Pictured in front from left are Bobby Macaulay, Brian Gearhardt, Rachael Snedecor, Sarah Persson, Shelley Ballard, Taylor Sliffe and Candace Lavoie at the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce board installation April 30. In back from left are David Cervantes and Mike Sullivan. Not pictured: Teresa Buekers.
The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation ceremony and dinner on April 30 at the Oakhurst Community Center.
The new board of directors was sworn in by Madera County District 5 Supervisor Bobby Macaulay including Rachael Snedecor (president), Shelley Ballard (vice-president), Mike Sullivan (secretary), Sarah Persson (treasurer), Candace Lavoie and Taylor Sliffe.
Not present but included on the board was Teresa Buekers.
“This is a dynamic team ready to help lead economic health and to increase the quality of life for all in the region,” said Snedecor.
Chamber officials later confirmed the appointment of David Cervantes as its new executive director. Cervantes in this role will support the chamber’s efforts on behalf of businesses throughout the Madera County mountain communities.
The new director holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in communication from Cal State San Bernadino.
Born and raised in Southern California, Cervantes built a career with Target Corporation in security and loss prevention before relocating to Oakhurst a year ago to be near family.
David Cervantes at Bass Lake.
Having spent time with relatives in the Oakhurst and Bass Lake area, Cervantes already had a deep appreciation for the community long before he made it his home.
For the past year Cervantes worked with State Farm insurance, an experience which gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing small business entrepreneurs in the region.
That experience fueled his passion for economic development and service to the chamber and its board of directors as they share a mission to enhance the economic vitality of the area.
“I am excited to take on this role working alongside our dedicated membership to bring needed resources to the businesses that make our mountain communities thrive,” Cervantes said.
Off work, Cervantes can often be found doing his favorite thing — fishing at Bass Lake.
He was set to pick up the reins on May 15.
New members and volunteers are welcome. For more, visit www.oakhurstchamber.com
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