At its Governmental Affairs Committee meeting today, Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Kerissa Chapman announced the appointment of Donnette Silva Carter as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer.
“After conducting a thorough employment search, we are pleased to announce the hiring of Donnette Silva Carter. The Board and I are confident we have found the executive with the background and talent needed to partner with us and our membership as we grow and sustain the Tulare Chamber’s efforts for continued business vitality,” commented Chapman.
Silva Carter was a 17-year chamber executive in Porterville prior to relocating to Hollister to serve as the CEO and Fair Manager for the 33rd District Agricultural Association, San Benito County Fair & Bolado Park Event Center in July, 2014. Under her current leadership, the 33rd DAA has successfully been removed from the state fair watch list while growing its budget and facility interim event activity. Silva Carter enacted strategies for the implementation of organization infrastructure, marketing, corporate partnership and tackling the challenges of deferred maintenance.
As president/CEO of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce, Silva Carter worked with the organization leadership to grow the membership to over 600, develop and implement a comprehensive program of work, increase revenue, oversee the construction of the chamber’s office building, and ensure the organization’s role as the ‘voice of business’ for Porterville and southeastern Tulare County. She was actively involved in various local and county-wide initiatives for community development including serving on the boards of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, Sequoia Tourism Council, Porterville Unified Education Foundation and P8 Pathways Committee, and Central California Family Crisis Center. In her 2 ½-year absence from chamber employment, she has continued industry engagement through her membership on the Western Association of Chamber Executives Foundation Board and her involvement with the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.
“I am thrilled to accept the position with the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and I look forward to partnering with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a business plan to advance economic and community development, increase the return on investment to our members, and grow our role as an advocate for business. The opportunities for impact are countless,” stated Silva Carter. She also added, “Coming home to Tulare County, and specifically this community in which I lived during a period of childhood, is exciting. The lifestyle, traditions and values of this area are deeply rooted in its people and businesses. It will be a privilege to collaboratively work with the community leaders of the chamber, city and county to positively impact the future of Tulare.”
Silva Carter is slated to begin her new duties with the Tulare Chamber of Commerce on November 16.
The Tulare Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members and citizens by advocating for, and engaging in, efforts to encourage economic opportunity and business prosperity. For more than 130 years, The Tulare Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor, the Tulare Board of Trade, has played a vital role in the community’s ability to survive adversity and develop into the dynamic city that we know today.