--- title: "Officers & Board of Directors" description: "Meet the volunteer officers and Board of Directors of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, and download the application to serve on the board yourself." url: https://arcatachamber.com/chamber/board/ --- The Chamber # Officers & Board of Directors Local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and educators who volunteer their time to guide the Arcata Chamber of Commerce. Executive committee ## Officers The five officers lead the board and work most closely with Chamber staff. 1. Chair ### Mark Ritz he/him Kinetic Koffee Mark Ritz has lived in Arcata since 1999 and co-founded Kinetic Koffee in 2005. Prior to starting Kinetic Koffee, he was a Category Business Manager at Yakima Products. He has an extensive background in Sales, Marketing, and Product Development in the Outdoor Industry, with over 40 years of experience. He has recently become an Advisor with SBDC to assist entrepreneurs and other small business owners to improve and prosper. Mark brings a wide range of business skills to the Board and looks forward to helping the Chamber and its members to thrive. This is his second time as Board Member, having served two terms from 2006–2012 and was President (now Chair) in 2010. 2. Vice Chair ### Ashley Osia she/her Friends of the Dunes Ashley earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Central Missouri and holds a post-baccalaureate certification from Cal Poly Humboldt. Although she started in the arts, Ashley soon discovered her true calling in the nonprofit sector. She has made significant contributions to various local organizations with over a decade of experience as a successful nonprofit executive in Humboldt County. Currently, at Friends of the Dunes, Ashley leads the fundraising team and coordinates the organization’s annual activities. As a passionate advocate for environmental preservation, she is committed to using her role to protect and conserve the natural world. Ashley is currently volunteering locally with the Northern California Association of Nonprofits (NorCAN) Steering Committee and serves on the Eureka Theater Entertainment Committee. Ashley performs as light artist Biomorphic Light so you might see her out making a live liquid art piece alongside your favorite band. She looks forward to uniting the Arcata Chamber of Commerce community with businesses from the greater Arcata area and is thrilled to be the voice for local nonprofits within the context of a business membership organization. 3. Past Chair ### J.D. Garza-Valencia he/him Cal Poly Humboldt I am the Director of Career Development at Cal Poly Humboldt and previously served as a Career Advisor and lecturer for the Political Science department. I graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt with my Bachelor’s degree in Communication (2014) and completed my Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Fresno Pacific University (2019). I have been working professionally in higher education for over ten years, with experience in student life and career services. I am an alumnus of Leadership Redwood Coast, a leadership development program hosted by the City of Eureka Chamber of Commerce. This sparked my excitement to further participate, support, and engage with businesses and community members within the City of Arcata. Outside of higher education, I have been active in the community as a singer-songwriter and, more recently, the singer and front-person for Rad Bromance. In addition to supporting a thriving business community, I am also a proponent of a thriving local music and art scene. There is a world of talent and ingenuity in Humboldt County and I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate and be a supporter of all things Humboldt, particularly Arcata! Lastly, I am excited to support our local businesses and community from my perspective as an educator, organizer, musician, and community member. I value and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and representation in the work that I do, and I am honored to bring this lens to the City of Arcata Chamber of Commerce. CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Communication, Ideation, Maximizer, and Woo. 4. Secretary ### Kathy Thornhill she/her RISE Advising LLC Kathy Thornhill is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and program innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University and certifications in career coaching and conflict resolution. In 2023, Kathy founded RISE Advising Services, LLC, where she supports individuals and organizations in achieving their goals through human-centered leadership strategies. A proud graduate of Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) in the 1990s, Kathy returned to the area 11 years ago. Passionate about making a positive impact, she actively volunteers and contributes to initiatives that enhance local businesses and community well-being. Kathy enjoys spending time with her friends, relishing in the natural beauty of our area, and her two beloved (and occasionally mischievous) dogs, who have an amusing obsession with nibbling on her feet. As a new Arcata Chamber Board member, she looks forward to helping foster collaboration and growth within the local business community. 5. Treasurer ### Wil Franklin he/him North Coast SBDC / Trinity River Vineyards Wilfred “Wil” Franklin has over 11 years of experience educating and expanding minds, teaching biology and plant science at the college level and as an instructor for the Wine Certificate Program at Cal Poly Humboldt College of Extended Education & Global Engagement. In 2012, he started Trinity River Vineyards, where he stewarded and grew a successful local agri-business based in Humboldt County. As the Director of North Coast Small Business Development Center, he combines his teaching and entrepreneurial past to help build a connected, diverse, and equitable economic base in our region. Wil Franklin was born and raised in Humboldt County and has a Bachelor’s in Botany and a Master’s in Biology from Cal Poly Humboldt. He even graduated from Arcata High – Go Tigers! He feels blessed to be serving on the Board of Directors for the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, where he can give back to the community that has given him so much. Serving Arcata ## Board of Directors Board members bring perspectives from banking, education, retail, nonprofits, consulting, and technology. 1. ![Headshot of Roger James](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/roger-james.DwA1o3a9_h9g1Y.webp) ### Roger James he/him Gelinas James, Inc. Roger James is a Managing Director of Gelinas James, Inc. He has more than 40 years of experience as an organizational consultant. Prior to forming Gelinas James, Inc., Roger was the Director of Organization Development for Pacific Gas & Electric Company. In that capacity, he managed a consulting group that received the American Society for Training and Development’s national award for consulting excellence. Roger has specialized in collaborative approaches to complex, comprehensive change, leadership development, and executive coaching. He has served clients in the not-for-profit, for-profit, education, and government sectors, including Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, Humboldt County Office of Education, Kokatat, Brio Baking, Cypress Grove, City of Eureka, City of Arcata, Southern Humboldt Healthcare District, Food for People, Schatz Energy Research Center, Humboldt Area Foundation. Roger was co-director of the Cascadia Center for Leadership from 2001 to 2021. Roger received his doctorate in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the University of Massachusetts (1978) and is a graduate of Columbia University’s Advanced Program in Organization Development (1984). 