Our Story
Civic Leadership | Collective Impact | Inclusiveness | Community | Economic Prosperity
Over thirty years ago, business leaders founded the North Bay Leadership Council on a simple premise: We can accomplish more by working together. Today, the Council includes leading employers from the North Bay who are committed to working together to keep the region prosperous, resilient and equitable for all.
Our members represent a wide variety of businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, with a workforce in excess of 100,000. As business and civic leaders, our goal is to promote sound public policy, innovation and sustainability to make our region a better place to live and work.
What We Do
North Bay Leadership Council is the strong voice of employers who advocate for sound public policy affecting the North Bay, demonstrate and grow leadership within the region, and collectively work for a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable future.
Mission
The business and civic leaders of the North Bay Leadership Council make it their goal to promote sound public policy to make the North Bay a better place to live and work.
Our Purpose
We are leading employers in the North Bay who advocate and influence public policy to ensure economic prosperity for all.
Our Vision
We want to create an inclusive and resilient community in the North Bay for employees, residents, visitors, and the next generation to thrive.
Meet the Board
The North Bay Leadership Council's Board of Directors is a group of influential leaders across diverse sectors in the North Bay, dedicated to enhancing the region's quality of life and creating a thriving environment for businesses and residents.
Meet the Team
Joanne Webster
President & CEO
Joanne Webster joined the North Bay Leadership Council as President/CEO in November 2023.
Prior to her appointment, Joanne served as President and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce for nearly 10 years. She was the Executive Director for the San Rafael Business Improvement District for a decade and owned and operated two Double Rainbow Café franchises for nearly 30 years.
Joanne is an active member of the business community, winning Marin’s Small Business of the Year and Spirit of Marin Awards in 1998 and 2008 and, as Chamber CEO, the North Bay’s Best Business Community Leader Award in 2021.
Joanne currently serves on several boards and committees including R.E.A.L Coalition (statewide business organizations), R.E.A.L Coalition Education & Workforce Development Committee, Housing Crisis Action Marin Steering Committee, California Stewardship Network Partner, Healthy Marin Partnerships, Marin’s School to Career Partnership, Keep Marin Working Vice Chair, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay Marin Subcommittee and Sonoma Business and Agricultural Consortium.
Her specialties include business advocacy, connecting leaders and influencers, and building coalitions.
Kate Murray
CAO
Kate Murray is the CAO of North Bay Leadership Council (NBLC).
Murray acts as the support system for NBLC. Managing and coordinating all events, promotional materials, member customer service and beyond.
As a student, Murray interned for NBLC and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. After earning her MBA at Sonoma State University she was hired on full time at NBLC.
