Lafayette Exec Takes Helm At Walnut Creek Chamber Of Commerce

LAMORINDA, CA — The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce has selected a new president and chief executive , naming a business strategist with nearly 40 years of experience to lead the organization into its second century.

Caitlin Meaney Burrows succeeds Bob Linscheid, who has served as president and chief executive officer since 2021.

Chamber Board Chair Angela Ashley said Burrows' background in business strategy, finance, and organizational leadership made her the board's choice to guide the chamber's work on behalf of local businesses and the city's economy.

A Lafayette resident, Burrows earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University and an MBA in finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

She began her career at Goldman Sachs before holding leadership and strategy roles with organizations including Williams-Sonoma, AT&T, Robert Half, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Stanford University.

Most recently, Burrows served as chief of staff at Catamount Ventures Management, where she worked with the owners of several Massachusetts businesses, including Brookline Booksmith, an independent bookstore, and Wellfleet Marketplace.

The chamber said she helped guide those businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic while improving their financial performance.

Burrows also has experience with local nonprofit organizations. She served for eight years on the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Board and has volunteered with the Assistance League's literacy tutoring program in Walnut Creek, as well as Lafayette Partners in Education.

"As a longtime area resident, I've seen Walnut Creek grow from a bedroom community into a business and tourism powerhouse," Burrows said in a statement. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to further that trend and introduce new strategies to help our local business community grow and prosper."

The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is marking its 100th anniversary this year. The organization represents local businesses, advocates on policy issues, and promotes Walnut Creek as a commercial and visitor destination.