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2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

The Novato Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors. Our board are dedicated individuals who enjoy living/working in the community that they serve. They come from unique backgrounds and bring with them years of industry wisdom as well as dedicated to see this community thrive. Board members are eager to participate and help shape a better tomorrow for region.

Novato Chamber Board members serve 3-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms before they must take a mandatory year-off from service. This term limit helps ensure that new leadership and ideas come to the Board and the Chamber. Chamber Presidents may serve one or two year terms., 

President & Officers

2024 

Board President -Seth Shorett 

Umpqua Bank

Immediate Past President - Coree Cameron

Cameron Coffey & Kaye Professionals

Vice Presidents

Sherri Jacobs

Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home

Kyle Mastropole

The Bay Fitness

Treasurer 

Mary Jannisse

Jannisse & Hull CPA

CEO

CEO - Coy Smith

Novato Chamber

Directors (In Alphabetical Order)

Denise Athas

Athas & Associates Real Estate

George Athas

Athas & Associates Real Estate

Stacey Beckhardt

BioMarin Pharaceuticals

Richard De Ramon

First Federal Savings & Loans

Tamara Hull 

Jannisse & Hull CPA

Michael Jackson

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Kevin Jacobs

Retired from the Construction industry

Homa Rassouli

Mutual of Omaha

Betsy Ricketts

Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals

Tom Young

Pini Ace Hardware

Seth Shorett  | Umpqua Bank 

President 2024

Seth Shorett is a commercial banker with Umpqua Bank in their Bay Area Corporate Banking division.  He specializes in financing stable and growing middle-market companies.  In addition to his work with the Novato Chamber, Seth also volunteers with North Marin Community Services and the Marin Builder’s Association.  He lives in Novato with his wife, a Special Education Teacher, and his two children.  When Seth gets a free moment, you’ll find him camping, hiking, off-roading, or working on his trucks.

Coree Cameron | Cameron Coffey & Kaye
Immediate Past President 

Small Business of the Year: 2016
Novato Chamber President 2014
Novato Chamber Board of Directors 2012 -2017
Leadership Novato Class of 2012
Member of the Novato Chamber Finance Committee

 

Coree is an Enrolled Agent with more than thirty years of experience in the fields of accounting and taxation.

Over the course of her professional career, Coree has advised countless individuals and small businesses as well as prominent concerns such as Columbia Hospitals, Kendall Jackson Wine Estates, and In Bed Productions, Inc., producers of Dancing with the Stars.

Prior to becoming one of the founders of Cameron Coffey & Kaye in 2003, Coree managed her own successful bookkeeping and write-up practice serving clients throughout San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma Counties.

In addition to her work at Cameron Coffey & Kaye, Coree is also Treasurer of Novato Community Television, Rotary Club of Ignacio, and Novato Community Action Network, Inc. (formerly Novato Women’s Network, Inc.), a not-for-profit organization that she formed in 2009, which focuses on helping the Novato community through charitable donations, fundraisers, and partnerships with other local not-for-profit organizations.  Her organization has raised over $75,000 for local causes.

 


Coree feels duty-bound to support the Chamber and the community that it represents (and that she loves). Her ideals and viewpoints are aligned with the Chamber, which enables her to offer powerful insights into business and community goals and support the mission and values of the Chamber.

Sherri Jacobs | Valley Memorial Park  Cemetery Funeral Home & Event Center

Vice President

Novato Chamber Sponsor of the Year: 2018
Leadership Novato Class 2019 | Ed Stark Recipient
Executive Committee Member
Novato Chamber Ambassador

Sherri Jacobs,  has a dual role at Valley Memorial Park as Director of Finance as well as Director of Marketing.  Valley Memorial Park provides full service, Cemetery, funeral home on-site crematory and reception center--the most unique business of its type in all of Marin.

In addition to successfully raising two children, Sherri has over twenty-five years in the business community that included managing her own company for over 15 years and then successfully migrating to a corporate position with the Napa Wine Train while continuing to closely volunteer her services with a variety of non-profit organizations.  Although only being a member of the Novato Community for a few years, Sherri has continued to pursue her life-long passion of supporting programs vital for the success and vitality of our community of family, friends, and businesses.   Her take action personality and ability to see what needs to be done and create the time and energy to find ways to get things done for so many organizations, businesses and individuals is one of her many assets.  Sherri’s genuine passion for supporting our community is one of her greatest strengths.   Changing the way, the community looks at our type of business.  Bringing our company forward to be a viable part of the community.


Sherri brings 8 years of working with non-profits on boards.  Enthusiasm and a vision for helping our chamber to move forward in Shaping tomorrow.   

