Novato Chamber of Commerce prepares for leadership transition

Coy Smith, the chief executive officer of the Novato Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, plans to step down at the end of the year.

The organization’s board has named Christina Mendes, the director of maintenance and operations, to take over in January. She has worked for the organization for 10 years.

“I think the main focus is keeping our tradition strong,” said Mendes, 40. “We really want to strengthen our membership. We want to improve and grab more folks and bring them into the chamber.”

Mendes, a Larkspur resident who lived in Novato for 20 years, has spent much of her career, and her time with the chamber, organizing events. She has an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Life Bible College in Sacramento.

“I am super excited and ready to get to work,” she said.

Smith lauded his successor.

“I’m not sure you can find someone better suited to take over the helm than someone who has been working with and knows how the chamber works inside and out for the last 10 years,” he said. “I think that alone speaks volumes.”

The Novato Chamber of Commerce has about 400 members. It runs a leadership program that graduates about 16 to 20 people each year. Many have become elected officials.

Smith who became chief executive in 2005 after 25 years in the recycling industry, regards the biggest achievements of his tenure as sustaining Novato’s commercial viability during the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That really hampered business and industry and chambers in general and we got pretty hurt financially during that time. A lot of our revenue streams and our ways of making revenue were shut down,” he said. “Coming out of both of them and being strong and relevant was a pretty big success for us.”

City officials praised Smith’s stewardship and expressed confidence in Mendes’ leadership.

Tim O’Connor, a member of the City Council, said Smith’s service to Novato has made a tremendous difference to the quality of life in the city.

“While his role has been focused on the business community, the entire city has felt the benefit of his ingenuity, hard work and love for Novato,” O’Connor said.

Mayor Mark Milberg said he was a product of the leadership program run by the chamber.

“I am forever grateful to Coy for his inspirational way of championing all the strengths of our community,” Milberg said. “Christina is well positioned to take the reins and guide the chamber forward.”

Councilmember Rachel Farac said Smith has worked tirelessly to support local businesses and foster a strong sense of community.

“Throughout his tenure, Coy has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Novato chamber, helping to bring new opportunities and resources to our city,” she said.

Farac said Mendes brings with a wealth of experience and a strong passion for supporting local businesses.

“I am confident that Christina’s leadership and vision will continue to drive growth and success for the chamber and for our city as a whole,” Farac said. “I am excited to see all that she will accomplish in this new role.”