LAKE COUNTY— In April of this year, Lake County Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) CEO Melissa Fulton announced her decision to retire after more than 30 years of service. According to her peers and members of the community, Fulton had become an icon in Lake County.
“She was a highly respected advocate for the community and the Chamber will be forever grateful for her service,” noted fellow board members.
After an open search, on July 12, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Chamber voted to extend the offer of Chief Executive Officer to Laura McAndrews Sammel, which she accepted on Friday.
Sammel has numerous college degrees, including her MBA from Western Governors University. She leaves her role as CFO/executive human resources and leadership coach at Combs Consulting to embark on this new challenge. Sammel has also served on many local volunteer organizations and committees, and currently serves as President of the Rotary Club of Lakeport. She has been elected as a member of LCCC Board of Directors before, so she is very familiar with the organization.
The mission of LCCC is to promote the economic vitality and prosperity of our region. Chamber directors note that they have no doubt that Sammel will be a catalyst for the organization in that mission. She will take over in mid-August after fulfilling her obligations with Combs Consulting. “We eagerly look forward to this new chapter in our organization’s future,” Chamber officials noted.
