Whitney Diver McEvoy has been the President & CEO of the Yountville Chamber of Commerce since July 2016. Under her leadership, the Yountville Chamber has grown to be the true voice of business in our community.
Scroll down to learn more about our fearless leader!
What brought you to Napa County? What brought you to Yountville?
My husband Matt and I moved to Napa County for his job with the Frys.com Open PGA Tour Tournament, which is now called the Fortinet Championship. And thank goodness it did because we love it here. My job with the Yountville Chamber brought me to Yountville!
Describe your career path and how it led you to the Yountville Chamber of Commerce?
I first discovered chamber work when I accepted a job as the events and programs manager with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. I fell in love with the work, our members and our purpose. I haven’t looked back since! Prior to this, I worked in politics in campaign, fundraising and event management.
What is your favorite part about working for the Yountville Chamber?
Working with so many wonderful people. We have built such an incredible network of connected and caring people who are members of the Yountville Chamber. I am so grateful to be able to interact with them daily to help positively shape our community.
What does your job entail?
The job of a chamber President & CEO oversees and executes the strategic direction of the organization that is set by the board of directors. My job also includes managing the board of directors and staff and setting them up for success. Overseeing the chamber’s budget and its financial stability. Serve as the spokesperson for the organization. That said, we are a small team, so sometimes it is also taking out the trash or writing an email blast or helping a visitor that enters the Yountville Welcome Center. So, both strategic and tactical!
What is the most surprising thing about Chamber work?
That if we are doing our job well, the chamber should sit at the intersection of helping businesses succeed and our community thrive.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Saying no to someone when we simply don’t have the capacity or resources to help them.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I think everyday we learn something that makes us stronger. Sometimes that is as simple as reflecting on your actions and remembering to be kinder to someone, sometimes it is more dramatic, but there is always something to learn from.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
How to manage up and how to manage down, both are critical to one’s success. Plus – Over communicate, communicate kindly and do what you say you are going to do.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I love what I do and had to think very hard about this. But if I had to choose, I would love to serve as a diplomat or Ambassador representing our Country abroad.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I played the flute from age seven until I graduated college.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Such a difficult question! I am not sure I have visited my favorite place in the world yet, I still have so much of it I need to see! My favorite close destination to travel to is Las Vegas for the incredible restaurants!
What is one food that you cannot resist?
There are two. Pizza and French Fries!
What is the one thing, you can’t live without?
Something I must have everyday is coffee, so I guess this counts?
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“The secret to success is doing the common tasks uncommonly well” – John D. Rockefeller.
I believe this quote applies both to my professional and personal life. I use it and think about it every day. It inspires me to stay ahead of things, to not put stuff off and to just get stuff done!
Three words to best describe you:
I would be so curious to see how other people would answer this question!
Driven. Excitable. Kind (I strive to be this every day!)
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