The People Behind the Scenes

Contact Arvada Chamber

The Chamber Team

Healthy businesses, thriving community. This statement is at the core of the work we do as the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce. With a diverse business community of nearly 600 members in our corner, we work diligently to serve our local businesses and develop strategies that help our community be one of the best in the state. Meet the team that is stiving to reach new heights and help our community.

Kami Welch

Kami Welch

President & CEO

kami@arvadachamber.org
More About Kami

Kami Welch is the President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. A 13-year Chamber veteran, Kami has earned a reputation for developing strategic, innovative business and community growth opportunities. Kami is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Fellow and a board member for the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) and Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce, where she is Past-Chair. Kami also sits on community boards for non-profit organizations that focus on children, education, homelessness, and domestic violence, including Family Tree, where she is the Past Chair. Kami loves living in Colorado with her husband of 15 years and two young children, where they enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring.

Certifications or awards

  • EIDA Center Cultural Intelligence Certification – Complete In Spring 2022
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Program Graduate
  • Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Workforce and Education Fellowship Graduate
  • Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry EXECS Leadership Program Graduate
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Change Management Fellowship Graduate
  • Denver Business Journal Outstanding Woman in Business 2023

Boards, committees, or groups

  • Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) Community Leaders Council
  • Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Board of Directors
  • Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce (ACCC), Past-Chair
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline, Fellow
  • Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Directors
  • Jeffco Schools Foundation Board of Directors
  • Family Tree Board of Directors
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Board of Directors
  • Arvada Vitality Alliance Board of Directors
  • Arvada Visitor’s Center Board of Directors, Treasurer

Your favorite quote to live by

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

What is your walk-up song?

“High Hopes” – Panic at the Disco

Business Services

Samantha Geerdes

Samantha Geerdes

Senior VP of Business Services

samantha@arvadachamber.org
More About Samantha

As the Senior VIP of Business Services at the Greater Arvadas Chamber of Commerce, I manage our amazing Business Services team, plan and execute major events and our award-winning Leadership Bootcamp program.

I’d love to talk with you more about how joining the Chamber can help your business succeed. Want to attend, host or sponsor an event? I’m your girl! How about joining one of our amazing Leadership programs to connect and learn with other local professionals?

I’m proud that my team here at the chamber helps businesses with both the everyday and extraordinary challenges and I’m passionate about bringing people together to help our community thrive!

I have been with the Chamber for over 9 years and previously worked in events, marketing and promotions for a variety of non-profits and entertainment organizations. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Broadcast News and am a proud Colorado native. In my free time, I enjoy reading and bad reality TV as well as spending time with my husband and son. We love traveling, spending time outside and hanging out in Olde Town or one of the many great parks in Arvada!

Paul Lillagore

Paul Lillagore

Director of Member Outreach & Growth

paul@arvadachamber.org
More About Paul

Paul Lillagore is a dedicated Arvada resident whose deep-rooted commitment to his
community has made a significant impact over the years. With a passion for public
service, he proudly served the City of Arvada in various capacities, contributing to the
betterment of the city and its residents. Paul’s commitment to safety and community
well-being extended beyond his city employment as he generously volunteered his time
and expertise to the Fire Department, further reinforcing his dedication to public service.

In addition to his civic contributions, Paul was a business owner, exemplifying the
entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Arvada.

Furthermore, Paul has been an active member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce,
demonstrating his unwavering support for the businesses that form the backbone of
Arvada’s vibrant economic landscape. Through his participation in the Chamber, Paul
collaborates with fellow business leaders to foster a thriving business environment,
contributing to the prosperity and vitality of his beloved Arvada. His multifaceted
involvement in the community reflects a genuine commitment to its well-being, making
Paul Lillagore a true Arvada advocate and community champion.

Boards, Committees, or Groups

  • Arvada Chamber Member Services KAPS Council

    Your favorite quote to live by

    “I am here to help!”

    What is your walk-up song?

    “I Got a Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas

    Kristy Howell

    Kristy Howell

    Director of Member Experience

    kristy@arvadachamber.org
    More About Kristy

    I have lived in Colorado for 21+ years, working in the sports and entertainment industry (Colorado Rockies and Ball Arena) as well as for the South Metro Denver Chamber and Northwest Douglas County Chambers of Commerce. My background in sales and membership hospitality spans over 2 decades. I am passionate about working to support local communities and love when people learn the importance of relationship building and forming connections in business. I am a Louisiana native and love College sports (specifically LSU), being outdoors, supporting local businesses (good food, coffee and wine) and am extremely honored to be a part of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce team.

    Certifications or Awards

    4-Year Graduate of Denver Catholic Biblical School- Archdiocese of Denver

    Boards, Committees, or Groups

    WACE Emerging Leader (2023), Stride Fitness Coach, ONEHOPE Wine Lead Cause Entrepreneur

      Your favorite quote to live by

      “We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both.” – Brene Brown

      What is your walk-up song?

      “Callin Baton Rouge” – Garth Brooks

      Alexandra (Ali) Stofflet

      Alexandra (Ali) Stofflet

      Director of Business Outreach and Growth

      ali@arvadachamber.org
      More About Ali

      My passion for small business began in my grandmother’s chocolate shop on the Oregon coast, where I learned firsthand the heart, dedication, and community connection that define small business ownership. Those early experiences showed me that small businesses aren’t just enterprises—they’re dreams brought to life, and they form the backbone of our economy.
      I carried that passion into owning my own wholesale distribution company for five years, specializing in natural parenting products for specialty boutiques across the U.S. Running my own business taught me the realities of entrepreneurship—the long hours, the tough decisions, and the constant need for reliable resources and support.