Kyle Mastropole | The Bay Fitness

Vice President

2022 Micro Business of the Year

Kyle Mastropole is the owner of the 2022 Micro Business of the Year, The Bay Fitness, a concierge personal training and exercise recovery services that brings the gym experience to the client's home, servicing all of Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Kyle brings well over a decade of experience under his belt, including building and entire collegiate strength and conditioning department from the ground up to provide 450 student-athletes with proper training regimens, organizing internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students and consulting on budget friendly methods to create an equitable environment for all students and staff members. He has also held various positions being responsible for tasks such as employee recruitment, client retention, app feature development and outlining potential partnerships between companies. Over the course of his career Kyle has worked with thousands of clients and has led initiatives to accommodate individuals of all different needs to put those around him in a position to be successful.

Kyle holds a Batchelor's and Master's Degree in Exercise and Nutritional Science with certifications as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Nutritionist, Women's Fitness Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer. He has worked with a wide range of clients from collegiate and professional athletes who have played in National Championships and the Super Bowl, to moms and dads looking to stay in shape for their kids and grandkids, C-suite executives and has worked closely with local therapists, providing his services as an outlet for patients cleared from physical therapy to continue to build their health and fitness back up while minimizing risk of reinjury.

Mary Jannisse | Jannisse & Hull CPA

Treasure 
Women In Business Committee 2023

Denise Athas | Athas & Associates Real Estate

 

Denise Athas served on the Novato City Council for 13years from 2009 to 2022 and was Mayor for 3 times.  She retired from politics in December of 2022.   Denise has been very active in the Novato community in various leadership capacities.  In the past she has served as President of the Novato Chamber of Commerce in 2002, President of Downtown Novato Business and served on the state board of directors for the League of CA Cities for 4 years and served as President of the Northbay Division of League of CA Cities and President of the MCMCC (Marin County Mayors & Council Members.

Denise is a native Californian, raised in the East Bay, and has two grown sons, Matthew and Joe.  Denise has been a Residential Real Estate Agent for 35 years, is a Broker, and for the last 14 years has run her own boutique real estate company with her husband George Athas which is Athas & Associates Real Estate Inc. located at 1202 Grant Avenue in the heart of Downtown Novato.  Please visit www.DeniseAthas.com for more info.

Denise served on the Board of Directors of the Chamber in the early 2000’s and is excited and honored to be serving on the Board of Directors currently.

Denise can be reached at 415-245-2959 or DAthas@aol.com

George Athas | Athas & Associates Real Estate

 

Stacey Beckhardt | BioMarin Pharmaceuticals

 

Stacey Beckhardt joined BioMarin in 2015 and now serves as Senior Director, Global Advocacy Strategy and Operations, Government Affairs.  BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that develops and commercializes innovative therapies for patients with serious and life-threatening rare and genetic diseases.  The company has strong roots in Novato since its founding there in 1997.  Novato is the site of its manufacturing and many of its research facilities.  Other Marin offices are located in San Rafael.

Stacey’s role at BioMarin is about building alliances, always with an eye toward strengthening the company’s commitment to the local community as well as to partner with advocacy groups with common interests in public policies that have an impact on people living with rare and genetic disorders.  Stacey has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 16 years.  Previously, she spent nearly two decades representing non-profit medical and scientific societies and foundations.  Stacey received an MS in experimental psychology from Villanova University, and a BS in psychology from the University of Virginia.

Richard De Ramon | First Federal Savings & Loans

 

A prior Novato Chamber Ambassador for several years, Mr. De Ramon currently promotes the Novato Chamber and its purpose by serving on the Chamber Board. Expectations include shared fiduciary oversight of the Novato Chamber, enlisting new members, maintaining relationships with current members, and serving as a goodwill representative at local nonprofits, business and community activities. Richard will also develop new business contacts in Novato while increasing community-wide recognition for both the Chamber and First Federal Savings.

Richard was recognized as the Novato Chamber’s Ambassador of the year in 2016. “Serving and improving the community whenever possible is greatly valued at First Federal Savings. Moving our loan and administrative offices to Novato allowed me the opportunity to once again to serve in Novato.”

A graduate of San Francisco State University, Richard has more than 30 years of financial services experience with positions in both California and Florida. Prior to joining First Federal, Mr. De Ramon was employed in retail management positions with Bank of Marin and Redwood Credit Union. Community Service: Past committees and board involvement include: San Rafael Education Committee, Novato Human Needs Center, Marin Y Board, San Rafael Chamber Ambassador Committee, Novato Chamber Ambassador Committee, Novato Sunrise Rotary. Richard is a San Francisco native, now residing in Marin with his life partner, Lisa, a physician for Marin Health. Interests include traveling, art, and music (especially Jazz).

