Dear Members,
It is with much soul searching that I have decided to leave my position as CEO of the Antelope Valley Chambers this month. I’m not moving out of state or even out of town but will be assuming the position of Executive Director of Destination Lancaster. I cannot express enough my gratitude to every member of this wonderful organization. I look back on my experiences with the Chamber, starting in 1990 as a member, joining the Board of Directors the following year, serving as Chairman of the Board in 1996-1997, maintaining my membership and then in 2015 being brought on board as the Chief Executive Officer. So, by looking at my history, it doesn’t seem like I’ll stray too far away!
I truly value the relationships I have garnered during my career at the Chamber. Being able to connect with so many fantastic people who demonstrate daily their concern and enthusiasm for our business community is very heartfelt. As the Palmdale and Lancaster Chamber’s joined together to become one chamber, I witnessed how separate silos can combine to make a stronger more vibrant business organization we can all be proud of. The Chamber is in a great position and is poised for boundless things to come!
I want to thank our Board Chairman A J Hampton and our entire Board of Directors (all 24 of them!). They are the vision of the chamber, working as a cohesive, positive influence to better our organization. We are extremely fortunate to have such a diverse group of professionals who can leave their egos at the door and work as one team moving the Chamber in the right direction. Thank you!
Can’t leave without saying thank you to my staff- Jennifer and Maria. They make coming to work a joy. They bring an incredible amount of positive energy and liveliness to every day. The two of them are very persuasive in pushing me into new ideas, i.e. Tit-Tok videos… which is definitely not my wheelhouse. Thank you ladies, I appreciate you.
As I depart, I want to say, “Thank You - Our Members”, thank you for allowing me to be the Chamber guy. My time as your CEO will be one of my life’s highlights, I feel blessed to have led such an amazing and incredible organization.
