The SLO Chamber of Commerce welcomed two new staffers in February.
On February 26, Charlene Rosales joined the Chamber as its new director of governmental affairs. In addition, Jill LeMieux has joined the Chamber team to lead two major SLO Chamber projects including the 2013 Expo at the Expo, and the 2013 Visitors Guide.
Rosales will lead the Chamber’s legislative efforts, including representing business community issues to city, county and state government.
“Charlene brings a wealth of community leadership, deep relationships and local understanding to represent the local business community,” said SLO Chamber President and CEO Ermina Karim. “Her experience in the nonprofit sector along with her depth of business knowledge and of the legislative workings in the county and state will serve as a huge benefit to our members.”
Rosales comes to the Chamber after eight and a half years at the United Way of San Luis Obispo County, where she spent the past five years as chief operating officer.
As a community leader, Rosales has experience in operational activities in the public and private sectors and vast experience in community action and volunteerism. She served three terms as chair of SLO City’s Human Relations Commission and was a member of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan steering committee, served as a legislative ambassador for the American Cancer Society and served on the boards of the SLO County YMCA, the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo Daybreak and has been active with many other organizations.
Rosales also brings a deep understanding of Chamber operations, goals and staff, having served two terms on the SLO Chamber board of directors, two years on the Executive committee, serving as chair of the Evaluation committee, and being an active member of the Chamber’s legislative committees.
“We are very excited to have someone that we feel can step right in on day one and have a significant impact at the Chamber,” said Kris Yetter, president of Promega Biosciences and 2013 Board Chair. “Having already served important roles in the organization and knowing the environment, the ambitions and aspirations of the Chamber is a big step forward for the local business community.”
Rosales is filling the role previously performed by Courtney Kienow, who plans to spend more time with her young family.
LeMieux comes to the Chamber having worked in advertising and marketing for the past 10 years including 8 years as the media manager at The Tribune. She also serves on the City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee, which is an advisory body to the City Council.
“The experience, local knowledge and depth of ideas and creativity that Jill brings to the Chamber will serve our members well,” Karim said. “Once again we’ve got someone who is not only known in community but has a thorough understanding of the SLO identity.”