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SENIOR FELLOW PROFILE
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FORUM
Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce
Authentic Leadership In Action
Pictured ( L-R ): Talia Kaufman , EVP ; Amanda Blackwood , President / CEO
The Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce is the region ’ s largest and most prominent business organization . Founded in 1895 , this regional chamber of commerce represents the six counties and 22 cities of the Capital Region , as well as about 2,000 members . Leading the Metro Chamber since 2018 are Amanda Blackwood as president and CEO and Talia Kaufman as executive vice president . Blackwood ’ s responsibilities include leading the chamber ’ s strategic direction in partnership with the board of directors and executing on that strategy . Kaufman manages relationships with external partners , key stakeholders and the board of directors , as well as supporting and advising the CEO . Both leaders are Senior Fellows of the American Leadership Forum , with Blackwood a Fellow of Class XXIII and Kaufman a Fellow of Class XXIV . “ Every day , I have an opportunity to speak to a diverse audience — not just in business , but in government and in community ,” Blackwood says . “ Understanding that every individual and organization holds varying perspectives , I am provided with endless opportunities to demonstrate leadership in action .”
Kaufman also gained insight from her ALF experience . “ I benefited from the focus on empathic leadership — the nurturing of a leader ’ s understanding the needs of others and realizing the importance of empathy in the workplace ,” she says . “ Another tremendous take-away was building trust and authentic relationships with leaders across the region that I may not have otherwise crossed paths with .” Under Blackwood and Kaufman , the Metro Chamber continues to execute its four-point business promise , with a particular focus on its role as business advocate . “ Now more than ever , business needs a strong advocate to have their back while they focus on economic recovery ,” Blackwood says . “ It is the heart of everything we do .” Kaufman adds , “ And an inclusive economic development approach will ensure that the diversity of our region is celebrated as the incredible asset it is .”
“ Understanding that every individual and organization holds varying perspectives , I am provided with endless opportunities to demonstrate leadership in action .”
— Amanda Blackwood , President / CEO
1017 L Street , # 557 Sacramento , CA 95814 I ( 916 ) 552-6800 metrochamber . org
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