By Rylie Friesen–
The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Monday announced the selection of Diane Ebbitt-Riehle to serve as the organization’s interim executive director.
Because of current social-distancing protocols due to COVID-19, she will be working remotely through Zoom and teleconferencing, the Chamber said in a news release. Once the mall reopens for business, she will move into the Chamber’s new office located inside Sunrise Mall.
Ebbitt-Riehle replaces Cendrinne DeMattei, who stepped down from her position as executive director last spring to serve as business development manager with the Chris DeMattei Real Estate Team, which is run by her husband. Chamber president Ilene Martzen has been filling in during the interim, on an unofficial basis.
The new interim director’s goals will focus on economic recovery, “as we return to a sense of normalcy following this pandemic,” the Chamber said in announcing the hiring of Ebbitt-Riehle’s. Other goals include “an active communications campaign to ensure members know that the Chamber is working for them.”
Ebbitt-Riehle previously served as Citrus Heights Rotary Club President from 2007-2008, and now serves as the club’s secretary. Her husband, Ray Riehle, serves as a director on the Citrus Heights Water District board.
She also serves in various volunteer positions in Citrus Heights, including with the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team, the police department and the Citrus Heights Police Activities League.
Her past achievements on the Chamber Board include being named “Ambassador of the Year” in 2004, “Business Person of the Year” in 2006, and Chamber Board President in 2008.
Ebbitt-Riehle and her husband live in Orangevale, along with their two dogs, a pair of geese, two miniature horses, and nine chickens.
