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.)
  

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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).

Kira Zavala, IOM, ACE
Vice President of Operations & Membership,
​The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County 
​2026 Emerging Leaders Council Chair

Jessica Penman

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

Natalie Leighton  ​​

President & CEO
​Yontville Chamber 
2026 Emerging Leaders ​Vice Chair 

Michael Boyer
​President & CEO
Santa Maria Chamber 

Steve Bracety
President & CEO
​Prescott Valley Chamber 

Jessica Burford
President & CEO
​Palisade Chamber 

Erin Chamberlain
Director of Membership
​Greater Golden Chamber 

Trish Christensen, ACE
President & CEO
​Modesto Chamber

Cristina Cortes
President & CEO
Gilroy Chamber

Jennifer Dean
CEO
​Mercer Island Chamber

Savannah Fox
Program Manager
​Sacramento Metro Chamber

Brianna Goico
President & CEO
Mammoth Lakes Chamber 

Evan Gray
Director of Programs
​& Creativity
Palm Springs Chamber 

Sunshine Hernandez
President & CEO 
​Delano Chamber 

Kayla Howell
President & CEO
​Fruita Area Chamber

Damon Hunneman
Membership Engagement Coordinator
​Menifee Valley Chamber

Heathe Jones 
President & CEO
​Dinuba Chamber 

David Key
President & CEO
​Greater Sedona Chamber

Amanda Kinsella 
Chief Operations Officer
​Eugene Area Chamber

Susie Lantz
CEO
​San Celemente Chamber

Cassandra Marcum
Director of Operations
​Rancho Cordova Chamber

Kristy Martin
President & CEO
​Porterville Chamber 

Chelsie Martinez
Membership & Events Supervisor
Bullhead City Chamber

Eryk Nappi
Workforce Development
Bussiness Services Program Manager
Atascadero Chamber

Anna Robinson
Director of Programs
Vail Valley Partnership

Nicole Rudy 
​Member Engagement Coordinator

Kristi Salazar Martinez
Program & Events Manager 
Santa Fe Chamber

Renay Sehgal Mehta
Vice President
Chino Valley Chamber

Daniel Sohn
Executive Director & CEO
​Laguna Hills Chamber

Sara Teel
Director, Marketing & Membership Development
​Glenwood Springs Chamber

Ramiro Urias
CEO
​Brawley Chamber

Erik Valencia
President & CEO
​Greater Reedley Chamber

Valerie Zizak-Morais, ACE
President & CEO
​American Canyon Chamber