Schmidt leaves top Chamber post

Tribune Editor
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Craig Schmidt
is leaving the top post and relocating to Ohio to care for an
ailing family member.
Chamber Board Chair Renee Mengali issued a press release
Wednesday morning with the news, saying Schmidt would be available
over the next month to help during the transition.
“There is never a good time to go through these unexpected
changes in management,” Mengali said. “But everyone’s willingness
to make this as smooth and positive a transition as possible is
very much appreciated. Everyone on the board and staff is committed
to providing the same services and support to all our members and
the greater business community of Healdsburg.”
Schmidt was hired by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce board of
directors in May of 2008. He came to Healdsburg in June of that
year, after serving for 12 years as the CEO of the Hood River
County Chamber of Commerce.
Schmidt, 56, originally became involved with the Hood River
County Chamber of Commerce in 1985 when he opened up his own
business — a sports club — and said he “saw the benefits of joining
the Chamber.”
He served on that Chamber’s board for seven years, three of
those as president, before being hired as the executive
director.
“The Board of Directors would like to thank Craig for all of his
contributions to the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce during these
past two years,” says Mengali in the release. “Craig took over
executive leadership of our business organization following many
years of former leadership. Craig continued our work on our many
business outreach programs, community activities and visitor
service contracts, working with both staff and members.”
Schmidt did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday
morning.
Schmidt was hired after longtime Healdsburg Chamber
President/CEO Lynn Woznicki resigned in January of 2008. The board
then initiated a nation-wide executive search, a process Mengali
said would be launched as soon as possible.
“We have set a very aggressive agenda for ourselves as a
forward-looking and proactive chamber. We have an exciting calendar
of projects and activities that will lead us into the Holiday
Season and we look forward to bringing those to the community and
our members,” Mengali said.