Board of Directors and Staff

Connor Forbeck

Board Chair
Sound Painting Solutions

Connor Forbeck is a dedicated professional with a decade of experience in construction estimation, and sales. With a career spanning seven years at SPS (Sound Painting Solutions), three years on the Board of Directors for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and four years volunteering with a local youth group, Connor has developed a strong foundation in leadership, service, and community engagement. "The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce means a lot to myself and my business, because it connects us to a community. We strive to make an impact where we live and work; and the WSCC is our avenue to do so". When I am not working, catch me at a WSCC After Hours, on the golf course, or trying a new restaurant in town!

Jovelyn Agbalog

Past Board Chair
Procura Mortgage

Jovelyn Agbalog is loan officer at Procura Mortgage. She is the West Seattle Chamber's Board Chair.

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Brian Callanan

Vice Board Chair
Our Lady Guadalupe - Loop the Lupe

Live life to the fullest! Brian is an Emmy-winning TV journalist, an Audible Approved voice actor, an MC/auctioneer, and a video producer. He’s also a husband and dad who thrives on giving back to his community. His work is focused on delivering a message that resonates–whether that’s in a newscast, as an MC for a charity event, or via a compelling video or audio project

Joshua Moore

Board Treasurer

Mainsail Financial Group

Josh Moore is a financial planner with Mainsail. He helps with retirement planning and other major life transitions. A passionate advocate for our community and leader for inclusion. He is always looking for opportunities to give back and is very excited to represent the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce as the Board Treasurer.

Claiborne Bell

Board Member
Seattle Sorbets

Claiborne Bell is the owner of Seattle Sorbets and Ice Creams and Distinguished Foods Kitchen Rental in West Seattle. Seattle Sorbets currently manufactures 6 uniquely delicious frozen dessert flavors that are in local stores and served at restaurants around the Seattle/Tacoma area. Claiborne also owns and manages a commissary kitchen small business incubator called Distinguished Foods Kitchen Rental in West Seattle which is home to 12 local and family-run food processing companies including food trucks, catering companies, meal delivery companies, and more. Claiborne is committed to holding himself and the quality of Seattle Sorbets to a high standard, giving back to his community, and growing his business. As an entrepreneur and business owner, Claiborne believes that communication skills, multi-tasking, and being able to start and finish tasks in a timely manner are keys to surviving the business world. Even with the technology infused society we now live in, being able to effectively and efficiently communicate with people is invaluable. Claiborne is married to Dr. Kendra Bell a board-certified Pediatric dentist and they have one child. Claiborne attended the University of Washington, graduating in 2008 with his twin brother Cameron Bell. A 2003 graduate of Franklin High School where he was a three-sport varsity athlete, Claiborne enjoys building his companies, drone photography, and riding bicycles.

Lindsay Wolpa

Board Member
Northwest Seaport Alliance

Lindsay Pasternak Wolpa is the Senior Manager of Strategic Projects at The Northwest Seaport Alliance, where she drives initiatives supporting one of the nation’s leading container gateways. As the Past Board Chair of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay has been a dedicated advocate for local businesses and community growth.

Cleveland King

Board Member
West Seattle YMCA

Melina Zamalloa

Board Member
Talerico's Pizza

Melina Zamalloa is a dynamic business development leader skilled in connecting people, managing projects, and fostering innovation. Before joining Launch, she was VP of Business Development and Administration at Sea Technology Construction, Inc., her family’s business.Melina drives strategic growth and operational efficiency, overseeing business administration, human resources, financial forecasting, and marketing. Despite challenges in the maritime industry, she successfully navigated financial difficulties, ensuring sustainability through quality work and smart decisions.Previously, as Marketing and Events Director at the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey, she doubled membership from 450 to over 1,000 businesses and organized more than 40 events annually, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure their success.Melina is a University of Oregon graduate with a degree in Women’s & Gender Studies and a minor in Business Administration. She also serves on the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board, supporting local professionals.

Jordan Crawley

Board Member
Alki Beach Academy

Jordan Crawley is the chair of our Government Advocacy Committee. Having grown up, and now raising his own children, in West Seattle, Jordan has always loved our community. With nearly a decade of experience in grassroots advocacy, his experience includes working with legislators in Washington, D.C., policy development for local candidates and campaigns, community activation with local politically-focused nonprofits, and direct advocacy for West Seattle businesses at the city, county, and state levels. Jordan is also a veteran of the US Army, where he served for eight years as an intelligence analyst. For more than a decade, Jordan’s family has owned and operated Alki Beach Academy — the peninsula’s largest child care center. He’s excited to lend his skills to the Chamber and help us be the leading advocate for our small business community.

