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 Greater 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 VP 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!

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 Services and Entrepreneurship

    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 seven 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

      • 2025 “Forty Under 40 Award” Issued by Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
      • 2025 “Communications Excellence Award” Issued by Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
      • 2025 “Best Website (Large Chamber)” Issued by Western Association of Chamber Executives
      • 2021 Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce Award for Best Communications Campaign (Badass Women of Arvada)

      Boards, committees, or groups

      • Greater Arvada Chamber Inclusion + Belonging KAPS Council, Lead
      • 2025-2026 Belonging Colorado Leadership Network
      • Jefferson County STEAM (Service, Transparency, Equity, Access, and Modernization) Advisory Committee
      • Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Marketing and Communications Committee, Chair
      • 2024 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Fellowship for Economic Mobility
      • 2023 Colorado Inclusive Economy Community of Practice Cohort 5

      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

      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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