Veteran executive succeeds longtime leader Robin Trimble
ROCKLIN, Calif. (Rocklin Online) —After the retirement of long-time CEO Robin Trimble, Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce has a new leader – seasoned nonprofit and chamber executive Kathleen McCorry who will assume the office of CEO effective August 10.
Having a professional background in managing nonprofits and experience in managing chambers of commerce both in California and Washington, McCorry is taking on a responsibility of leading the Rocklin chamber in an organization that has been playing a major role in the city’s business community for more than half a century.
The retirement of Trimble, who served in the position for more than two decades, created the biggest leadership turnover in recent history of the organization.
McCorry has experience from several communities
Before joining Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce, McCorry led chambers serving Madera County, Mariposa County and South County in California, and the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce in Washington.
That means McCorry has a lot of experience in managing chambers of commerce in smaller tourist destinations and growing suburban communities with strong business sector.
In addition to her background in leading multiple chambers of commerce, McCorry is also a graduate of Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy – a professional training program for chamber managers and organizational leaders.
The board of directors of Rocklin chamber of commerce found McCorry’s experience in managing several chambers of commerce among the reasons why she should become a new CEO of the organization.
One of McCorry’s main tasks as CEO will be to get acquainted with the city’s businesses, civic organizations and community leaders and establish relationship with chamber’s members.
It will take place while the city of Rocklin continues its development and while businesses face issues of labor cost, lack of affordable housing, infrastructure, development, regulation at state level and changes in consumers’ behavior.
Leadership change after more than 20 years
Kathleen McCorry takes over the position of the CEO of the organization that has been led by Robin Trimble for more than two decades.
Trimble served in the position for approximately two decades before her retirement in early 2026. That happened during the period of dramatic change in Rocklin and South Placer County in general.
The leadership change not only involves replacing an administrator, but it means changing an executive who plays a vital role in connecting businesses with local government, nonprofits and community organizations while overseeing programs promoting local commerce and business involvement.
The Rocklin chamber of commerce defines itself as both business membership organization and a community hub focused on supporting businesses, establishing connections and addressing the issues impacting the region.
Rocklin Chamber has history of almost 60 years
The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1969, which put it close to the beginning of the period of modern development of Rocklin. According to the chamber, it has more than 600 member businesses at the moment.
However, Rocklin itself has much longer history.
During the 19th century, the city developed around the railroad and granite industry. It was designated as a recognized stop along the transcontinental railroad in 1864 and incorporated as a city in 1893. By 1910, there were 22 granite quarries operating in the city.
It was during the 20th century that the economic character of the city changed drastically.
The land connected with the large Spring Valley Ranch was gradually subdivided as the development of suburban areas moved northeast from Sacramento. Development of Sunset Whitney area in the late 1950s and early 1960s laid the foundation for further residential development of the city.
During the 1980s, Rocklin started attracting technology companies and other employers due to availability of land and relatively low cost of living. Planned communities such as Stanford Ranch, Whitney Oaks and Whitney Ranch followed, adding new homes, businesses and services.
Chamber’s growth has paralleled that transformation.
Role of the chamber goes beyond business networking
While chambers of commerce are usually associated with business networking and economic development, Rocklin Area Chamber also has several programs connecting businesses with government and broader community.
These programs include networking events, ribbon cuttings, business education and promotions. The chamber also has government relations and advocacy programs addressing the issues that impact its members.
Among the most long-lasting programs of the chamber is Leadership Rocklin.
This program has been operating for more than two decades and aims at familiarizing participants with institutions, organizations and issues that make up Rocklin community. Chamber still includes Leadership Rocklin in the list of its major programs.
The chamber also collaborates with the city administration on organizing the annual State of the City event. This event provides information on municipal projects and issues of Rocklin and helps in connecting city government with local business community.
Community events remain an integral part of chamber’s activities
While the programs described above take place in the traditional context of business meeting, Rocklin chamber of commerce also has programs that occur outside that context.
Annual Hot Chili & Cool Cars festival has become one of the largest community events in Rocklin. The 2026 edition will be the 33rd of this event which involves classic cars show, chili competition and various activities that occupy almost 17 acres of downtown Rocklin.
Chamber also organizes annual Tree Lighting celebration in Rocklin which takes place in December every year. The 2026 edition will happen on December 5.
Those events reflect the evolution of the chamber from its early days. While business advocacy was always an important part of its work, Rocklin chamber also got involved in community events, leadership development and other programs aimed at establishing connection between local businesses and community.
What comes next
Kathleen McCorry takes over the organization that is far different from what it was like in 1969 when it was founded.
From the community with railroad and granite industry, Rocklin turned into a suburban city with major retail centers, technology and professional employers, educational institutions and developing residential neighborhoods.
New CEO of the chamber will have to lead the organization through the next stage of its development while keeping all of the programs developed during the long service of Trimble.
For McCorry, the immediate task will be getting acquainted with Rocklin’s businesses and civic organizations and understanding the needs of chamber’s members. In the longer perspective, her tenure will play an important role in determining how the organization balances its traditional functions with the business advocacy and economic issues of developing South Placer County region.
