New President and Chief Executive Officer
Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors announced recently that Amanda Blackwood will lead the organization as President and CEO effective May 1, 2018. In her new position, she will provide strategic direction, vision, and management for the programs and personnel of the Metro Chamber. Blackwood will take the position over from the current Interim CEO and President, Darrell Teat, who has been leading the Chamber since late last year.
“It is my honor to serve as the leader of the most established and prominent voice for business in the six-county Capital Region,” said Ms. Blackwood. “We are experiencing a time of major growth, energy, and a desire for progress. Many feel, including me, that the time is now to embrace our future strategically and with thoughtful intention. I will do everything I can to activate this region to embrace innovation, become more business-friendly at all levels, and continue to focus on our shared goal of making the Capital Region the best place to live, work, and play.”
Blackwood is joining the Metro Chamber after serving as owner and managing partner of OE Consulting Group, a women-owned and led firm established in 2014 that works with both for- and nonprofit clients to provide strategic solutions for talent management and business process challenges. Previously, Blackwood served as the chief development officer for Elevation Entertainment Group, where she provided leadership to ensure effective, efficient and culturally aligned operations for a statewide, multi-location, 700 team member workforce. Blackwood’s career spans both the private and nonprofit sectors with a strong focus on financial management including her past role as CFO for Folsom Asset Management, Inc. during which time she oversaw $100 million in assets annually and 13 active companies.
Her passion for economic development and community investment has driven Blackwood to devote time and expertise to multiple regional boards and projects. Her experience working with chambers includes serving on the board of directors for the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce since 2016 and is currently serving as chair of the board. She has also devoted her time to the Governor’s Office of Innovation as the committee chair for Valley Vision’s Innovation Pipeline, vice chair of Greater Sacramento Economic Council’s Young Professional Board, and is the current president of Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Association. Blackwood is a frequent public speaker including speaking appearances for the California Department of Human Resources and Girl Scouts USA.
“Amanda’s experience as a change leader in business and her strong combination of results-driven strategy and regional knowledge is one of the many reasons the Metro Chamber board selected her to lead us into a new era,” said Metro Chamber Board Chair Chris Delfino. “As a board, we value the energy and changes that the next generation of leaders are making in our communities. We know Amanda will bring a dynamic and new approach to the Metro Chamber, its programs, and our Capital Region through a voice that also represents our growing young professional workforce, small business sector, and women-owned businesses.”
“I would also be remiss if I did not extend the board’s deepest gratitude to Darrell Teat for stepping into the Metro Chamber’s President and CEO interim role at a time when we needed it most,” Delfino added. “He has been a strong leader and has been an incredible asset to all of us.”
Darrell Teat, who is currently serving as Interim President and CEO, will return to his firm, Darrell Teat & Associates effective May 1.
