WACE - Western Association of Chamber Executives
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  • About W.A.C.E.
    • Board of Directors >
      • Chairman's Message
      • Past Board Chairs
    • Strategic Plan
    • Emerging Leaders Council
    • W.A.C.E. Foundation
    • Links to Other Organizations
    • Contact
    • Blog
  • Conferences/Programs
    • Academy & Academy-Plus >
      • Academy Sponsorships
      • Academy Testimonials
    • Annual Conference >
      • Conference Sponsorships
    • Webinars
    • AI Learning Labs
    • May 2026 Executive Workshop
    • Calendar
  • Membership Info
    • Join
    • LIfe Members
    • Sponsor Marketing Opportunities & Guidelines
    • W.A.C.E. Survey Central
    • The Chamber Is... Ad Wizard >
      • Ad Wizard Terms of Use
  • Awards/Recognition
    • Accredited Chamber Executive
    • Communications Awards >
      • E-Newsletter Award
      • Newsletter / Magazine Award
      • Social Media Impact Campaign Award
      • Video Award
      • Website Award
      • Overall Communications Award
    • Outstanding Chamber Award Program
    • Executive of the Year Award
    • Hammer Award
    • Hathaway Award
    • Pettit Award
    • Steve Rose Memorial Scholarship Award
    • Service Awards
  • Member Login

Emerging Leaders Council

The Emerging Leaders Council was formed to identify and help develop future leaders in W.A.C.E. and the Chamber industry. 

Members of the Council will be asked to provide program feedback and ideas for the good of W.A.C.E. and will serve as advisors to the association’s Board of Directors and President. The Emerging Leaders Council meets monthly on zoom, and hosts guest speakers to discuss their leadership journey and professional development within the Chamber industry. The Council also serves as a peer group for industry professionals looking for advice and ideas.  Emerging Leaders Council members are invited to attend W.A.C.E. Board meetings as non-voting members, and are actively involved in helping at W.A.C.E. conference and other programming.

If you are new to the industry or looking to get more connected to other Chamber industry professionals & W.A.C.E., the Emerging Leaders Council is a great place to start!

Program Requirements

  • Council members must have less than 10 years of Chamber industry experience.
  • Chamber may only have one representative at a time serving on the Council.
  • Members of the council serve a two year term, with an opportunity to renew their membership (until they hit 10 years in the industry). 
  • Council members must attend one in-person WACE Board meeting during their 2-year term.
  • Council members are required to attend monthly zoom meetings, and are encouraged be involved in other volunteer opportunities with W.A.C.E. as they become available (committee positions, assisting with the annual conference, etc.)

Emerging Leaders Council Members

The 33 chamber CEOs and staff professionals that currently make up the 2026-2027 W.A.C.E. Emerging Leaders Council are listed below. This year's Emerging Leaders Chair is Kira Zavala, Vice President of Operations & Membership, The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County (right).
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Kira Zavala, IOM, ACE
Vice President of Operations & Membership,
​The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 
​2026 Emerging Leaders Council Chair

Jessica Penman

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President & CEO 
​Truckee Chamber of Commerce
2025 Emerging ​Leaders Chair 

Natalie Leighton  ​​

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President & CEO
​Yontville Chamber 
2026 Emerging Leaders ​Vice Chair 
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Michael Boyer
​President & CEO
Santa Maria Chamber 
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Steve Bracety
President & CEO
​Prescott Valley Chamber 
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Jessica Burford
President & CEO
​Palisade Chamber 
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Erin Chamberlain
Director of Membership
​Greater Golden Chamber 
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Trish Christensen, ACE
President & CEO
​Modesto Chamber
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Cristina Cortes
President & CEO
Gilroy Chamber
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Jennifer Dean
CEO
​Mercer Island Chamber
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Savannah Fox
Program Manager
​Sacramento Metro Chamber
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Brianna Goico
President & CEO
Mammoth Lakes Chamber 
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Evan Gray
Director of Programs
​& Creativity
Palm Springs Chamber 
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Sunshine Hernandez
President & CEO 
​Delano Chamber 
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Kayla Howell
President & CEO
​Fruita Area Chamber
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Damon Hunneman
Membership Engagement Coordinator
​Menifee Valley Chamber
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Heathe Jones 
President & CEO
​Dinuba Chamber 
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David Key
President & CEO
​Greater Sedona Chamber

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Amanda Kinsella 
Chief Operations Officer
​Eugene Area Chamber
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Susie Lantz
CEO
​San Celemente Chamber
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Cassandra Marcum
Director of Operations
​Rancho Cordova Chamber
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Kristy Martin
President & CEO
​Porterville Chamber 
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Chelsie Martinez
Membership & Events Supervisor
Bullhead City Chamber
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Eryk Nappi
Workforce Development
Bussiness Services Program Manager
Atascadero Chamber

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Anna Robinson
Director of Programs
Vail Valley Partnership
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Nicole Rudy 
​Member Engagement Coordinator
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Kristi Salazar Martinez
Program & Events Manager 
Santa Fe Chamber
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Renay Sehgal Mehta
Vice President
Chino Valley Chamber
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Daniel Sohn
Executive Director & CEO
​Laguna Hills Chamber
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Sara Teel
Director, Marketing & Membership Development
​Glenwood Springs Chamber
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Ramiro Urias
CEO
​Brawley Chamber
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Erik Valencia
President & CEO
​Greater Reedley Chamber
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Valerie Zizak-Morais, ACE
President & CEO
​American Canyon Chamber
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P.O. Box 6585 | Santa Maria, CA 93456
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