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Anthony Wilson

Board Member
Papa Tony's Hot Sauce

Tony Wilson, owner of Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, is a former educator and youth worker who refocused his passion on cooking and his love for food. He created Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce in 2001 while living in New Orleans, then relocated to Western Washington where his business exploded throughout the PNW. Tony has a deep passion for creating community and collaboration, and thus lives by the principle of Ubuntu meaning, “I Am Because We Are!” He currently serves on the board of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Community Carrot, which helps young students of color become entrepreneurs.

Nathan Marshall

Board Member
Nucor Steel

Nathan is the Melt Shop Manager at Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.

Jessica Webb

Board Member
Heartwood Law

Jessica is the founder of Heartwood Law, a firm dedicated to helping clients create customized estate plans that protect their assets and loved ones. A graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, she has been practicing since 2004 and brings years of experience to her client-centered approach. She focuses on making estate planning accessible, guiding clients through wills, trusts, and long-term care strategies. Her mission is to help clients plan for life, not just for death.

Susi Musi

Board Member
Compass Real Estate

Susi's passion for people and places translates into commercial and residential real estate representation for business owners, luxury home buyers, sellers, and community builders. With over a decade in the real estate vertical, Susi understands that choosing a location is about more than lot size or square footage. When people love where they live and work, they will become vital and energetic participants in their community. In that spirit, Susi approaches real estate as an advocate, producer, and matchmaker. She works closely with clients to align their personal or business goals with their real estate needs. No matter the size of the space, length of the lease, or value of the deal, her mission is to serve her clients' goals with the highest level of service, skill, and respect. Susi earned her Master's at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her BA at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

Elyssa Cichy

Board Member
Alki Arcade/Gary's Place

Elyssa Cichy is the co-owner and proprietor of West Seattle Arcade and Gary’s Place. A long-time West Seattle resident and new entrepreneur, she is excited to join the board and work with other small business owners to enhance our city, neighborhood and business community.

Matt Cichy

Board Member
Alki Arcade/Gary's Place

Matt Cichy is the co-owner and proprietor of West Seattle Arcade and Gary’s Place. He is passionate about West Seattle, Alki, and the strength of our community. As a business owner who comes from a family of business owners, Matt has a deep understanding of what is needed to elevate the entrepreneurs of West Seattle.

Jenny Almukhtar

Board Member
The Neighborhood

Jenny Almukhtar is the owner of The Neighborhood in the Morgan Junction of West Seattle.

Rachel Porter

Executive Director
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Porter is the Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in Chamber operations and community relations to the role. Previously, she served as Director of Membership and Community Relations for the Greater Federal Way Chamber, where she effectively doubled membership, led economic initiatives, and managed strategic planning efforts. A West Seattle resident for over 11 years, Rachel is deeply invested in the community and passionate about supporting sustainable economic growth for local businesses. Her expertise in membership retention, advocacy, and public-sector partnerships strengthens the Chamber’s ability to support and connect West Seattle businesses as they navigate regional challenges and growth opportunities. In her free time, Rachel enjoys binge-watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended editions), experimenting with houseplants and exploring the PNW with her adopted dog, Atlas.

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Claire Sites

Marketing Manager
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Claire Sites is a dedicated advocate for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, West Seattle, and small businesses of all kinds. While her primary role is in real estate with Ensemble, she’s thrilled to be the Chamber’s Marketing Manager, where she brings her marketing expertise and boundless enthusiasm to the role. Growing up immersed in the Chamber world, Claire believes that having a strong community is one of the most essential parts of a well-lived life. Working alongside Rachel, she promotes the Chamber’s mission through online marketing, engaging events, and initiatives that foster meaningful connections throughout West Seattle. Cheering on her peers in their pursuits fills her with joy and fuels her passion for community every day! When she’s not selling homes or working with the Chamber, you can find Claire reading at Lincoln Park, running at Lincoln Park or making crafts at Lincoln Park.

Jack Kingston

Marketing and Outreach Intern
WSU

Jack Kingston is our summer intern.