2. ![Headshot of Tanya Trump](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/tanya-trump.BHlIeUej_Z2lzPeh.webp) ### Tanya Trump she/her Humboldt County Office of Education Tanya Trump is the Director of Career and College Resources at Humboldt County Office of Education and has worked in education for over 20 years as both a teacher and in leadership. Tanya’s department at HCOE supports Humboldt County school districts to build connections with local businesses and education partners and create opportunities for youth to explore career and college options. She loves that her work helps young people navigate their path to their preferred future. Tanya grew up in Arcata and is an alumnus of Arcata High School and Humboldt State University. Following graduation, she moved to Colorado, where she worked in many industries, including travel and hospitality, health and fitness, and various secretarial positions, before returning to school at Colorado State University for a teaching credential. Tanya also holds a Master’s degree in Education from San Diego State and an Administrative Services Credential from Humboldt State University. In her free time, Tanya enjoys spending time in the Arcata Community Forest running or hiking the trails. 3. ![Headshot of Charlene Cook](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/charlene-cook.kx4Y_ZSf_Z1rnuqo.webp) ### Charlene Cook she/her Humboldt Made / Fringe & Clay Charlene is a passionate small business owner, community advocate, and dedicated volunteer with a deep commitment to making a positive impact. With 6 years of experience running a successful small business, Charlene understands the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and is driven by the goal of fostering local economic growth. Beyond business, Charlene has a strong background in non-profit work. She has worked with both the North Coast Growers Association and now Humboldt Made, organizations aimed at strengthening the local economy and empowering small businesses. She has played an active role in coordinating local farmers’ markets & events that help connect our community with local businesses. In addition to professional pursuits, Charlene volunteers regularly with local organizations, at community events & participates in community outreach to assist our unhoused neighbors, helping to address critical issues and contribute to the betterment of everyone in our community. Whether through business, volunteering, or hands-on community service, Charlene remains dedicated to using her skills and resources to create lasting, positive changes in our community. 4. ![Headshot of Amandeep Singh](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/amandeep-singh.BDZUaDJN_Z13smvB.webp) ### Amandeep Singh he/him Cronix LLC Amandeep Singh is the president of Cronix LLC, a full-service e-commerce agency based in California. He has been in the Web & eCommerce development industry for around 15 years. With a background in computer science and a true passion for programming, Singh founded Cronix in early 2023 after moving to the U.S. in 2021. He has hands-on experience working with a wide range of e-commerce platforms like Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Shopware, and Magento. Over the years, he’s led and mentored teams of developers while partnering with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Singh’s expertise in web design and development allows him to craft solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. When he’s not working, you’ll often find him experimenting in the kitchen, indulging his love for cooking. 5. ![Headshot of Sarah Hiller](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/sarah-hiller.Bwkdixz7_Z2dBIMS.webp) ### Sarah Hiller Coast Central Credit Union Sarah Hiller is the Member Services Manager at Arcata Giuntoli Coast Central Credit Union, bringing over 20 years of local banking experience to her role. She is passionate about working for a local credit union where she is empowered to support the financial success and well-being of Arcata community members. A lifelong resident of Humboldt County, Sarah grew up in Arcata and is a graduate of Arcata High School. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise and is deeply committed to volunteering with local organizations and community events. Sarah takes great pride in giving back to the community that helped raise her. 6. ![Headshot of Deanna Franklin](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/deanna-franklin.Dpw1ZhW__Zt44Vm.webp) ### Deanna Franklin Redwood Capital Bank Deanna Franklin relocated to the area to be closer to her family and has embraced the opportunity to make it her home. As a Commercial Relationship Manager at Redwood Capital Bank, she brings more than 31 years of banking experience to her role. A proud 1995 graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Deanna further advanced her career by attending the Pacific Coast Banking School in 2018. She is committed to helping the local business community and actively gives back by volunteering her time. Deanna serves on the boards of the Arcata Noon Rotary, the Breast and GYN Health Project, and the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, and she is a dedicated member of Women 4 Wellness. 7. ![Headshot of Meghan Riley Taylor](https://arcatachamber.com/_astro/meghan-riley-taylor.S-UN5V35_TQtBu.webp) ### Meghan Riley Taylor she/her Peaches and Pearls Meghan has proudly called Humboldt County home for the past 23 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Sexuality from Cal Poly Humboldt and has spent the past 23 years managing and owning local businesses. Meghan is the owner of Peaches & Pearls, an education-focused intimacy boutique on the Arcata Plaza dedicated to fostering education, wellness, and inclusive conversations around sexuality. She has also spoken at community events, college courses, and design classes on topics related to sexuality and sexual health. A member of the Leadership Redwood Coast Class of 2026, Meghan is passionate about supporting local businesses, strengthening community connections, and celebrating everything that makes Humboldt County unique. She is honored to serve on the Arcata Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is committed to helping Arcata remain a vibrant place to live, work, and shop. ## Join the board Serving on the Board of Directors is one of the ways Chamber members can get involved, alongside volunteering as an Ambassador or on a committee. If you’d like to help guide the Chamber and support Arcata’s business community, download the Board of Directors application below. [Board of Directors applicationPDF](https://arcatachamber.com/documents/board-of-directors-application.pdf) ## Questions about the board? - Arcata@ArcataChamber.com - 707.897.6004 ## Ready to grow with Arcata’s business community? Join the local businesses, nonprofits, and makers building a stronger Arcata together. New-business memberships start at $75 a year. [Join the Chamber](https://business.arcatachamber.com/member/NewMemberApp/) Call 707.897.6004