Metro Chamber Committees


THE SACRAMENTO METRO CHAMBER UTILIZES VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP through multiple committees that provide members with the opportunity to serve and make their voices heard on policy matters, events, programs and activities managed by the Metro Chamber. More than 450 members volunteer their time yearly to provide the pivotal direction that leads the organization.

The Metro Chamber encourages participation, and in fact relies on the expertise of members to guide the actions of the organization. Service on a committee is an important way for businesses to play a relevant leadership role, increase the value of membership and increase visibility among member businesses. | Committees Calendar (pdf)

Public Policy & Economic Development Committees | Membership Committees | Programs & Event Committees | Communications Committee | Community Programs

Executive Committee & Board of Directors
The 79 voting member Board of Directors and its Executive Committee lead and guide the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Each department of the Metro Chamber is steered by a committee and its vice chair, who is a member of the Executive Committee. View Metro Chamber Board

Public Policy & Economic Development Department

• Maggie Townsley, ICF International—Vice Chair, Public Policy

• Bill Yee, Western Contract—Chair, Jobs & Business Growth

• Staff: Michael Faust—Sr. Vice President, Public Policy & Economic Development, 916-321-9115

• Staff: Matt Yancey—Director, Business & Economic Development, 916-321-9153

• Staff: Kelly Brenk—Manager, Regional Policy & External Relations, 916-321-9154

JOBS & BUSINESS GROWTH
Provides  overarching leadership to ensure public policies adopted at the federal, state, regional and local level are innovative and empower businesses to flourish.

• Bill Yee, Western Contract—Chair, Jobs & Business Growth Committee

• Vince Wetzel, State Farm Insurance—Vice Chair, Jobs & Business Growth Committee

METRO PULSE
Manages Metro Pulse partnership.

• Sam Driggers, El Dorado County—Chair, Metro Pulse Steering Committee

• Micah Runner, City of Rancho Cordova—Vice Chair Metro Pulse Steering Committee

WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Advocates for education policies and sources of funding which meet the workforce needs of employers in the Sacramento region, enhance educational outcomes and workforce preparation of students, and drive higher education objectives

• Alex Taghavian, University of Phoenix—Chair

• Dave Butler, Linking Education & Economic Development (LEED)—Vice Chair

CIVIC AMENITIES
Works collaboratively with regional stakeholders to identify a unified funding strategy to support civic amenities spanning entertainment, the arts, sports, science, recreation, sustainable agri-tourism and cultural attractions.

• Warren Smith, Clean World Partners—Co-Chair 

• Tim Youmans, Economic Planning Systems (EPS)—Co-Chair

FLOOD PROTECTION
Pursues funding for flood protection efforts in the six-county region from local, state and federal sources and pursues “regional friendly” policies for flood protection projects and efforts in the six-county region.

• Ric Rinehart, MBK Engineers—Chair

• John Woodling, Regional Water Authority—Vice Chair

AIR QUALITY (Cleaner Air Partnership–a Metro Chamber partner)
Advocates at the local, state and federal level for policies and programs that help minimize smog-forming emissions from mobile sources such as cars and trucks in a manner that does not negatively impact job creation or the economic climate.

• Becky Woods, Teichert—Chair 

• Bill Mueller, Valley Vision—Vice Chair

LAND USE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Enhances public policies that affect our region’s land use policies and natural resources in a collaborative, integrated and sustainable manner. 

• Stacey McKinley, The McKinley Consulting Group—Chair

• Brian Plant, Remy, Thomas, Moose & Manley—Vice Chair

TRANSPORTATION
Proactively advocates at the local, regional, state and federal levels for programs and policies that benefit the regional transportation system for both people and goods movement.

• Gene Endicott, Endicott Communications—Chair

• Joe Cruz, California Alliance for Jobs—Vice Chair 

HEALTH CARE & BIOSCIENCES
Enhances both the health care and the biosciences industry clusters in a collaborative manner with other regional stakeholders. Additionally, the committee should provide oversight and proactively engage in health care policy at the federal, state and local level.

• Shelly Schlenker, Mercy/CHW—Chair 

• Cary Adams, ProXimal Ventures—Vice Chair

AD HOC ISSUES TASK FORCE
Addresses significant critical issues or legislation that arise unplanned.

• Maggie Townsley, ICF International—Chair 

• Martha Clark Lofgren, Brewer Lofgren LLP—Vice Chair 

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (METRO PAC)
Continue to solidify influence and effectiveness by strategically supporting pro-business candidates and raising funds to support political activities.

• Ardie Zahedani, RCH Group—Chair

• Frank Washington, KBTV—Vice Chair

Communications Department

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Formulates and directs communication activities, emphasizing brand, strategic alliances, marketing and advertising strategies, internal and external communications programs and news media relations.

• Gordon Fowler, 3Fold Communications—Vice Chair of Marketing & Communications

• Staff: Susan Harris—Vice President, Sponsorship & Events, 916-321-9144

Community Programs

PROJECT INSPIRE 
Assists in engaging the Metro Chamber and the region in prioritizing community leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy within their personal and professional objectives. The Metro Chamber’s Community Development efforts will also be branded as Project Inspire.

• Chris Delfino, Downey Brand LLP – Vice Chair, Community Development 

• Gordon Fowler, 3fold Communications – Board Liaison, Metro EDGE

• Susan Harris – Sr. Vice President, Programs & Events

INSPIRE GIVING COMMITTEE
Leads effort in the development of a fundraising, management and giving strategy.

• Randy Sater, StoneBridge Properties—Chair

LEADERSHIP SACRAMENTO
Comprised of mainly Leadership Sacramento alumni, assists with curriculum planning, sponsorship solicitation, recruitment of applicants and alumni involvement for the Leadership Sacramento program.

• Becky Johnson, Siemens Industry—Chair

• David Lowe, KVIE Public Television—Vice Chair

LEADERSHIP SACRAMENTO ALUMNI COMMITTEE
Comprised of mainly Leadership Sacramento alumni, plans alumni reunion activities.

• John Oehmke, Downey Brand—Chair

METRO EDGE
Assists in planning Metro EDGE young professionals group philanthropic activities.

• Alexis Fitzpatrick, Perry-Smith LLP—Chair

SACRAMENTO METRO CHAMBER FOUNDATION
Assists in the implementation of the Metro Chamber Foundation initiatives and helps make decisions on requests for grants and support.

• Randy Sater, StoneBridge Properties—Chair