MENDOCINO CO., 10/31/24 — Fort Bragg-based West Business Development Center is losing chief executive officer Mary Anne Petrillo to retirement on Dec. 31. The board called Petrillo’s leadership “transformative” as she guided the nonprofit to becoming a significant force in business development across the county.
During Petrillo’s eight-year tenure, West Center, the nonprofit’s nickname, introduced StartUp Mendocino, a rural business accelerator; launched Centro Latino West, the first all-Spanish business development hub in the region; forged significant partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies; and was one of the primary champions of the Blue Economy, securing investments and creating partnerships to revitalize the harbor and ocean-based economies. he nonprofit tripled its client base during that wide ranging process.
Said board chair Michelle Hutchins, “We are deeply grateful for Mary Anne’s visionary leadership and the profound impact she has had on the business community. Her dedication to advancing small business development — especially in rural and underserved areas — has been extraordinary.”
West Center is now searching for a new CEO. The board says it is committed to identifying a dynamic leader who can build on Petrillo’s successes. All inquiries about the position should be made to info@clairemyersconsulting.com.