The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched a new chapter with the hiring of a new leader.

Melanie Lindley has joined the organization as its new executive director, while Amanda Mansfield has been named the communications director.

Chamber officials announced plans to conduct a national search for a new leader in September.

“With this strengthened leadership team, we are even better positioned to champion local businesses, deepen community connections and drive economic vitality throughout the Lompoc Valley,” chamber officials said.

The Chamber of Commerce became embroiled in controversy last year when the City Council considered axing its annual funding contribution to the organization. 

Lindley most recently served as a certified community association manager for The Management Trust, overseeing properties from Santa Barbara to Monterey.

She spent more than 10 years working for United Launch Alliance.

Before that, she served for four years in the Air Force with assignments as a maintenance crew member, shift supervisor and instructor.

Lindley earned a bachelor or arts degree in business administration from the University of La Verne. 

Mansfield also worked in community association management at The Management Trust. 

The prior executive director, DeVika Stalling, left in December and now leads Future for Lompoc Youth.

Stalling received the Lompoc Woman of the Year Award in 2020.

She previously worked approximately 20 years for CommUnify and then United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.