Meet the new faces on the Chamber Board
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
October 19, 2018
The good vibes are still resonating from our Annual Meeting at the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock earlier this month. I’m hearing enthusiasm for our FYF19 marketing and sustainability strategies that aim for the “Sedona sweet spot” where businesses thrive, our economic and environmental health are in balance, and residents are confident our quality of life is preserved.
We could not undertake such a challenging goal without the talent and leadership of our extraordinary Board of Directors and our new Board Executive Committee, seated this summer. Time to meet this impressive group of accomplished professionals with deep Sedona roots:
Chair: Stephanie Giesbrecht of Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona
Stephanie is a 22-year resident of Sedona and has served on many non-profit boards during this time. She is a licensed commercial helicopter pilot and served on the Sedona Airport Authority Board of Directors. She spent much of her tenure in Sedona working in different capacities for Northern Arizona Healthcare and their Foundation. She is currently working with the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona. When she’s not working, you’ll find her riding her horse on the trails of Sedona or exploring her entrepreneurial spirit and style by developing her BootsandTiaras.com clothing line.
Vice-Chair: Linda Goldenstein of Goldenstein Gallery
A native of northern Arizona, Linda’s family lived on the Hualapai Indian reservation on Route 66 when she was born. She moved to the Sedona area as a child in 1969 and has had a home here ever since. Her family goes back to the 1940s in Sedona and the 1890s in Flagstaff. Following a career in bank management, Linda moved into the arts field and is the Founder and President of Goldenstein Gallery, which was founded in 2001. The gallery has received national acclaim and has both a local following and collectors that span the globe. Linda and the Gallery have received numerous awards including the Sedona Mayor’s Arts Award, two entrepreneurial awards from the North American Women’s Business Association, voted Sedona’s Best Gallery 11 years running and named #1 on the USA Today’s Top Ten list for best shopping experience in Sedona.
Treasurer: Jeremy Hayman of Sedona Golf Resort
Jeremy has been GM of the Resort since 2010. He previously served as Head Golf Professional at Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills. Jeremy currently serves on the Board of the Verde Valley School. He is a PGA member and served on the Board of Directors of the PGA Southwest Section.
Secretary: Al Comello
Al has lived in the Sedona area for more than 15 years and has participated in numerous organizations, events, boards, and community projects and is committed to being part of Sedona’s future by sharing his skills. Al has served on the board of the Sedona Community Center for many years and recently as their President. He created a non-profit, Sedona Fair, Inc., which is dedicated to creating events such as the Airport Days and the Sedona Winefest. Al currently owns and operates an advertising agency called Comello Media Services and he also has an extensive background in newspaper and magazine publishing and real estate marketing.
Immediate Past Chair: Lonnie Lillie of Ambiente Landscape Hotel
Lonnie has been an invaluable leader as Chairman of the Board. His tireless advocacy for Sedona and emphasis on what’s best for our community is an inspiration.
Chamber members voted to reelect three current Directors and one new face. Ralph Woellmer of Matterhorn Inn and Matterhorn Shoppes; Kyle Larson of Sedona Red Rock News and Whitney Cunningham of Aspey Watkins & Diesel PLLC were each elected to their second three-year terms. The Board also welcomed newly-elected Patrick McGee of Sterling Financial Services, which has operated in Sedona since 2006, and Carole Peet, of Northern Arizona Healthcare.
Continuing our 15-member Board are Desiree Brackin of Brackin Benefits; Darla Deville of APS; Mike Hermen of Pink Jeep Tours; Sean Olmstead of L’Auberge de Sedona; and Jennifer Perry of Verde Valley Sanctuary.
The Board of Directors is the Chamber’s policymaking body. They oversee the fiscal actions of the Chamber, including the branding and marketing of Sedona. The Board reviews and approves the Tourism Bureau Destination Services Plan and budget before it is submitted to the City Council. Members also advocate for Sedona on a state and national level.
Together, the Board has decades of Sedona business experience and community service. I am in awe of their accomplishments and their willingness to dedicate their valuable time to volunteer as Board members. Together, we will hit that ‘sweet spot’ and keep making Sedona the best place to live, work play, and visit!