Strategic Planning: Wendy Laros, President & CEO, Kona-Kohala (HI) Chamber
• Everyday Ethics: Jim Johnson, President & CEO, Pearland (TX) Chamber
• Personal Leadership:  Mark Turner, Mayor, Morgan Hill, CA (Former Gilroy Chamber CEO)

 
For additional details about faculty members, course content, or to register for this year’s W.A.C.E. Academy, use this link:  https://bit.ly/WACEAcademy25.    
 
We look forward to having you join us in August!