Board of Directors
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
October 23, 2020
Sedona and the Chamber faced our greatest civic emergency this year with the coronavirus and the related economic blows.
In response, the Chamber made one unprecedented decision after another: stopping advertising for months and closing the Visitor Center, then leading the way back with a Destination Recovery Plan for FY21, the Sedona| Safe.Clean.Ready and Mask Up Sedona campaigns, a carefully calibrated winter marketing strategy, and the founding of the Sedona Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force.
None of these crucial developments could have happened without the advice and approval of one of Sedona’s most unsung leadership groups, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Volunteers elected by Chamber partners, the Board votes on all major policy and strategic decisions. This year, when asked to do more than ever, they were decisive, calm and focused.
Today and next week, we want to introduce you to our 14 Board members and three ex-officio members, a truly extraordinary group of leaders.
Lonnie Lillie, Chairman General Manager of the soon-to-be-opened Ambiente Landscape Hotel, Lonnie came to Sedona in 1984, beginning his career at the Hideaway Restaurant, eventually becoming manager. He was General Manager of the Best Western PLUS Arroyo Roble Hotel and Creekside Villas from 2001 to 2017. He was named Arizona Hotelier of the Year in 2015.
Al Comello, Vice Chairman Al operates Comello Media Services and founded Sedona Fair, Inc., creating events such as the Sedona Winefest. He has frequently produced Sedona Airport Day and Family Fun Days. Al is president of the Sedona Events Alliance and serves on the governing boards of the Sedona Fire District, the Sedona Historical Society and the Verde Valley Forum for Public Affairs.
Jennifer Perry, Secretary Regional Director of the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, Jennifer has served as Development Director for the Verde Valley Sanctuary, the Ross School, the Sedona Public Library and as Executive Director of Camp Soaring Eagle. She earned her B.A. from Syracuse University and her M.B.A. from Simmons Graduate School of Management.
Ralph Woellmer, Treasurer Ralph owns the Matterhorn Shoppes and is the General Manager/Director of Operations of the Arroyo Roble Resort. He serves on the City/Chamber Marketing Committee and the Sedona Lodging Council, where he is Past President. He was named the 2007 Arizona Main Street Individual of the Year. Ralph is an Elder at the Aletheia Church.
Jesse Alexander Jesse has more than 30 years of hospitality experience, serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Canyon Portal and Sinagua Plaza shopping centers, the Sedona Trolley, three uptown restaurants and retail stores. He was General Manager of the L’Auberge from 2008 to 2016. Jesse is an avid long-distance runner, rock climber and outdoor adventurer.
Whitney Cunningham is managing partner of Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLC. He graduated magna cum laude from NAU and Georgetown Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of The Georgetown Law Journal. He has served as President of the State Bar of Arizona, and on the boards of the Coconino County Industrial Development Authority, the Flagstaff Symphony Association and the United Way of Northern Arizona.
John Davis John and his wife Nicole operate Cheers and the recently added Manzanita Market. They have partnered in family-owned Sedona businesses since 1992. John’s experience in business operations helps him appreciate the value of marketing, promotion, and the need for a Chamber of Commerce that focuses on serving small business needs.
Next week, we will introduce the rest of the Chamber Board and our Ex Officio members. If you want a sneak peek, visit SedonaChamber.com.
–Michelle Conway, Interim President/CEO and Director of Marketing