November 13, 2009 – Napa, CA – In a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, Lisa Batto, ACE was named the new President & CEO of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, replacing Kate King, who retired from the position effective the same day as the appointment of her replacement. “There’s no need for me to remain. Lisa has been training for this position for three years and she will carry on the great work that the Napa Chamber has become famous for,” said King. “The Board is 100% behind her, as are the staff, and I couldn’t be more pleased,” she added.

Batto is the 44th chief executive in the 120 year history of the organization. She has been with the chamber since April, 2003, and has been the Executive Vice President since October, 2006. She is a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executive’s (W.A.C.E.) Chamber Academy, a three year professional executive training program. In 2008, Batto was one of only two non-CEO’s to receive her Accredited Chamber Executive designation from W.A.C.E.  She is also the 2009 President-Elect of the Board of the Superior Chamber Executives (SuperChex) organization; holds the position of Director on the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Napa; serves on the Leadership Napa Valley Board of Directors; is a graduate of Leadership (Class XX); is an Honorary Director of the Napa County Historical Society; and is a past member of the Housing Committee in the City of Napa.

“I’m thrilled that the Board and staff recognize that I am indeed ready for this natural next step in my professional career,” said Batto upon being named the CEO. “With this great team of volunteer leaders and the extraordinary staff that Kate built during her tenure, I know we will be able to continue to meet our member’s needs and exceed their expectations,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have a very qualified candidate already working for the Chamber. Our choice was made easier because of Kate King's and the Chamber’s investment in training a successor who has the complete confidence and support from the entire Board. Lisa has demonstrated strong leadership skills, an understanding of and dedication to the Napa Chamber's goals and objectives. I have great confidence that she will be an excellent chief executive,” stated Chairman of the Board Mike Silvas.

King, who recently announced her retirement publicly, has left the state of California and will be living close to her grandchildren and her family in Texas. She had been with the Napa Chamber for ten years when she retired.