The West Austin Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Fran Bates has been selected as the Chamber’s new Executive Director. In mid-September, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to approve Bates for the position after a search committee conducted an extensive regional search. Bates began work in her new position on December 1.
“I am excited to join the West Austin Chamber of Commerce. I have a passion for our community, our businesses and our people. My goal is to help people connect, grow and thrive. The Chamber’s work is vital to the region’s business community and I look forward to working with the Chamber’s board, volunteers, and staff to grow the organization and to promote the interest and ensure the livelihood of local businesses.”
Bates will step into this role with extensive business and leadership experience most recently as an Independent Consultant and brand Ambassador with Mary Kay and as a volunteer leader, facilitator and teacher at Austin Christian Fellowship.
Prior to her most recent experiences, Bates was a top level manager and worked with Citigroup, MetLife, and Gateway Investment Services. While in the Financial Services Industry she was responsible for leading teams, seminar development, and recruitment.
Additionally, Bates has been a guest speaker and seminar presenter and business coach for groups including Master Networks, Business Network International and Toastmasters. Her honors include entries in Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, and Who’s Who in the World. Also earning the Presidential Medallion from the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce and an Honorary Life Membership in the Associated Student’s Organization at Cal State Northridge.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors Linda Stoddard said “After reviewing several applicants, we have chosen Fran Bates as the new Executive Director of the West Austin Chamber of Commerce. Fran has over 20 years of experience helping people and organizations succeed. She brings to this role her results oriented leadership skills and her passion for this Chamber. She cares about the member’s needs and supporting the businesses in this community. We are pleased to welcome Fran Bates and feel her leadership will help guide the Chamber in membership growth, community outreach and keep the organization on a path of success”
The Chamber’s Executive Director, Bates will oversee a small staff and will also be establishing new programming for the new year.
About the West Austin Chamber of Commerce
(www.WestAustinChamber.org) The mission of the West Austin Chamber is to connect, support, educate and advocate for the prosperity of the West Austin business community. Bound by the shores of Mansfield Dam/Lake Austin on the West, FM 620 on the North, and enclosed by Hwy.183 and Hwy 360 to the East and FM 2222 to the South.
This encompasses the following:
Governmental: City of Austin Council Districts 6 and 10
Schools: Leander and Round Rock Independent School Districts
Zip Codes: Business and residential zip codes: 78730, 78732, 78726, 78750, 78759.
January 4, 2021