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Daryl Niemerow, President & CEODaryl Niemerow joined the organization as the President & CEO to serve our members and the Sausalito business community in August 2023. As the Chamber enters its 78th year of service, we are thrilled that Daryl has come on board at such a pivotal time in the organization's history.The Chamber stays committed to our mission to serve, promote, and represent local businesses and advocate for our members with local, county, and state governments. We believe that Daryl’s leadership and experience will guide the organization's mission and increase our impact as we move into this next chapter of the Chamber.Daryl brings over 25 years of international and US-based nonprofit management and leadership experience to the Chamber. Throughout her career, she has sought and prioritized working with organizations that are impact-driven, collaborative, and dedicated to helping communities thrive.“Sausalito holds a very special place in my heart. My family and I have lived and worked in the Sausalito community collectively for over 30 years. I am deeply inspired by the arts, cultural, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Sausalito, and I am honored and excited to lead the Chamber and be more involved in the local business community.”Prior to joining the Chamber, Daryl founded DNA Advisory, a philanthropic consultancy company that advises nonprofits, mission-driven businesses, philanthropists, and family foundations to increase social impact. Her past experiences include working with LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program based in the administrations of Mayors Eric Garcetti & Antonio Villaraigosa (Los Angeles), the British Council, UK Mission to the United Nations (New York & London), Daniel Pearl International Journalism Institute (Israel) and served as Board Co-Chair for the Sakaide-Sausalito Sister Cities from 2017-2019 to increase local and national support and exposure for each organization. -
Amy Svendberg, Chair
Poggio Trattoria RestaurantGrowing up in culture rich Chicago, IL, surrounded by culinary enthusiasts, it is no surprise that Amy Svendberg ended up leading a life in restaurants.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in French Business and Translation from Northern Illinois University, Amy headed straight for Paris, where her true passion for food and hospitality came to life. In 2007, Amy made her move to San Francisco and soon crossed paths with Larry Mindel. She became managing partner of Poggio in January of 2008, pouring herself wholeheartedly into every aspect of the dining experience.
In 2012, Amy added another role to her successful career, that of managing partner overseeing the opening and operations of Copita Tequileria y Comida. In 2016, Amy led the opening of Convivo Restaurant and Bar in the Santa Barbara Inn. The acclaimed restaurant was featured in the New York Times’ 52 Places to Visit in 2019. Overseeing three restaurants 300 miles apart is no easy feat but Amy finds the time to climb some of North America’s highest peaks and spend quality time with family and friends. Amy’s leadership role continues in 2023 when Copita expands to the vibrant Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose.Amy joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2021 and has ascended throught the ranks to Chair in 2024. Thank you Amy! -
Leigh Hunt, Incoming Board Chair
Modern Sailing School & ClubLeigh is an electrical engineer by education, but decided to make sailing a profession and purchased Modern Sailing in July 2014. Originally from Canada, Leigh began his sailing education at a Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) school in Ontario. After moving to California in 2004, he quickly found two ASA schools to help take his skills to the next level. He completed his ASA 106 at Modern Sailing by taking the 7 day Heavy Weather Offshore Course with John Connolly. Leigh has been chartering regularly with Modern Sailing since 2006, and has participated in many sailing events like our first Napa flotilla. He later joined John Connolly on an Offshore Passage Making Course in the South Pacific.Leigh is at heart an avid sailor. In addition to leading Modern Sailing and partner club Inspire Sailing in Berkeley, he is a licensed captain and certified ASA instructor. He always makes time in his busy schedule to get on the water (as often as possible!) to share his skills and passion for sailing with students and staff members.
Leigh joined the Sausalito Chamber Board of Directors in 2021.
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Teresa Ancona, Treasurer
Angelino RestaurantTeresa Ancona was born in San Francisco and raised in Marin County. She attended the Academy of Art in San Francisco where she earned a degree in Graphic Design. Having worked at Angelino Restaurant since she was sixteen years old, she excels at managing the daily operations of a successful restaurant as well as introducing a new generation of customers to the delicious flavors and hospitable atmosphere of her family’s restaurant.Teresa joined the Sausalito Chamber Board of Directors in 2020. -
Kim Huff, Secretary
Kimber CompaniesKim Huff is the President and CEO of Kimber Communications and Co-Owner of The Kimber Companies, a Sausalito headquartered firm specializing in graphic design for the print media and web sites. Kim is also co-owner of Kimber Management, LLC and Kimber Commercial Brokerage Services, Inc., both Sausalito based real estate firms.Ms. Huff is recognized as a talented graphic designer and a moving force in Sausalito. Kim is a lifelong Marin County resident and has been actively involved in Sausalito’s business and cultural life. Kim is a past President of the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Sausalito Woman’s Club, past President of the Sausalito Schools Foundation, a founding Director of Willow Creek Academy and has served on numerous committees in the community.Under Kim’s direction, Kimber Communications has produced recognized promotional designs for the Tour de California, City of Sausalito, Kaiser Permanente, the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce, Zero Breast Cancer and many more organizations.Kim rejoined the Sausalito Chamber Board of Directors in 2020 and has twice served as Chair of the Sausalito Chamber Board of Directors.
