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By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce At the heart of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers who serve as the welcoming face of our organization: the Chamber Ambassadors. These individuals play a vital role in building connections between new and existing members, supporting Chamber events, and representing the Chamber’s mission throughout the Santa Cruz community. The Chamber’s Ambassador Program has deep roots in local history. As Ambassador Chair Duf Fischer shares, “The Ambassadors were very active in the early 1970s. I was very involved back then. In 1974, I took a leave of absence to work on a political campaign, and afterward got involved with a national travel agent organization. Jump to January 2011 - I returned to involvement with the Chamber, and in 2012 I once again started the Ambassador Program.” Duf adds, “I am, of course, so blessed to be part of the Ambassador family. I am so very proud of the Ambassador members. I think we have been successful in supporting the goals of the Chamber.” Ambassadors today serve much the same purpose they did decades ago: they welcome and guide new members through their first year of membership, help connect businesses to one another, encourage participation in events, and represent the Chamber throughout the greater community. They commit to attending the Chamber’s many networking, educational, and signature events, including Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Chamber luncheons, and more. This program is about more than just showing up, it’s about showing support. Whether they're making a new member feel seen, introducing a business owner to a potential collaborator, or sharing Chamber news and resources, Ambassadors help build a more connected, thriving Santa Cruz. We’re honored to introduce our 2025 Chamber Ambassadors: > Duf Fischer, Ambassador Chair – Chamber Consultant and Past President > Paula Fischer, Ambassador Recording Secretary > Lora Allanson, John C. Allanson Insurance Agency > Dawn Bruckel, UCSC > Rod Caborn, First Class Fundraising > Liz Dasher, Hospice of Santa Cruz County > Stephanie Greer, UC Santa Cruz > Sara Horsley, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals > Matthew James, Attorney > Julie Jimenez, Chaminade Resort & Spa > Aurora Lowe, Wonder Realty Group – Keller Williams > Chris Maffia, Retired, formerly Santa Cruz County Bank > Messina Montgomery, Santa Cruz Warriors > Paul Peters, Second Harvest Food Bank > Beth Powanda, Powanda Insurance Agency > Beverly Ritchey, David Lyng Real Estate > Nick Scimone, West Coast Community Bank > Elana Solon, Food What?! > David Stearns, Allterra Solar > Tom Stelling, David Lyng Real Estate > Adele Talmadge, Talmadge Construction > Katie Tollick, Dream Inn Santa Cruz > Alexander Pedersen, Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center > Kate Phillips, Edward Jones > Magi Diego, CASA These individuals exemplify the values of service, connection, and community leadership that define the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and invite our members to connect with them at upcoming events. Whether you're new to the Chamber or a long-time member, the Ambassadors are here to help you feel at home. If you're passionate about building community, supporting local businesses, and expanding your professional network, consider becoming a Chamber Ambassador. It's a rewarding way to get more involved, gain visibility, and make a meaningful impact. To learn more, visit our Ambassador Program page and apply here
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
At the heart of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers who serve as the welcoming face of our organization: the Chamber Ambassadors. These individuals play a vital role in building connections between new and existing members, supporting Chamber events, and representing the Chamber’s mission throughout the Santa Cruz community.
The Chamber’s Ambassador Program has deep roots in local history. As Ambassador Chair Duf Fischer shares, “The Ambassadors were very active in the early 1970s. I was very involved back then. In 1974, I took a leave of absence to work on a political campaign, and afterward got involved with a national travel agent organization. Jump to January 2011 - I returned to involvement with the Chamber, and in 2012 I once again started the Ambassador Program.”
Duf adds, “I am, of course, so blessed to be part of the Ambassador family. I am so very proud of the Ambassador members. I think we have been successful in supporting the goals of the Chamber.”
Ambassadors today serve much the same purpose they did decades ago: they welcome and guide new members through their first year of membership, help connect businesses to one another, encourage participation in events, and represent the Chamber throughout the greater community. They commit to attending the Chamber’s many networking, educational, and signature events, including Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Chamber luncheons, and more.
This program is about more than just showing up, it’s about showing support. Whether they're making a new member feel seen, introducing a business owner to a potential collaborator, or sharing Chamber news and resources, Ambassadors help build a more connected, thriving Santa Cruz.
We’re honored to introduce our 2025 Chamber Ambassadors:
These individuals exemplify the values of service, connection, and community leadership that define the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and invite our members to connect with them at upcoming events. Whether you're new to the Chamber or a long-time member, the Ambassadors are here to help you feel at home.
If you're passionate about building community, supporting local businesses, and expanding your professional network, consider becoming a Chamber Ambassador. It's a rewarding way to get more involved, gain visibility, and make a meaningful impact. To learn more, visit our Ambassador Program page and apply here