      Now, as Director of Business Outreach and Growth at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege of providing businesses with the guidance, connections, and programming I wish I’d had during my own journey. Through developing resources for our Business Resource Center, I’m committed to ensuring that every small business owner in our community has access to the support they need to thrive.

        Your favorite quote to live by

        “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler

        What is your walk-up song?

        “9 to 5” –  Dolly Parton

        Economic Impact

        Jess Fuller

        Jess Fuller

        Senior Director of Economic Impact

        jess@arvadachamber.org
        More About Jess

        In my role at The Chamber, I work with a variety of partners across businesses, childcare, workforce development, and housing to increase economic opportunity in Arvada and the broader Adams and Jefferson County areas.

        My 15+ year career has been in non-profit and state government. I am equal parts systems-designer, project manager and implementer. In my pursuit to make systems work better for more people and organizations, I have run programs, managed state and federal grants, developed and launched products and resources, established strategy, designed and facilitated gatherings, and led operations. I’ve worked across executives, creative designers, community leaders, operations professionals, and end-users to ensure the systems are built with the infrastructure needed to serve the people and organizations that make up our communities.

        I was born and raised in Colorado and am a proud Arvada resident. When I’m not at work, I’m with family and friends outdoors (biking, paddle boarding, hiking, camping), trying new restaurants, traveling to new places, and carting my kids around to youth activities.

        Tess McShane

        Tess McShane

        Special Projects Lead

        tess@arvadachamber.org

        Operations

        Ryan Hecht

        Ryan Hecht

        VP of Marketing and Communications

        ryan@arvadachamber.org
        More About Ryan

        I’m proud to say I have worked at the Greater Arvada Chamber for over six years, helping the organization, our member businesses, and our community tell its story. I have 15+ years of experience as a multi-channel brand communicator, working with start-ups, content agencies, and inside Fortune 500 companies. Every business owner and brand has an engaging story to tell and I’m passionate about playing a meaningful role in that narrative. Ask me about: authentic content marketing, creative campaign strategy, event promotion, inclusive marketing, email marketing, digital and print design, and social media management. I may also steer the conversation to indie rock music, the Denver Nuggets, horror movies, or something funny that happened with my wife and son.

        Certifications or awards

        • 2021 Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce Award for Best Communications Campaign (Badass Women of Arvada)
        • Colorado Inclusive Economy Community of Practice Cohort 5

        Boards, committees, or groups

        • Greater Arvada Chamber Inclusion + Belonging KAPS Council (Lead)
        • Jefferson County STEAM (Service, Transparency, Equity, Access, and Modernization) Advisory Committee
        • Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Marketing and Communications Committee

        Your favorite quote to live by

        “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” – Tina Fey

        What is your walk-up song?

        “Intergalactic” – Beastie Boys

        Molly Kust

        Molly Kust

        Senior Director of Operations

        molly@arvadachamber.org
        More About Molly

        My professional passion is delivering solutions that enrich the stakeholder experiences through leveraging and improving systems and communication. I have earned my team’s title for me of “Process Princess” in my five years as the Director of Operations with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. I’m thrilled to be in a career and industry where I can best utilize my strengths to do exactly what I love to help our businesses and my team thrive. I have over 13 years of experience in the private sector including careers in food retail, project management, e-commerce, and global healthcare communications. Included in that number are my work-based learning experiences – WBL has been invaluable to my success where I learned professional skills early on in a work setting. I am stepping even further into my unique abilities as the chamber’s Integrator within the Entrepreneurial Operating System model, or EOS. As Integrator my role is to maintain accountability across the organization and streamline communication to keep our work moving forward – my dream job. I believe that every small business should run on EOS that leverages their data, people, systems, and processes to their competitive advantage. I’d love to chat about how EOS supports our own business and can support yours.

        When I’m not at work, I’m usually playing with my husband Chad, pup Clover, and kitties Lucia and Edgar, crushing my workouts at F45 (Functional 45), traveling all over the country, and soaking up all that the Denver area has to offer with friends and family.

        Certifications or awards

        • Certificate of Completion – Peak Academy Black Belt Training – City and County of Denver

        Boards, committees, or groups

        • Development Committee – Family Tree Member
        • Female Integrator Mastermind (FIM)
        • Gala Planning Committee – Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities

        Your favorite quote to live by

        One I will always remember is “the first time is not always the right time.” You can always try again – personally and professionally.

        What is your walk-up song?

        “I Got You” – Michael Franti & Spearhead

        Our Team Values

        The Greater Arvada Chamber’s Team Values are a playlist we practice and perfect to be in sync for each other and our business community.

        GROWTH-MINDED | “LET IT GROW

        • We are always seeking growth and new potential
        • We are dedicated to innovation
        • We are willing to take risks, fail, learn, and evolve

        DEVOTED | “SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT”

        • We are selflessly committed to the team’s success
        • We are purposefully inclusive
        • We take the responsibility – blame no one

        DELIGHTFUL  | “RIGHT HERE, RIGHT WOW

        • We seek out “wow” moments both internally and externally
        • We exceed expectations in roles and responsibilities
        • We are thorough, efficient, and independent problem solvers

        AUTHENTIC | “WE BUILT THIS AUTHENTICITY”

        • We are humbly confident
        • We check our ego at the door
        • We are open and honest 

        COMPASSIONATE | “ALL OF ME”

        • We lead with a big heart
        • We are enthusiastic and energizing team members
        • We reserve time to be supportive

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