Meet the Team

​Kristen Brown - Executive Director
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Kristen has 14+ years of experience working to serve the Santa Cruz County community through her work as a congressional aide, government relations specialist, council member, mayor, non-profit board member, and community volunteer.

Having served for eight years on the Capitola City Council, including two terms as Mayor, Kristen also previously held roles as Chair of the Regional Transportation Commission and METRO Transit District, President of the Board for the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, representative to the Capitola Wharf and Village Business Improvement Association, and member of the League of California Cities' Transportation, Communication, and Public Works Policy Committee. In 2018, Kristen was awarded the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission’s Trailblazer Award for her work promoting economic and political participation among women, and in 2024, was named one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.”
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Kristen earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Monterey Bay, where she studied Political Communication and received distinction in her major. She also holds a Master of Public Administration Degree with an emphasis in Public Sector Management and Leadership from California State University, Northridge.
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Mara Walls - Member & Community Engagement Coordinator
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Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Mara is deeply committed to the community that has shaped her life. With more than 15 years of experience building relationships, fostering partnerships, and serving others across customer service, health and wellness, community outreach, and event coordination, she has built a career centered on creating meaningful connections and strengthening the community she proudly calls home.

Throughout her career, Mara has connected individuals, businesses, and organizations to foster collaboration, coordinate impactful events, and advance initiatives that strengthen the Santa Cruz region. Her work has helped bring people together around shared goals, expand community engagement, and create opportunities that support local businesses, organizations, and residents. Known for her collaborative approach and genuine commitment to service, she is passionate about creating opportunities for people and organizations to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Grounded in her lifelong connection to Santa Cruz, Mara is passionate about championing the people, businesses, and organizations that make the community unique. She is dedicated to helping cultivate a vibrant, resilient future where collaboration, innovation, and community spirit continue to flourish.
Lori Oates, BS, CSEP - Meeting Coordinator and Membership Services
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Lori has more than 15 years of experience in association management and earned her Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation in 2016. She currently serves as lead meeting planner and membership coordinator for the Santa Cruz Area Chamber since January 2026, where she leads event planning and member efforts. With expertise in meeting planning, marketing, customer service, and account management, Lori supports the organizations with overseeing operations, financial management, meeting/event planning and membership. Her degree in Fashion Marketing and Management from The Art Institute of California – San Francisco brings a creative perspective to her strategic and results-driven approach.