New 2023 chamber board begins service as Jeanne O’Dell steps down

John grande

John Grande began his service as the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce President, replacing long-term president Jeanne O’Dell. John is the Director of Business Development for Canyon Lake Solar and has been a Canyon Lake resident since 2018.

“As the saying goes, time sure flies by when you are having fun,” Jeanne said in a farewell letter to members of the Chamber of Commerce. “It has been my honor to serve as President of the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce for the last several years. I was blessed to be able to enjoy the experience while we began the process of reestablishing old relationships and fostering new ones.”

Jeanne took over as president from previous President Jim Randle and Executive Director Alison Burrafato.

Jeanne o‘Dell

Jeanne’s goal when she was first installed to lead the organization was to construct a solid foundation on the base laid by Jim and Alison. She said the last several years have seen the Chamber rebuild, reorganize and rebrand.

“This could not have been done without the help of many incredible individuals,” Jeanne said. “Thank you to Kristina Rasband for your creativity, Joseph DeCasperis for your vision and for keeping me centered, John Grande for your ideas, Dolores Badillo for your zest, Kellie Welty for your forthrightness, Megan Cortes for your gusto, Erin Adams for your excitement, Julie Ngo for your knowledge, Brenda Lees for your reliability, Donna Ritchie for your input, Kyler Battleson for your eagerness and Heidi Currie for filling some shoes that needed to be filled.”

In addition to John, the 2023 Board of Directors includes Megan Cortes, Vice President, Erin Adams, Secretary/Treasurer and Kyler Battleson, Director of Membership.

“In their capable hands, the Chamber will continue to grow and prosper,” Jeanne said. “To use one last construction metaphor, I am sure that they will raise a skyscraper on the foundation that was built by all of us.”