BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President-Chrissy Benton
Chrissy was raised off and on in Nevada County and left shortly after school to find her own path. She moved around a lot while working in the medical field, and financial world. Finally a few years ago she couldn’t fight the pull of coming back home. Chrissy is currently a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Her passion has always been helping this community and its small business owners. Chrissy is looking to make a difference in this community since it has always had a place in her heart.
Treasurer - Tom Diede
Tom was raised on a farm in North Dakota. Next stop was the University of North Dakota and then an engineering job in Minneapolis, MN. In 1986 Tom and wife Nadeane made the move from Minnesota to Silicon Valley where Tom worked in the computer industry until 2012. We had family in Smartsville which brought us into the general area and over time were drawn to the Penn Valley area. It’s now the place that we happily call home. Tom totally enjoys the small town environment and has made it a priority to take an interest in the community and to support the local business owners. Tom is looking forward to getting more involved in the community via chamber sponsored activities.
Director- Nicole Van Vacas Gagnon
Nicole (VVG as some call her), thinks Penn Valley embraces all the vibrant qualities of a fantastic small town in America, a great sense of community, neighborliness, natural beauty, and active, educational, and cultural pursuits in easy reach. She and her husband moved here in 2006, and have three children. Nicole has volunteered in several local schools elementary through highschool, special events, fundraisers, and been a member of the school board. She enjoys finding Penn Valley partnerships in service to our youth and greater community, and drawing on her background in professional project management for a global consulting company.
Secretary -Cecilia Hill
Cecelia has been a long time resident of Nevada County, her community involvement includes projects such as 4-H, Toys 4 Tots, Penn Valley Rodeo Parade, Community meals at the Northern Mines Alano Club, St. Patricks Church and various community events.
She is in her twenty first year at Plaza Tire and Auto Service where she is the store manager. Cecelia's passion is truly in the kitchen where she prepares desserts for all occasions, and hopes to make that her retirement business.
She is excited about her time with the Chamber and hopes to help make a strong contribution to it's success.