Tell us a little about your background. What experiences have shaped you both personally and professionally?

I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, CO. My family, friends and various work experiences have been instrumental in shaping my personal drive and personality. My journey in the Chamber world began in 1992 with the Reno, NV, Chamber of Commerce. Back then, I naively thought a Chamber of Commerce was synonymous with the “City” itself, not realizing it was an independent organization dedicated to helping businesses thrive.

 

What drew you to the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and what excites you most about this role?

The Richardson Chamber of Commerce offers an incredible array of programs that truly benefit the business community. The resources, connections, and support that Chamber membership provides are invaluable and Richardson excels in all three areas. This is what excites me the most about this role.

As the new President and CEO, what are some personal goals you’ve set for yourself in this position?

As the new kid on the block, I have a lot to learn. My goals include meeting with a diverse range of Chamber and community leaders; working closely with the Chamber team to understand the intricacies of the Chamber and the Richardson community; and identifying our strengths and areas where we can introduce fresh ideas.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you plan to apply it here at the Chamber?

I’m an “all hands on deck” type of leader. I believe it’s crucial for the entire Chamber team to be ready to assist our members and each other. Fostering a strong sense of belonging among our members and within our team is key to our success.

What’s a key lesson you’ve learned in your career that you believe will help guide your leadership of the Chamber?

One key lesson I’ve learned is that the success of the Chamber is directly tied to the success of our members. This role isn’t about me; it’s about our members and their growth.

Can you share a moment in your life or career when you felt particularly proud or accomplished?

I felt an immense sense of pride when the leaders of the Richardson Chamber and community chose me to lead the organization. I have a deep passion for this industry and have dedicated 33 years of my career to helping businesses and individuals succeed.

What do you think makes Richardson unique, and how do you see the Chamber playing a role in enhancing that?

In my first 90 days in Richardson, I’ve experienced a remarkable sense of community and support from both businesses and individuals. The Chamber has a unique opportunity to build on this through our programming and outreach efforts.

As someone who is leading the Chamber, what values or principles are most important to you in both your professional and personal life?

As the leader of the Chamber, I believe it’s crucial to be a good steward of our members’ investments. By listening to and learning from our members, we can effectively provide value. Businesses work hard to earn their money and train their employees, and the Richardson Chamber is committed to ensuring their investment is worthwhile.

Outside of your professional life, what are some of your passions or hobbies that help you stay balanced and energized?

My husband of 26 years and I love traveling and spending time with our kids and two grandsons. To stay energized, I’ve been a LesMills fitness instructor since 2012 and hope to start teaching in the local area soon.

If you had a free weekend to do anything you wanted, how would you spend it?

Right now, I’d probably spend it with my two little grandsons, my pup, my hubby and kiddos! We love playing croquet and laughing a lot!

What’s your “go-to” comfort food or favorite dish that always makes you feel at home?

Oh, my goodness! Any restaurant in Richardson has my heart! I’m a chips and salsa fan and I love a great steak and potatoes. (I’m not known for turning down a meal – ever!)

Is there a book, movie, or TV show that has had a big impact on you or that you simply love?

Recently, I’ve enjoyed reading The Energy Bus and watching the mini-series “The Undoing.”

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I was a tomboy as a kid and loved fishing, camping and dirt bike riding with my family. Also, I’m known for my Split Jumps – the cheerleader in me still loves to jump!