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"We are delighted to have Nancy on our team,” chamber board chair Linda Wise said in a news release. “Nancy has held high level positions with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit organizations and comes with an entire package of experience that will lead our membership into the dynamic times ahead.”

Olson, who most recently worked at Cal Poly Humboldt in professional and organizational development, is stepping into the position following the sudden death of previous President and CEO Donna Wright, who died in April and was first woman to lead the organization since it was founded in 1891.

She also lived and worked in Haiti for eight years, "serving with organizations including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Child Care and World Concern," the release states.

"When I moved to Eureka, one of the first organizations I reached out to was the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce," Olson said in the release. “I knew it would be a hub for getting involved in our community while expanding my network — which has proven true in spades! Fast forward a few years and here I am, honored and energized by the opportunity to serve as its President/CEO. I sincerely look forward to building on the Chamber's success and expanding its impact on the vitality of our region.”

The Board of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the selection of Nancy Olson as the Chamber's new President/CEO, Board Chair Linda Wise announced today. After a careful and detailed search, the Chamber Board of Directors Personnel Committee recommended Nancy Olson to the full Board at its June meeting. She was overwhelmingly approved.

"We are delighted to have Nancy on our team,” Wise said. “Nancy has held high level positions with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organizations and comes with an entire package of experience that will lead our membership into the dynamic times ahead.”

Most recently, Nancy has served at Cal Poly Humboldt, providing professional and organizational development for the campus, focused on leadership development, team building, well-being, anti-bias training, strategic planning, and more. She also founded and co-led the People-Centered Change Initiative, fostering enhanced change management practices for the University.

Prior to moving to Humboldt, she served as a Vice President at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce overseeing the Center for Leadership and as Executive Director for Southern California Leadership Network, a program housed within the Center for Leadership.

With an extensive background in civic engagement and public service, she spent five years in California’s Office of the Governor leading statewide initiatives focused on creating social change through cross-sector partnerships and personal action. Nancy also spent eight years living and working in the country of Haiti, serving with organizations including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Child Care and World Concern.

In addition, she has had an active consulting practice serving nonprofits, government agencies and business associations for more than two decades.

"When I moved to Eureka, one of the first organizations I reached out to was the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce," said Olson. “I knew it would be a hub for getting involved in our community while expanding my network - which has proven true in spades! Fast forward a few years and here I am, honored and energized by the opportunity to serve as its President/CEO. I sincerely look forward to building on the Chamber's success and expanding its impact on the vitality of our region.”

The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce has a membership of approximately 500 members and is an active advocate for local business. If your business would like to become a member, you may visit our website at https://eurekachamber.com/ or call (707) 442-3738.