Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeks new chief executive after period of stability

Albany Chamber of Commerce chief executive Benita Cattalini has stepped down after more than two years in the top job.

Ms Cattalini will swap the boardroom for the farm with a move to a property near Denmark and spend more time with her family.

“These are long-term dreams we have worked hard to bring to reality,” she said.

“New horizons are opening up for us and we are excited about this next phase of our life.

“Now is the right time to hand over to the next person.”

Ms Cattalini started as chief executive in May 2019 after the chamber went through three chief executives in a rocky period in 2018.

Since she took on the job, membership has almost doubled despite

COVID-19 presenting unprecedented challenges.

Ms Cattalini said the highlight of her time was implementing the Pay it Forward program that allowed members to cover fees for peers who were struggling in the pandemic.

“There were some really hard moments during that time but to see the generosity of those that had done well support others in our chamber to keep connected truly showed what we are all about,” she said.

ACCI’s membership co-ordinator Rex Beach will fill in as chief executive while the chamber looks for a new leader.

In May, White Star Hotel co-owner David Steytler switched roles from ACCI president to treasurer, with Impact Services chief executive Kerry Fry taking his place.

Ibis Styles Albany general manager Tim Sinclair-Smith was appointed vice-president, replacing Albany Retravision managing director Russell Hare.