Carla Howell Tapped as New Healdsburg Chamber Exec

Carla Howell, a former Healdsburg mayor and North Sonoma County chamber executive, was named interim president/CEO of the on Tuesday. 

"My first day was Wednesday, and we just had the big [] bike tour, so there's a lot going on," Howell said from the chamber offices Friday. "It's a busy time."

Howell, a three-term mayor, former downtown business owner and veteran chamber executive, replaces f who left in July to pursue her own consulting business.

"I think she's an excellent choice," said former Healdsburg City Councilman who served with Howell for several years on council and on the Planning Commission.

"She's a hard worker," Foppiano said. "She's got the chamber experience in Cloverdale and Rohnert Park, she's got the government experience in Healdsburg and she ran her own business -- all of what you'd need to be a successful chamber director."

Howell, a longtime Healdsburg resident, served on the from 1990 to 1998, after spending many years on the Healdsburg Planning Commission. 

From 1977 to 2004, Howell operated the Cubbyhouse Children’s Shop first on North Street behind the across the street from Rosenberg and Bush Department Store, then moving to Plaza Street. 

For the past five years, she has been the president/CEO of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce, a position she had also held previously for five years  in Rohnert Park.

“I am thrilled to be able to work in Healdsburg once again, and I look forward to helping the business community continue to thrive,” Howell said.