Walnut Creek, CA, – Caitlin Meaney Burrows, a business growth expert with nearly four decades of experience building strategies to help organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, has been chosen to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau (Chamber).
“Caitlin brings deep business experience, strategic thinking and a strong understanding of how organizations grow,” said Chamber Board Chair Angela Ashley. “Her strong municipal finance background and experience working with both national brands and local civic organizations makes her well suited to lead the Chamber, in supporting our members, strengthening Walnut Creek’s economy and promoting the city as a premier regional destination.”
A resident of Lafayette, California, Burrows graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned an MBA in finance, entrepreneurship and marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She started her career in finance at Goldman Sachs and has since relied on both analytical rigor and creative thinking to strengthen iconic organizations such as Williams-Sonoma, AT&T, Robert Half, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Stanford University.
Most recently, as chief of staff at Catamount Ventures Management, LLC, Burrows partnered with owners to manage all facets of businesses in Massachusetts—including Brookline Booksmith, a 50-person independent bookstore, and Wellfleet Marketplace, a general store on historic Main Street—guiding both through the COVID-19 pandemic to financial stability and significant growth.
In addition to her professional experience at the national level, Burrows has also played a pivotal role in shaping local civic organizations. She served eight years on the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Board, where she successfully led the organization through a period of significant transition. She also volunteered on the boards of the Assistance League’s literacy tutoring program in Walnut Creek and the 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. I’m excited to have the opportunity to further that trend and introduce new strategies to help our local business community grow and prosper,” says Burrows.
As the Chamber’s new president, Burrows replaces Bob Linscheid, who served in that role since 2021.
The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is celebrating its 100th anniversary of supporting economic growth by connecting businesses, shaping policy and fostering innovation. As the region’s leading business voice, the Chamber embraces collaboration to create greater prosperity for the City of Walnut Creek and the surrounding region.
