I am thrilled to introduce myself as the next Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. Having spent years working in Santa Cruz County, collaborating with our elected officials, serving as an elected official myself, and engaging with our nonprofit and community organizations, I am deeply committed to the success of our local businesses and the broader community.

For nearly six years, I have worked with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a business advocacy organization, where I served as Vice President of Government Relations. In this role, I engaged member companies, worked on key policy initiatives, and co-led our Women’s Leadership Series roundtables. Now, I am honored to bring that experience to the Chamber as we move forward into the next era of Santa Cruz County’s longest-serving Chamber of Commerce.

With over a century of history, the Chamber has played a vital role in supporting and advocating for our local businesses, fostering economic growth, and strengthening community connections. As we look to the future, my vision is to build on this legacy by growing our membership, expanding our presence throughout the community, and continuing to offer a robust calendar of events that provide valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration.

In the coming weeks and months, I am eager to begin connecting with our members, listening to your priorities, and working together to strengthen our business community. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and looking forward to building on the Chamber’s long-standing tradition of advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.

All the best,

Kristen Brown, Executive Director