The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has a new leader as it enters its second century.

Caitlin Meaney Burrows, a Lafayette resident with more than three decades of experience in business strategy and finance, was named president and CEO on Monday, July 13, the chamber announced in a press release. She succeeds Bob Linscheid, who held the role since May 2021.

The appointment comes during the chamber's 100th anniversary year, a milestone the organization began celebrating in April 2026. The chamber represents local businesses, advocates on policy issues, and promotes Walnut Creek as a commercial and visitor destination.

Board Chair Angela Ashley said Burrows' mix of corporate and civic experience made her the board's pick.

"Caitlin brings deep business experience, strategic thinking and a strong understanding of how organizations grow," Ashley said.

Burrows started at Goldman Sachs after earning an MBA in finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University. She went on to hold roles at Williams-Sonoma, AT&T, Robert Half, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Stanford University.

Most recently, she served as chief of staff at Catamount Ventures Management, where she worked with the owners of Brookline Booksmith, a 50-person independent bookstore in Massachusetts, and Wellfleet Marketplace, a general store on historic Main Street. The chamber said she helped guide both businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic to financial stability and significant growth.

Burrows also has roots in East Bay civic life. She served eight years on the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation Board and volunteered with the Assistance League's literacy tutoring program in Walnut Creek and with Lafayette Partners in Education.

Linscheid replaced Jay Hoyer, who retired in November 2020 after 30 years leading the organization.

In a statement, Burrows said she sees Walnut Creek's trajectory as a draw.

"As a longtime area resident, I've seen Walnut Creek grow from a bedroom community into a business and tourism powerhouse," Burrows said. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to further that trend and introduce new strategies to help our local business community grow and prosper."