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Parker joins Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Kelly Love Parker works for Brian Baird

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The new president and chief executive officer of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is familiar to many local residents.

The GVCC announced last week that Kelly Love Parker has been named to the lead position with the organization. She replaces Kim Capeloto, who was recently hired by Riverview Community Bank as executive vice president of marketing and operations. Parker will begin her new job on Oct. 5.

“We are thrilled to make this announcement,” said Don Russo, immediate past board of directors’ chairman. “Kelly’s experience as an active member of the southwest Washington business community, as well as her commitment to the citizens of this region will serve the chamber and its 1,100 member businesses well.’

Parker, the district director for the Third Congressional District Rep. Brian Baird since 2005, has been a Vancouver resident since 1991. She handles the congressional operations in the Vancouver and Olympia district offices for Baird, and manages congressional district staff, oversees all projects in the district, and advises the congressman on all district policy issues. She works extensively on business issues with companies throughout Southwest Washington. She is also the lead staff on all district transportation issues, including the proposed Columbia River Crossing project.

Baird announced earlier this year that he would be retiring and was not plan ning on running for another term.

Parker has also worked at KGW TV in Portland for 12 years as an anchor and reporter. She is recently married to Robert Parker and has two children, Eric, 18, and Sarah, 14.

For the past five years I have worked with businesses in Southwest Washington providing information, resources and assistance from the congressional office,” Parker said. “I enjoy working with businesses and I am deeply committed to the future economic health and vitality of our community.”