Members of the 2021 W.A.C.E. Academy class, the 16th group to have completed the three-year program, were recognized at the graduation ceremony at the association’s annual conference last month in Glendale, AZ.
In order to graduate from the program, participants must successfully complete the 18 core Academy classes and secure 10 approved additional professional development credits.
Academy Graduates
The 22 members of the Academy graduating class are:
• Dawn Argula, Livermore Valley (CA) Chamber;
• Carmen Buffington, Sonoma Valley (CA) Chamber;
• Ruby Clark, Greater High Desert (CA) Chamber;
• Christina Davis, formerly LAX Coastal Area (CA) Chamber;
• Amy Hallock, Kelso-Longview (WA) Chamber;
• Elizabeth Hecock, American Canyon (CA) Chamber;
• Ajmaa Heggie, Long Beach Area (CA) Chamber;
• Mark Hemstreet, Antelope Valley (CA) Chambers;
• Dave Jochum, Longview (TX) Chamber;
• Wendy Laros, Kona-Kohala (HI) Chamber;
• Heather Macaulay, Greater Conejo Valley (CA) Chamber;
• Kathleen McNary, Carlsbad (CA) Chamber;
• Myke Munroe, Murrieta/Wildomar (CA) Chamber;
• Guy Occhiogrosso, Bellingham Regional (WA) Chamber;
• Barbara Riddle, ChamberWest (UT);
• Rick Rungaitis, San Marcos (CA) Chamber;
• Andrew Sall, Greater Riverside (CA) Chambers;
• Candace Van Sambeek, Gilroy (CA) Chamber;
• Crystal Sayphraraj, formerly Brea (CA) Chamber;
• Steph Vervaart, Burlington (WA) Chamber;
• Mary Visconte, Lake Forest (CA) Chamber;
• Donna Wright, Greater Eureka (CA) Chamber.
“Congratulations to all of the members of our Academy graduating class,” said W.A.C.E. President and CEO Dave Kilby. “We applaud their organizations for having the vision to invest in professional development training at a time when it’s more important than ever for chamber executives and staff professionals to be the best that they can be.”