First female CEO, Ananda Sweet hired to lead the Metro Chamber

SANTA ROSA, CA – After an executive search with local recruiting firm, Leap Solutions, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s (SRMC) Board of Directors has unanimously voted to hire Ananda Sweet as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Sweet recently stepped into the position of Interim CEO after the departure of previous CEO, Peter Rumble. Rumble left the Chamber in September after seven years and now holds the position of CEO for the Napa County Farm Bureau. Sweet will be SRMC’s twenty-second principal executive and the first female leader since its 1906 inception.

“Soon after Ananda took on this challenge on an interim basis, it became clear she was the right person to lead the Chamber into the future,” said Chamber Board Chair Lisa Wittke Schaffner, CEO of the North Coast Builders Exchange. “We are excited to welcome the first female CEO. She has a bold strategic vision for the community, will work with all stakeholders, represent the voice of business and help build a strong economic base.”

"Ananda’s deep commitment to our community and vision for a thriving region inspire confidence,” said Michelle Edwards Heery, Chamber Vice Board Chair and Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin Chief Strategy and Business Officer. “We look forward to her shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for businesses and families alike."

Sweet has been with SRMC since November 2016 and previously served as the organization’s Vice President of Public Policy and Workforce Development. During that time, Sweet created and implemented new programs and initiatives, including an Employer Supported Child Care program, and the organization’s State and Local Policy Platform. She also took over Chamber legacy programs such as the Mike Hauser Academy for STEM and Leadership Santa Rosa. She serves on a number of boards and committees including Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board, U.S. Chamber Early Childhood Education task force, and serving as President of Our Kids, Our Future.

"I am deeply honored to step into the role of CEO for this incredible organization,” says Sweet. “Our work on behalf of our members and the community is critical to fostering a vibrant and thriving region, and I hold an unwavering belief in our mission. I am immensely grateful to the Chamber Board of Directors for their trust and support as we move forward together.”

Sweet has already developed a 30-, 60-, and 90-day permanent CEO transition plan which includes forward-looking goals as the organization enters a new chapter of growth, collaboration, and community impact. These priorities, focused on enhancing member value, strengthening the organization, and driving strategic initiatives, underscore a commitment to long-term success.

A cornerstone of this plan is membership growth and retention. By deepening relationships with current members and expanding outreach efforts to new industries and communities, Sweet hopes to broaden the Chamber’s impact while ensuring that existing members experience the full value of engagement. Concurrently, efforts will focus on team alignment and development, fostering a supportive and motivated workforce poised to deliver exceptional outcomes.

“As CEO, I am committed to working collaboratively in the community and to stewarding the Chamber’s legacy of addressing community challenges and acting as a catalyst for new opportunities,” said Sweet. “Together, with our members, partners, and talented team, we will build on this foundation to drive meaningful progress and create lasting impact for our members and the community."

ABOUT SANTA ROSA METRO CHAMBER
Born out of the rubble of the 1906 earthquake, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is the leading voice for business in the North Bay region. Through advocacy, education and workforce development programs, and industry and small business development, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber strives to create a vibrant community for its members, as well as residents of and visitors to Sonoma County. More than a membership organization, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber provides a vision and the leadership to achieve increased, shared prosperity for everyone in the region – from each member to every program and volunteer, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is shaping the future of living and doing business in the place we call home. For more information visit www.santarosametrochamber.com. Convene. Empower. Act.