The search is over. The board of directors of regional business advocacy group Santa Rosa Metro Chamber (SRMC) has unanimously voted to hire Ananda Sweet as the organization’s new CEO.
Sweet, who has been with SRMC since November 2016 and previously served as the organization’s vice president of public policy and workforce development, stepped into the position of interim CEO after the departure of the previous CEO, Peter Rumble. Sweet will be SRMC’s 22nd principal executive and the first woman to lead the organization in its 118-year history.
You’re the first woman to be CEO in the Chamber’s long history—how does that shape your approach to leadership, and what does it mean for the organization’s evolution? And, frankly, what took so long?
Being the first woman CEO is a privilege, a responsibility and a celebration of progress. It’s both humbling and motivating. It reminds me of the responsibility to lead with intention, inclusiveness and innovation. My approach is rooted in collaboration and creating a culture where our team and our members feel heard and valued. As for what took so long, that speaks to larger societal dynamics. But I’m proud that our Chamber is embracing progress and aligning leadership with the evolving needs of our organization and the community we serve.
Your 30-, 60- and 90-day plans emphasize growth and retention. Where do you see the most untapped potential for the Chamber’s impact?
The greatest untapped potential lies in deepening our role as a convener and connector. By fostering stronger partnerships across industries and sectors, we can address shared challenges like workforce development and economic resilience. Additionally, there’s significant opportunity in engaging emerging industries, amplifying small businesses and supporting our diverse business community, which remains a key driver of innovation and economic growth.
Santa Rosa businesses face myriad challenges and opportunities—what are they, in your observation?
Challenges like workforce shortages, affordable housing, childcare access and adapting to a shifting economy are front and center. At the same time, there’s tremendous opportunity in fostering innovation and leveraging Sonoma County’s unique assets—its people, culture and environment. Our mission is to support, promote and advocate for our members and create a vibrant sustainable economy for all in our region. Key to this is our ability to provide tools and partnerships that help businesses thrive amidst change and embrace our opportunities.
Membership engagement is a cornerstone of your strategy. What’s your playbook for strengthening connections with current members while drawing in new industries?
For current members, it’s about delivering real value through advocacy, resources and programmatic work tailored to their needs. Open dialogue and consistent outreach are key to strengthening relationships. To draw in new industries, we’ll focus on highlighting the Chamber’s relevance to their unique goals. Building trust and demonstrating impact will help position the Chamber as a vital partner for business and community success.
How does the creative economy fit into your vision?
The creative economy is integral to Sonoma County’s identity and future. By elevating this sector, we’re not only supporting economic diversity but also supporting a sector critical to our region’s vibrancy and culture. My vision includes a commitment to intentionally include creative businesses in our work and advocating for local policies that ensure artists and entrepreneurs have access to resources and opportunities to thrive.
Every leadership role comes with challenges. What keeps you up at night, and how do you plan to face it?
Ensuring that we’re not only meeting but anticipating the needs of our members is always top of mind. Balancing short-term demands with long-term vision can be challenging. To address this, I’m focused on building a strong organization and team, fostering adaptability and staying closely connected to our members’ realities. The key is listening, learning and acting with intention.
Our Chamber has a rich history of addressing community challenges and acting as a catalyst for new opportunities. Together, with our members, partners and talented team, I am committed to building on this foundation to drive meaningful progress and create lasting impact for our members and the community.
Looking forward: If you could fast-forward a year, what headline would you like to see about the Chamber under your leadership?
“Santa Rosa Metro Chamber: Leading Boldly, Empowering Businesses and Working Collaboratively to Transform Our Community.” This headline would reflect a year of tangible impact, including stronger member engagement, innovative programming and visible progress both on business success and on critical supports for a thriving and strong workforce. It would highlight the Chamber as a driving force for meaningful change and collaboration to support a thriving community for all.
For more information, visit santarosametrochamber.com.
