Gail Zurek
President & CEO
Sue Summers
VP of Operations
What I do at the Chamber: My favorite part of my work is helping local businesses succeed. That means I spend my time troubleshooting, helping businesses move past road blocks, advocating for smart policies, ordinances and government regulations, and creating long term solutions to help keep Visalia the place we all love to call home.
A little about me: I love spending time with my family. It’s my favorite. Disney is a close second. Which means, I’m a sucker for family Disney trips.
What I do at the Chamber: Office Management, accounting, travel and I empty the dishwasher. The most inspiring part of my job is meeting the great people in the community who get things done.
A little about me: I have worked at the Chamber for more than 12 years and love my job.
Jena Rodriguez
Director of Operations
Charlie Saponara
Director of Partnership Development
What I do at the Chamber: Bring in new members, sponsorships and partners to the Chamber. The most inspiring part of my job is being able to tell our Chamber’s story — why we do what we do — and make that connection with local business owners.
A little about me: I spent the last eight years as the Assistant GM of the Visalia Rawhide minor league baseball team.
What I do at the Chamber: I provide member relations. I help our nearly 700 members apply their membership benefits to their full potential. I love meeting our hard-working Visalia business community and trying my best to help them with their needs.
A little about me: I have a background in public relations, communications and customer service. When not at work, you can find me thrifting for a diamond in the rough, laughing with family and friends, or relaxing with a good book.
Amanda Adams Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Jennifer Mazon Support Specialist
What I do at the Chamber: I’m the “fun-raiser” — I plan the Chamber events, handle marketing and communications, Young Professionals Network, and other tasks as assigned. I love seeing the impact our Chamber has made on the community. It’s a great feeling knowing each of our roles here in the office contribute to the change, and growth of Visalia.
A little about me: I’ve spent five years in hospitality at two-Forbes Five Star Resorts and four years in non-profits: The United States Naval Academy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
What I do at the Chamber: I assist businesses and organizations in achieving success! I play a critical role in event coordination, membership resources, office management, and establishing connections within the Visalia business community. I’m excited to contribute to the mission of championing local businesses, convening leaders, and driving positive change.
A little about me: When I'm not holding down the fort at work, I'm all about soaking up quality time with my incredible family. My weekends are usually committed to softball tournaments and cheering on my girls. And let's talk shopping—scouring the clearance rack for hidden gems and snagging killer deals is practically an art form for me. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I'm always up for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Contact Jennifer
Max Summers Gatekeeper
What I do at the Chamber: I am the Chamber’s loyal gatekeeper and beloved four-legged team member. With a wagging tail and a playful spirit, I like to greet everyone at the door, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. My keen sense of intuition makes me an expert in detecting visitors and fostering a sense of security, making me an invaluable addition to the Chamber Team.
A little about me: I’m a proud a connoisseur of Mexican cuisine. I can't resist the tantalizing aroma of freshly made tacos, and my tail wags uncontrollably at the sight of a bowl of chips and salsa. When I’m not busy devouring delicious treats, I adore belly scratches and will eagerly plop down for a nap, dreaming of my next flavorful adventure.