The San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce welcomed the third
executive director in two years into its office on Thursday.
The San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce welcomed the third executive director in two years into its office on Thursday.
San Juan Bautista resident and merchant Halina Kleinsmith took over for Jennifer Shultz, who resigned from the position last Monday after one year.
Working to improve San Juan’s tourist economy is high on Kleinsmith’s list of priorities as the new director, she said.
“I think the most important part of my job is to relay the huge package of possibilities San Juan has to offer to visitors and local residents alike,” she said. “I’m happy to be picking up the baton.”
Kleinsmith has lived in the area for the last 10 years and has owned Fool’s Gold Vintage Collectique, an antique shop, for the past seven, she said.
She was the chamber’s executive director for a short time about eight years ago, but gave up the position to solidify her business, she said.
“I’m committed to doing the job on a full-time basis now,” she said. “My family runs the shop when I’m not there and I run it on the weekends. Basically I work seven days a week, but it’s a joy. Antiques are my creative outlet and my pleasure.”
Allen Thomas, vice-president of the chamber board of directors, asked Kleinsmith to take the job when Shultz put in her resignation about a month ago, he said.
Her prior experience as the chamber’s director and her overall personality made her more than qualified to do the job, he said.
“She handles the public well and I think we are lucky that she was interested in taking the job,” Thomas said. “She was a natural pick.”
Shultz resigned from the position to be able to spend more time with her family, but did an exemplary job during her tenure, Thomas said.
“Frankly I’m sorry to see her go, but I’m also happy to see Halina step in,” he said.
Shultz was unavailable for comment.
