Our Team

Chamber Staff

Scroll down to see our Board of Directors

Kat Thompson, President/CEO

Kat Thompson, now serving as President/CEO, plays a key leadership role in advancing the Chamber’s mission and supporting the region’s business community. Kat is passionate about strengthening connections between businesses and community leaders. She oversees Chamber governance/board relations, community partnerships, Chamber program oversight and strategy, organizational and operations management, leadership development, financial reporting, and accounts payable.

Contact Kat: kthompson@venangochamber.org

Tessa Byham, Executive Assistant

Tessa has been with the Chamber for 7 years and enjoys working with members and volunteers, planning events, and managing the Leadership program. She is also responsible for managing internal and external communications for the organization, planning and executing the Chamber’s signature events, Leadership Venango, and accounts receivable.

Contact Tessa: tbyham@venangochamber.org

Ashley Zaccari, Be Here Program Manager

Ashley has been with the Chamber for 3 years and is the Be Here Program Manager. Ashley’s focus is promoting the region through the Be Here initiative and helping young professionals connect and grow through the FLEX young professionals group. She also assists with various Chamber communications efforts.

Contact Ashley: azaccari@venangochamber.org

Hannah Plowman, Workforce & Education Coordinator

Hannah joined the Chamber team in 2025 as the new Workforce & Education Coordinator. In this role, she will help manage the VenangoREADY program, working closely with local school districts, educators, and employers to prepare students for successful careers in our region. Hannah will also support the Chamber’s workforce development initiatives, helping to strengthen connections between education and industry.

Contact Hannah: hplowman@venangochamber.org


Chamber staff pose in front of their office, located in the 100 Seneca Building.

Board of Directors

The Chamber is comprised of a remarkable collection of people who share a commitment and passion for doing business in Venango. A 16-member Board of Directors set policy and strategic goals.

Learn more about our Board and see their contact info below.


If you have an interest in applying to be a member of the Board of Directors, contact us today.

Our Team

Kat Thompson

Staff - President/CEO kthompson@venangochamber.org

Tessa Byham

Staff - Executive Assistant tbyham@venangochamber.org

Ashley Zaccari

Staff - Be Here Program Manager azaccari@venangochamber.org

Hannah Plowman

Staff - Workforce & Education Coordinator hplowman@venangochamber.org

Dan Flaherty

Board of Directors - Chair
Oil Region Library Association

Kate Whitling

Board of Directors - Vice Chair
Schake Industries

Ann Richar

Board of Directors - Treasurer
Richar Trinch & Co. PC

Seth Herrick

Board of Directors - Secretary
Oil Region Alliance

Derek Bailey

Board of Directors
Bailey's Jewelers

Pete Calenda

Board of Directors
UPMC Northwest

Jim Geiger

Board of Directors
PennWest Clarion

Lauren Hasbrouck

Board of Directors
Primary Health Network

Inde Hawkins

Board of Directors
Something Clever

Jeannie Henry

Board of Directors
Rossbacher Insurance

Robert Macormac

Board of Directors
Northwest Bank

Katie McCoy

Board of Directors
Pathways Adolescent Center

Carolyn Rosen

Board of Directors
Evans, Garvey Lackey, & Ochs

Megan Sternagel

Board of Directors
Classic Notary Service

Ryan Sweeney

Board of Directors
Webco Industries

Wendy Thompson

Board of Directors
T4 Rentals

Lisa Winger

Board of Directors
Aseracare Hospice