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Jeff Scharosch, Member at Large
The Spinnaker RestaurantJeff Scharosch is General Manager of the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito, and is an extremely active community member. He is a member of the Sausalito Hospitality Committee, on the Marin Economic Forum Board of Directors, served on the Sausalito Business Advisory Committee, and chaired the Sausalito Stage of the Amgen Tour of California bike race for four years, orchestrating the first professional bike race to ever cross the Golden Gate Bridge. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Sausalito-On-The-Waterfront Foundation.In additional to Jeff’s work in Sausalito, he is an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco’s Hospitality Industry Management Program, currently on the program’s executive board and is dedicated to mentoring youth and individuals within the hospitality industry, including an ongoing internship program at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito.He has twice served as chairman of the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce. -
Gabriel Alamilla, Director
Sushi RanGabriel Alamilla was born, raised, and educated in the Caribbean peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico. He moved to the United States in 1995 and has been residing in the Bay Area ever since. With 28 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, Gabriel has focused his learning and expertise on the hospitality and spirits industry.
His professional experience stems from years of hands-on learning. Gabriel has attended numerous wine and hospitality seminars and courses, and he was fortunate to have found industry leaders and professionals who encouraged and facilitated his learning journey. In 2007, Gabriel proudly joined Sushi Ran, bringing with him experience from working in various high-end restaurants, including Mexican, Californian, French, and Italian cuisine.
Today, Gabriel serves as the Director of Operations for Sushi Ran. His extensive experience enables him to successfully implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. He diligently monitors and analyzes restaurant performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Gabriel oversees the daily operations of the business and has established long-standing relationships with customers, vendors, suppliers, and the Sausalito community and business leaders.
When presented with the opportunity to serve the community of Sausalito as a member of the local chamber of commerce, Gabriel eagerly accepted. He is excited about this new challenge and growth opportunity.Gabriel joined the Chamber Board of Directors in 2024.
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Sue Averell, Director
Gallery Sausalito & Working Art StudioSue Averell has maintained a studio in Sausalito since 2005. She opened Gallery Sausalito and Working Art Studio in 2017. Her studio is located within the gallery and she invites visitors to observe while she paints. In addition to Sue’s work “Gallery Sausalito” represents a collection of 15 talented artists.
She co-founded The ICB Artists’ Association in 2007 and the association continues to thrive in Sausalito. Sue has volunteered in Sausalito on many occasions including painting a 40-foot mural in 2020 on a vacant building on Bridgeway.A professional painter for nearly three decades, Sue Averell’s vibrant and whimsical paintings are renowned for their dramatic color, texture and expressive, flowing lines. Her paintings are included collections in the US, London, Switzerland, France, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, Israel, Mexico and Canada. Additionally, Averell is awarded on average 10 commissions annually by both corporate and private collectors.
When asked how she keeps her creative practice fresh, “My style continues to evolve, and it is the evolution that inspires me to continue to grow and explore as an artist.”
