Chamber appoints CEO

The Chico Chamber of Commerce has hired longtime Chicoan Katy Thoma as its president and CEO. Thoma (pictured) was selected, in part, for her experience in the nonprofit realm. She is a former executive director of both the Jesus Center and the Chico State Research Foundation. Thoma also has held local leadership roles at regional banks.

Her first day at the chamber was Monday (April 1). She is filling the vacancy left by Katie Simmons, who departed in November after nearly seven years in that role.

“I look forward to working with local stakeholders on the housing, roads and public safety issues impacting our community in light of the Camp Fire,” Thoma said in a press release.