Tamara Hull | Jannisse & Hull CPA

 

I’m a CPA and co-owner of Jannisse & Hull CPAs in Novato.  I became a CPA  because I love helping people understand their taxes and accounting.  I became a CPA later in life, after spending many years doing accounting and payroll for various companies, and eventually getting my B.S. from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. But once I learned how to do tax planning and prepare tax returns, I never looked back.  I love a good challenge – like messy books or tax returns not filed for multiple years.  I also love helping small nonprofits too.  I grew up in Novato (go Hornets!) and live in Larkspur.

Michael Jackson | Coldwell Banker
Novato Chamber Ambassador
Leadership Novato Class of 2019

 

Having played Minor league baseball in my prime youth years, and a current active yoga enthusiast, it helps me to be a strong, conscious, present, and compassionate negotiator. I utilize the latest technology, social media, and television while marketing your home through competitive insight. With a typical response time of 24 hours or less, you will feel comfortable knowing your questions and concerns are being answered or worked on. Having my Brokers license and some lending background, I can help you every step of the way to see the big picture with your real estate portfolio. A portion of my sales goes to a local nonprofit called launch five for five that helps to struggle Millenials, usually, 18-30 years of age get on their feet to have a great resume and kick start their careers. Specialties: My area of expertise are with First Time Home Buyers, Investors, and Seniors SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) Designation as of 1/21/2018
Board Member with the Novato Chamber and 2018-2019 Leadership Novato Graduate
Marin Builders Association Member 2019


Michael is a networker and connector in the Novato Community while supporting the Chamber with multiple Membership signups through telling my experience with the Novato Chamber. 

Kevin Jacobs | Construction Consultant

Novato Chamber Ambassador
Leadership Novato Class of 2001 

Kevin Jacobs is a Construction Consultant after retiring from over 40 years as a Commercial Construction Superintendent and Project Manager. Kevin has been a resident of Novato for over 39 years and has a true love for the community. He had his own construction company in Novato from 1996-2002. He was then and continues to be a faithful Chamber Member and Ambassador.

He has completed the Novato Leadership program in 2001, along with being a member of the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise.

He is currently on the Novato Design Review Commission and serves as their chair.

The first Board of Directors he was on was in San Bruno at Tanforan Shopping Center from 1977 to 1980.

He is now very involved in the local community and supports many nonprofit events.

His hobbies include Classic Cars (actually Trucks), Fishing (spending much time at Marin’s reservoirs) and traveling.

Homa Rassouli | Mutual of Omaha 

 

Betsy Ricketts  | Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals 

 

Betsy Ricketts is the Vice President of Policy, Government Affairs and Public Policy for Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical based in Novato. Betsy manages all federal, state and local government affairs efforts on behalf of the company committed to bringing to patients novel products for the treatment of rare and ultra-rare diseases, with a focus on serious, debilitating genetic diseases.

Over the last 20 years, Betsy has advocated for both small business owners and Fortune 50 corporations in developing and managing policies, programs and political activities in Northern California, in over 25 states and in Washington D.C.

Betsy Ricketts graduated with double majors in Business Marketing and Journalism Public Relations at Colorado State University.

Tom Young | Pini Ace Hardware

 

Tom young-  co owner of Pini Hardware – serving Novato since 1918- Novato’s oldest retail business. Tom young is third generation owner of Pini Hardware along with his brothers Russ and David. The young family has owned the store since 1968. Pini is celebrating its 105th year in 2023.

Tom lives in Sonoma with his 2 sons Scott and Travis. But actually, feels like he lives in Novato. When not dealing with the day-to-day operations of running a family run store he enjoys other activities. Trying to attend as many events as he can. He is currently a board member on the Novato Chamber of Commerce and when has time a member of the Novato Rotary Club. Tom also is head coach and area director for the Sonoma Valley Special Olympics- and when he can tries to coach soccer with friends and former players he has coached for almost 40 years.

Pini Hardware won the Large Business of the Year in 2018 and received the Spirit of Marin Award in 2019.

Tom is one of the leaders of the fabulous 4th of July parade Pini Plunger Patrol and is a supporter of many events such as schools- scouts both boys and girls- sports groups and teams- holiday tree lighting- 4th of July parade- just to name a few.

Tom is all about the community- loves to give back- as he and his brothers know that without the community there would be no Pini Hardware. We consider Pini as the community store.

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Do You Have Questions? Contact the Novato Chamber Team!

If you have any questions about this page, the Novato Chamber's political position/community project endorsements, or if you are interested in learning more about the Board of Directors and the Novato Chamber's community participation and representation, contact Coy Smith. Click here to Email Coy!

Novato Chamber CEO Coy Smith Government Affairs San Rafael Chamber Downtown Novato Staff Executive Director Leadership novato