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William R. (Bill) Tysseling 831-457-3713 x108
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 chair 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 now in its third successful year, 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. |
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Annette R. McGarity 831-457-3713 x102
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 she 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 on all phases of small business technology. She also served as IT Manager at Visiting Nurse Association and at Elrepco. Annette is on the Board of Directors at Whalers' Cover Homeowners Association, responsible for an annual budget of $200K. 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. |
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Erin Billingsby 831-457-3713 x104
Member Services Manager
2012 - present
Erin Billingsby, Member Services Manager, is the Chamber’s first line of response to member needs and opportunities. Her personable "Tennessee style" and project management skills have made her an invaluable part of the Chamber team since she began volunteering in May 2011. In addition to customer service, her duties with the Chamber include sales and event management.
Erin was recruited by the Chamber from her role as the Marketing Director at Country Villa Skilled Nursing Facility, where she evaluated patients and met with doctors and family members of prospective residents. Before moving to California, Erin was the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for Tennessee Donor Services, a nonprofit organization promoting the importance of organ donation.
Born outside of Nashville, TN, Erin attended East Tennessee State University on a soccer scholarship. She graduated with a major in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. Erin interned with Bristol Motor Speedway, working on events related to the NASCAR track’s race series. She continues to participate as a volunteer each August in events related to the Night Race.
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