THOMAS "RICK" WELLS, CAE, IOM, President and CEO
info@vallejochamber.com

Chamber of Commerce:
The Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce. Responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of Chamber activities: organizational structure and procedures; income and expenditures; coordination of the business plan: employment, training and supervision of staff; interpretation of policy; maintenance of the Chamber quarters; maintenance of membership; motivation of volunteers; Chamber board and community relations.

Personal Information:
Born and raised in Orange County, CA. Started at the Vallejo Chamber in Spring 2003. Before that – worked at the Napa Chamber of Commerce as Director of Membership for 5 years. Holds degrees from Orange Coast College and the University of California, Davis with a focus in Communications Studies. Professional background in advertising, marketing and sales management. Holds both IOM (Institute of Organizational Management) and CAE (Certified Association Executive) professional certifications- less than 5% of association professionals hold this certification. Graduate of Leadership Napa Valley and a past Board Member and past President of the Napa Active 20-30 Service Club. Member of the Vallejo Rotary Club; Past Board Member and Secretary for Leadership Vallejo, Member of the Northern California Golf Association. Active mentor in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program since 2001; Napa County Big Brother of the Year in 2002. Currently pursuing Masters of Business Administration in Sustainable Management at Presidio School of Management. Married to Ellie Bishop Wells.

RICH GEIST, Membership, Sponsorship & Marketing
richgeist@vallejochamber.com

Chamber of Commerce:
Develops and manages corporate sponsorship program and event sponsorships. Markets the Chamber to potential new members and groups. Directs press releases and other information to the community. Hosts Chamber monthly business and community radio show, “Everybody’s Business Vallejo.” Staff Liaison to Government Affairs Committee, Economic Development Committee and Downtown Association of Vallejo

Personal Information:
Originally from the northern Chicago area suburb of Highland Park, IL Graduate of Stanford University with BAs in Economics and Political Science. Previous careers in apparel manufacturing and magazine publishing. Board Member of 1st Pacific Credit Union, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Vallejo Community Arts Foundation and Chairman of the Empress Theatre Restoration Capital Campaign. Part-time basketball coach. Lives in Benicia with his beautiful and understanding wife Shannon, and two daughters, Iris (9) and baby Abigail (Born March 22, 2008).

JENNY KLIMISCH, Graphic Design
jenny@vallejochamber.com

Chamber of Commerce:
Supports the development and distribution of all marketing and sales materials. Coordinates design and layout of Chamber website and newsletters. Assists in production of advertising, marketing brochures, sales kits and other promotional materials.

CONSTANCE HOWARD, Community Promotion Coordinator
connie@vallejochamber.com

Chamber of Commerce:
Coordinates and manages special events for the Chamber. Works as Staff Liaison with Divisional V.P. to develop events and community promotions. Has been with the Vallejo Chamber since 1997.

Personal Information:
Born in Vallejo and graduated Hogan Sr. High School. Active member of the Vallejo Rotary Club, Hearts & Hands for Solano and the Community Presbyterian Church. 2004 recipient of the Athena Award and the Dick Hyland Award.  Lives in Vallejo with husband and childhood sweetheart Bobby. Their two children, Lockhart and Lynnette, live close by with their spouses and Connie’s three grandsons.

Connie represents the heart and soul of the Chamber and the Vallejo community!

BOBBIE DILL, Finance
bobbie@vallejochamber.com

Chamber of Commerce:
Provides support to financial department for accounts payable and accounts receivable. Oversees payroll, taxes and legal filings for Chamber. Coordinates financial software interface with database management.

Personal Information:
Born in Louisville, KY; raised in many of the states. A Vallejo resident since 1972. Professional background in human resources, accounting, and customer service. Returned to Vallejo in 2001 to be near children and grandchildren after living in Park City, UT for several years. Proud mom of two sons, and one daughter; grandmother to three granddaughters and two grandsons. Active in community as Chamber Ambassador, Past President of Vallejo PAL Soccer, Past board member Benicia Vallejo Humane Society, and Soccer Coach for the Under16 girls competition team. Lives with dog (Shadow) and cat (Boo).