Santa Cruz Chamber Staff

​William R. (Bill) Tysseling 
Executive Director and CEO 
2007 - present
As the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, Bill administers operations of the seventh largest business organization in northern California. Bill previously served as a member of the board of directors of the Chamber between 1990 and 2001, was president of the board in 1999, and chaired the Chamber’s economic development committee for 10 years.
During his tenure at the Chamber, Bill has realigned the organization to address diverse groups within the Chamber, implemented a CRM system, relaunched the Chamber website, developed a program of presentations and workshops on business and economics, increased the business community's engagement in local and regional policy making, created a Chamber travel program, and developed long-range strategic plans for the Chamber.
Previously, Bill developed and managed continuing education programs at Iowa State University, served as executive director of a nonprofit economic development corporation in Santa Cruz, was director of the business and management department at University of California Santa Cruz, practiced and taught law for 17 years, and served as a magistrate in Iowa. Born in Ames, Iowa, Bill received a B.A. in economics from DePauw University and a law degree from the University of Iowa.

​Annette R. McGarity 
Project Director 
2004 - present
Annette is the Project Director at the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, responsible for day-to-day operations of the Chamber. During her time at the Chamber, she has broadened the Intern program, updated the Chamber technology systems, and created new procedures for accounting, membership tracking, and event management. Annette also creates e-mail campaigns, and has helped to expand event program from 20 events to over 60 events annually.
Previously, Annette was the owner of Annette McGarity Consulting/Computer HELP!, providing technical consulting in all phases of small business technology. She also served as IT Manager at Visiting Nurse Association and at Elrepco. Annette previously served on the Board of Directors at Whalers' Cover Homeowners Association as Past President, Past Secretary, and Past Treasurer spanning more than 14 years.  In 2004, Annette created "Project Wine Cruz" to raise funds for The Epilepsy Network, which she co-chaired for two years. 
Annette was born in San Antonio, Texas and has a Bachelor of Arts with Board Honors from University California, Santa Cruz. Annette was named Santa Cruz Chamber Volunteer of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

​Patti Julin 
Membership Relations Director 
2012 - present
Patti joined the Chamber in November 2012 as Membership Relations Director and is responsible for planning and executing marketing, sales, and retention activities for Chamber membership and Chamber products and programs. Patti began her career in computer sales in Washington, D.C. After 5 years as a top salesperson, Patti moved into management, where she was responsible for planning, selling, negotiating, and implementing enterprise-wide computer solutions for business and government.
At that point, Patti decided to make a career change to incorporate her upbringing in and love of music. Patti earned a Masters Degree in Piano Performance and spent 10 years as Music Lecturer at California State University, Fresno and Reedley Community College. She continues to teach private piano lessons in her spare time. Prior to joining the Chamber, Patti taught music, concert band, and orchestra classes at various public schools throughout Santa Cruz county and the north coast.
Patti is a member of the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Chamber Players, helping the organization with publicity.  She is a current member and past board member of the Music Teachers Association of California, and a past board member of the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival. Born and raised in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Patti also earned a B.B.A. in Marketing at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.