Chamber Team

OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFO

807 DeLong Avenue | Novato, CA. 94945
415.897.1164 | (f) 415. 898. 9097
Info@NovatoChamber.com

Staff is often working out of the office so if you plan on meeting staff during regular business hours, we suggest making an appointment.

Coy Smith

Chief Executive Officer

A long and successful history of fundraising and working with non-profit businesses, plus management experience are among the talents that Coy Smith brings to his position as CEO of the Novato Chamber of Commerce. He has been the CEO of the Novato Chamber since 2005. He received his credential as an Accredited Chamber Executive Graduate in 2007 from the Western Association of Chamber Executives. Coy serves on the Economic Development Commission of the City of Novato, and on the Board of Directors of Superior Chamber Executives of Northern California.

Prior to work in the Chamber field, Coy was employed in several capacities in the recycling industry forever 25 years where he received several state and national awards for his work. During that time he worked for the private sector, government agencies and the non-profit sector in various management capacities to implement recycling programs and policies. Coy was one of fifty individuals in the United States to be selected by President Bill Clinton to serve on a task force to develop a National Recycling Policy. He is one of the founders of the Novato Charter School and has served on numerous local state and national Boards of Directors over the past thirty years. Coy has a BS degree from San Jose State University in Environmental Studies with a minor in Communications. He lives in Petaluma with his wife and two sons.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world

Anne Frank

Got questions about the North Bay? Running a business? Need support with your membership? Contact the Novato Chamber. For over 100 years we have served the North Bay families and businesses. We strive to develop a strong, diverse and sustainable economy where the businesses and community can thrive. We work to represent you in regional discussions, on the development and in matters that affect business. When you need an ally in business, think about the Novato Chamber and its team, ready to serve you and the community. Our office is located in the heart of Novato, off of its Downtown in the old Carlile Home, stop on by and see how the Chamber can support you, your business and learn about the work we are doing to support this great community.

The Novato Chamber Team aims to help you, your business and this community succeed.
Utilize our resources and together we can work at Shaping Tomorrow.

Christina Mendes

Director of Membership & Operations

Christina was born and raised in Marin County until she relocated with her family to Sacramento. After graduating from Trinity Life Bible College in Sacramento with an AA Biblical Studies & BA in Ministerial Studies, she moved back to Marin—specifically Novato.

Christina’s began her career in Event Managing upon returning to her native Marin County. For a little more than ten years, Christina worked diligently to meet the needs and specifications of her various clients. Her attention to detail and ability to communicate clearly with clients and staff has allowed Christina to orchestrate a wide variety of events. Christina’s proactive approach to planning both large and small-scale events makes her a critical piece of the Novato Chamber’s team. Christina has a passion for bringing people together, and as the Event Manager here with the Novato Chamber she focuses her energy on improving the lives and wellbeing of our members and our community. Her instinct to address challenges in a productive capacity is only complimented by her natural kindness and generosity.

During her spare minutes away from the Chamber, you may discover that Christina has a love for music; she is a pianist and vocalist, She loves to be active and enjoys the challenge of running—you can often catch her training for a race that helps raise money for noteworthy charities.

When she finally slows down from running and working at the Chamber, Christina loves nothing more than spending time with her new husband, family and close friends whenever she can.

Christina Mendes (Niles)
Director of Operations & Membership
415-897-1164 x223

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

Nikos Kazantzakis

Kimphuong Tran

Administrative Assistant

Kimphuong graduated from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

At the Novato Chamber, Kimphuong works as an administrative assistant, greeting and assisting visitors and helping the team with their projects. She is charge of publishing the weekly e-blast. When she isn’t working, Kimphuong loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys taking care of her plants and listening to music.

Kimphuong Tran
Administrative Assistant
(415) 897-1164 x229

This above all: to thine own-self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.

William Shakespeare
Polonius; Hamlet | Act I Scene III

Kim Stahley

Director of People & Programs

Kim manages membership and the Leadership Novato program for the Novato Chamber. She is an energetic and collaborative team player with more than twenty years’ experience in professional training and development. She has proven success in creating and directing dynamic leadership development programs at Williams-Sonoma, Inc, Franklin Templeton Investments, Social Services Agency – Santa Clara, and FedEx Kinkos, specializing in leadership development, time management, and goal-setting. Kim holds a Masters in Organization Development and Human Resources from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelors in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She loves being back in her hometown, growing up as a San Ramon Roadrunner, Sinaloa Saint, and San Marin Mustang. Kim is an active volunteer, having served as PTSA President at both Sinaloa Middle School & Olive Elementary School, a soccer coach, and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Novato. She is passionate about the US Women’s National Soccer Team, kitchen gadgets, inspirational sports movies, and Japanese food. Kim is fortunate to have a husband that makes her laugh out loud every day and two boys that are kind, silly, and loving.

Kim Stahley
Director of People & Programs
kimstahley@novatochamber.com
415.897.1164 x224

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

Emma Mesenburg

Bookkeeper

Emma was born and raised in Marin County and has been a Novato resident since 2005. She attended college at Cal Poly SLO, receiving a BA in Business Administration, with a focus in Marketing and Statistics. After graduation, Emma began her career in retail management, running departments and stores for companies such as Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, and Pottery Barn Kids during their initial launch in 2001. That’s also the year that Emma met her husband, Erich, a Novato native and Novato Firefighter. Living that “Fire Life” is no joke, and so as Erich’s career started demanding more, Emma pivoted her career and began creating a home business that used her skills in math and statistics.

Emma built and grew her bookkeeping business over the next 20+ years into a successful corporation, supporting many clients in all aspects of bookkeeping, from set-up and daily functions to cash management and forecasting. She offers customized assistance from an informed, seasoned perspective, finding bookkeeping solutions that fit clients’ specific needs to keep their businesses moving forward. Most clients work with Emma for many years.

Meanwhile back at home, Ella Grace, their first of 3 kids arrived in January 2004. Makena, their second daughter was born not long after in February 2005, they settled into their current Novato house that same year. The family grew again with the birth of their son Duke in 2008. All 3 kids have gone through the NUSD school system and are grateful to have grown up in Novato and with all the beauty that surrounds it. The family loves to go on adventures together, whether it be on a far-off adventure, a local camping road trip, or spending time at ANY beach together.

Emma also pursues many personal interests including yoga, time with friends, traveling and philanthropic work, drawing on her 15 years’ experience volunteering for various organizations in and around Novato, such as Pleasant Valley School PTA Member (2010-2016) and PV Auction Chair (2010-2014), EQUIP Board Member (2018-2020), MSA Divine Wine Auction Chair (2022), Marin School of the Arts Board Member (2021-2023), San Marin PTSA Member (2018-2024), Leadership Novato Valedictorian (2024), and Novato 4th of July Parade Treasurer/Board Member.

Emma Mesenburg
Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@novatochamber.com
415.897.1164 x227

Thank you to our President's Circle

Learn how President's Circle and the Novato Chamber's Signature Events can grow your organization

Membership | Shaping Tomorrow!

Membership in the Novato Chamber is more than succeeding; it is knowing someone is representing your interests and concerns on a local, regional and state level. It's knowing that you have a resource and an ally, and it is knowing that we want to see our community succeed together. We proactively Shape Tomorrow, check us out!

Membership Application

Did you know?
All Chamber committees including the Board have term limits guaranteeing turnover and the renewal of ideas! Check them out, let your passions shine bright!