Staff

Kristen Miller will be leading the merged organization as President & CEO. Miller has led the Goleta Chamber team since 2002, coming from the Corning, New York Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Goleta Chamber has been a catalyst for business, running robust public policy and economic development programs. She has continued her professional education with extensive training in visitor services, destination marketing, economic development, and community relations, since her degree from New York University.  She recently served on the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, Kristen is Secretary of the Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County, and is on the board of Visit Santa Barbara.

Cortney Hebert-Rintoul has been with the Goleta Chamber of Commerce since 2010. In her role overseeing communications and events, she grew the beloved Lemon Festival to new heights in attendance and income. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Communication and Sports Management. Prior to coming to the Chamber, she worked for the City of Goleta under the Public Information Officer. She is a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives Management Program. Rintoul will oversee the Chamber’s economic development initiatives, membership team, events, and visitor services including GoGoleta.

Michele Schneider will be responsible for bringing in new members and sponsors to the Chamber. As Director of Business Development, Michele uses her 25 years of experience in sales and marketing to develop and implement strategies to market potential new members, to encourage member attendance at Chamber events, and promote businesses. Her 15 years of professional development includes training in international markets, IT support, and sales and marketing before working at Cox Media in Goleta handling advertising sales. Michele’s vast volunteer work led her to the Chamber Ambassador role in 2011 and won Goleta’s Finest ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award in 2014. In 2016 she officially joined the Chamber staff. Michele was born and raised in Santa Barbara and is an avid promoter of local business and events.

Laurie Barene will assist with welcoming new members and sponsors to the Chamber. As Membership Coordinator, Laurie will utilize her background in business development, marketing, and non-profit experience to help Chamber members promote their businesses. Her 25 years of experience includes working in the financial industry, advertising, and most recently fundraising. Laurie has served in volunteer roles with numerous organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Police Activities League, Cox Cares Foundation, and the Goleta Lemon Festival. Laurie is a native of Santa Barbara, attended UC Santa Barbara, and is a proud supporter of her community.

Berlin Garcia has been with the Carpinteria Chamber for nearly 2 years, assisting with membership, communications, web management, events, fundraisers, and served as the Carpinteria Chamber Ambassador Liaison. Berlin attended Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School and has 15 years of customer service experience in a corporate setting. She was born and raised in Carpinteria and currently resides there with her family.