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The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce is set to be under new leadership next month, with CEO and President Heidi Kenniston-Lee departing the role to focus on her own small business after over a year at the chamber’s helm.
The chamber announced this week that Danielle Cook, a longtime San Ramon resident and local school volunteer with a background in marketing and public relations, will be succeeding Kenniston-Lee.
“While we will all miss Heidi’s leadership and energy, we are excited to welcome Danielle as our new leader,” said Mino Sastry, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, in Monday’s announcement. “Danielle brings a fresh perspective, strong marketing skills, and an unwavering commitment to the success of our local businesses. We are confident that her leadership will help the Chamber and its members continue to reach new heights of impact and success.”
Kenniston-Lee, who came into the position in July 2023, told DanvilleSanRamon that her tenure leading the chamber had made her inspired by the role of small businesses in the community – so much so that she is stepping aside to focus on her own business, Heidi’s Hutch.
“I am sincerely grateful to have had this opportunity to help re-energize the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and promote economic vitality in our city and region,” Kenniston-Lee said, pointing to the revitalized marketing and social media efforts under her lead as well as new events including workforce development and business advocacy.
“Working closely with the local business community really inspired me to return to my own small business, Heidi’s Hutch,” she continued. “I leave knowing the Chamber is in good hands with a strong Board of Directors and a new President/CEO who I’m confident will continue the momentum of successfully supporting our business and non-profit communities and the community-at-large.
Cook is set to come aboard on Dec. 2, according to Kenniston-Lee, who added that she will remain onboard herself through the end of the year to aid with the leadership transition process.
“I am honored to lead the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and excited to work alongside our Board of Directors and Chamber members to continue Heidi’s great work in supporting and uplifting our local business community,” Cook said in the chamber’s announcement Monday. “San Ramon is a vibrant place to live, work, and do business, and I look forward to helping our Chamber play a key role in fostering growth and success for our members.”
Cook is set to be the chamber’s second permanent president and CEO since 2023, when Kenniston-Lee came into the permanent position after the departure of longtime president and CEO Stuart Bambino in February 2023, with Kathy Fanning serving in the position on an interim basis prior to Kenniston-Lee.