Sue joined the Sausalito Chamber Board of Directors in 2023. -
Carlo Berg, Director
Berg HoldingsCarlo "Carlito" Berg is a founding partner of the BMB Affordable Housing Company, a Principal at his multigenerational Family office - Berg Holdings and is passionate about investing in entrepreneurs and businesses in fields ranging from agricultural technology to heavy industry. He enjoys human centric businesses that make people's daily life better.Carlito grew up working when he wasn't going to school, operating heavy equipment, trenching, bending conduit, pulling wire, rough framing and plumbing. He worked as a butcher, breaking down half carcasses and on the kill floor. He worked a variety of ranching jobs from traditional dry land tractor farming to general labor bucking three string hay bales into veritable pyramids and also very much enjoyed logging, running saw mills and replanting forests in eastern Oregon and Washington. He worked as a handyman throughout University, often trading labor for classic cars and trucks he'd then fix up and sell for a profit and sometimes for a loss. Carlito has 7 siblings and family is what he holds most dear. He just moved into a cute little apartment on Caledonia street with his girlfriend and soon-to-be wife Lisy. Carlito earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is also a graduate of the SLEI program at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and UW's Commercial Real Estate program. He tries to learn everyday, is grateful to have been born at this time in human history and is excited for whatever comes next.Carlo joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2024. -
Florette Eugene, Director
Bank of MarinFlorette Eugene was Born in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and is currently AVP, Branch Manager at Bank of Marin in Sausalito. She joined Bank of Marin in 2008 and has taken on multiple roles, including her current role in leadership. Florette takes great pride in assisting clients and providing access to credit for her immediate community. She maintains and ensures deposit relationships for many diverse groups in Marin County. She maintains high customer satisfaction while ensuring the branch's profitability. Florette is passionate about developing her team and ensuring their success. Overall, she has been in the banking industry for over 20 years.She enjoys volunteering and contributing to her community and regularly participates in events throughout Sausalito and Marin, such as the Spirit of Marin award luncheon. Florette's greatest strength is her passion for learning and growing. She consistently seeks to experience new things, learn from others, and expand her knowledge.Florette joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2024.
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James Gabbert, Director
Next Century EnterprisesJim has lived in Sausalito since the early 1960′s, lived on a boat until the early 1990′s. He has been the Grand Marshall of the Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade for 20 of the 22 years first with his 85 ft Stephens Marine “Defiance” and also the 164 foot yacht Invader. Jim is known for his 50′s Dance Party on KOFY-TV20, which he owned up until 1998. He has been on San Francisco radio and TV for over 53 years.Among his many accomplishments, Jim is past president of the Sausalito Art Festival, was president and chief lobbyist for the National Radio Broadcasters Association from 1970 to 1980, was President and Chief lobbyist for the California Broadcasters Association, was inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame, received an award from President John Kennedy for having been the first successful stereo FM radio station in the country. He is the Chairman of the California State Emergency Communications Committee handling all of the State Amber Alerts and is a fill in talk show host on San Francisco’s KGO am 810 Radio. Jim is a founding member and Vice President of the Sausalito On The Waterfront Foundation.Jim joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2019 and served as Chair of the board in 2021.
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Bridget Hook, Director
Hook HouseBridget Hook is the proud owner of Hook House, a boutique in Sausalito specializing in a distinct collection of goods with a keen eye for quality and style. Born in Sausalito and raised in neighboring Mill Valley, Bridget has deep roots in the community and a strong passion for local entrepreneurship. With a wealth of experience in retail and customer service, Bridget successfully ran her friend's business in Sausalito for seven years before realizing her dream of opening her own store in 2022. Known for her impeccable taste and dedication to quality, Bridget curates a unique selection of clothing, jewelry, home accessories, antique goods and unique finds with an emphasis on artisans with small production. Outside of her thriving business, she enjoys exploring the scenic trails of Marin County and supporting local arts initiatives. Bridget is committed to providing a memorable shopping experience and contributing to the vibrant local economy of Sausalito.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Bridget is an active advocate for community engagement, supporting local events and initiatives that enrich the fabric of Sausalito. Her dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration underscores her commitment to both her business and the vibrant community she has long been rooted in.
Bridget joined the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2023. -
Christina Junker, Director
Marin City Community Development CorporationChristina Junker is the Executive Director of Marin City Community Development Corporation (MCCDC), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that enhances community development and economic self-sufficiency through employment services, mental health, and financial education. Prior to joining the MCCDC, Junker was Senior Director of Development and Communications at nonprofit One Step Beyond Inc. She is on the USA Committee of the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation, a global humanitarian nonprofit organization and previously was Vice President and Branch manager for Bank of the West and US Bank, Construction Project Manager at Continental Builders in California, and Operations Manager for Community First National Bank in Pleasanton.Christina is a passionate sailor onboard her Spontane sailing vessel and uses her talents to inspire others and build community. She is on the Marin City Stormwater Task Force and Marin Countywide Transportation Plan Equity Working Group. Junker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management, as well as an Associate of Arts degree in accounting.Christine joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2024. -
Aness Pogni, Director
SoxalitoAness in the owner of Soxalito.Aness joined the Sausalito Board of Directors in 2022.