A New Class of Community Leaders Steps Forward
The Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation (RCCF), an affiliate of the Greater Eureka Chamber, is pleased to introduce the Leadership Redwood Coast Class of 2026, a dynamic cohort of emerging and established community leaders, representing 23 businesses and organizations across the North Coast.
“This diverse cohort of 33 leaders represents the largest Leadership Redwood Coast class to date,” said Nancy Olson, CEO of the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation and the Greater Eureka Chamber. “We’re pleased to see the fellowship’s continued growth and its impact as a meaningful pathway for local leaders to strengthen core skills and deepen their understanding of and connection to the region they serve.”
The Class of 2026 will spend the next five months traveling and studying across Humboldt, Del Norte and Tribal Lands. Through six sessions, they will hone personal leadership skills and meet with over 90 local leaders to explore a broad array of issues such as community and regional economic drivers, agriculture, government, housing, tourism, education, the justice system and more.
Leadership Redwood Coast 2026 kicked off on March 19. This year’s cohort includes the following fellows:
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Abby Grattidge, Cal Poly Humboldt
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Allie Knoll, DHHS, County of Humboldt
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Amber Shaw, Cal Poly Humboldt
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Amelia Tanuma-Resendez, Eureka Books
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Andrew Nichols, College of the Redwoods
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Annalise von Borstel, Hyperion Humboldt Realty Inc.
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April Klingonsmith, College of the Redwoods
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Bella Gray, Cal Poly Humboldt
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Carrie Castillo, Del Norte Child Care Council
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Chelsea Harbour, Potter Real Estate Group Inc.
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Christina Swingdler, Christina Anastasia Jewelry
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Christina Taylor, Open Door Community Health Centers
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Felicia Costa, Humboldt Premier Properties
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Giselle Cabrero, College of the Redwoods
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Jasmin Gammel, Coast Central Credit Union
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Joe Bartosik, Marquee Broadcasting (Redwood News)
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Kim Preston, Omsberg & Preston
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Lauren Picone, North Coast Growers' Association
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Lex Siebuhr, DHHS, County of Humboldt
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Liz Hermosillo, College of the Redwoods
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Madison Flynn, Northern California Indian Development Council
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Meghan Riley, Peaches & Pearls
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Mo Harper-Desir, Black Humboldt
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Molly Blakemore, College of the Redwoods
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Ridley Landau, Humboldt Family Service Center
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Ruthe Rhodes, College of the Redwoods
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SK Lee, Launch Coaching Lab
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Seamus Kistner, Blue Lake Rancheria
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Shannon Garcia, Providence
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Shireen Varga, Sorrel Leaf Healing Center
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Stephanie Stover, Coast Central Credit Union
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Summer Ferrier, College of the Redwoods
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Tara Groswird, Tri County Independent Living
Thanks to returning Presenting Sponsor, Cal Poly Humboldt, and Leader Sponsor Open Door Community Health for their continued partnership.
About Leadership Redwood Coast
Leadership Redwood Coast (LRC), a dynamic five-month regional leadership fellowship, serves as a crucial platform for empowering diverse individuals throughout Humboldt, Del Norte and adjacent Tribal lands. Now in its fourth year, the LRC equips participants with the essential tools, connections, and insights needed to effect equitable and innovative change within their communities and across the region. The 2026 program runs March through July.
Through robust leadership skill development, monthly excursions, and conversations with over 90 leaders from throughout the North Coast, LRC fellows get a first-hand look at systems, assets, and challenges here on the Redwood Coast.
Leadership Redwood Coast was launched in 2023 by North Edge, Nancy Olson, and Illuminated Marketing. It is now housed under the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation, a 501c3 dedicated to inclusive economic and community development for California’s North Coast.
eurekachamber.com/Leadership-Redwood-Coast / Instagram: @redwoodcoastchamberfounation / Facebook: Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation