Chris Messina Bids Farewell to Napa Chamber of Commerce

After leading the Napa Chamber of Commerce for nearly two years, President and CEO Chris Messina has announced his departure today. Messina has pledged his support to help the Board of Directors during the transition.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at the Chamber, and feel honored to have been a part of the Napa Chamber turnaround story, but I am looking forward to spending more time with my family,” said Messina.

 “We appreciate Chris’ service to our Chamber and wish him well in his next endeavor," said Cherie Knox, Chair of the Board of Directors. "He helped the Chamber during an important period of transition.”

Messina’s contributions to the Napa Chamber included improving the fiscal stability of the Chamber, implementing a tiered dues structure, enhancing benefits and services for member businesses, re-branding the Chamber and organizing the first Women in Technology and Business Conference in 2013.

The Chamber has retained the services of Brian Kelly as Consulting CEO. Kelly, a former Chamber Board Chair, will oversee and support daily operations and manage staff, in addition to providing necessary services at the direction of the Board of Directors, while the organization recruits a permanent leader.

Kelly brings more than 30 years of community leadership to the Chamber, focused on business and financial management. He has chaired 15 non-profit boards, including the Napa Chamber of Commerce in 1992. He currently works as a CEO coach and part-time CFO through his company, Brian Kelly and Associates.

 “We are excited about the Chamber’s future and are well positioned to move forward in further building and deepening relationships with our business members and the community as we enter our 125th year,” Knox said.