Chamber hires new director

Following the departure of its longtime executive director, the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce has searched the country and found a replacement in Patricia Shults, the group announced Wednesday.

Neil Colwell, president of the chamber’s board of directors, stated that he believes Shults “will be an effective leader for the chamber. She is a passionate advocate for the business community and will be a great addition to the Sonoma community.”

Shults, described as “a widely respected chamber professional,” replaces Jennifer Yankovich, who left the chamber in February after a 15-year run as executive director. She starts Nov. 10, the chamber said.

A native of Washington, Shults most recently worked with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional chamber in Texas, where she was vice president of membership. She has also worked with nonprofits – including one she founded and directed serving at-risk youth – for more than 16 years.

“I look forward to serving and partnering with Sonoma businesses to promote small business growth and build a strong local economy,” Shults said in the statement. “I am dedicated to working together with the chamber board of directors and I see a very bright future for us all and can’t wait to get started.”