NORTH COAST, Calif. — West Business Development Center has announced that its chief executive officer, Mary Anne Petrillo, is retiring after eight years of service, effective Dec. 31.

During her tenure, West Center achieved significant milestones, becoming a vital driver of economic growth and small business development throughout Mendocino County and rural Northern California.

Since becoming CEO in 2017, Petrillo has overseen a period of substantial growth and innovation.

Under her leadership, the organization has achieved several significant milestones, including:

• Nearly tripling the number of clients served, increasing from 238 to 758 annually through comprehensive business training, strategic initiatives, confidential advising, and financial grant support.
• Launching Centro Latino West, the first all-Spanish small business development program in the region, expanding access and fostering inclusion for Latino entrepreneurs.
• Introducing StartUp Mendocino, a rural regional business accelerator that celebrates local entrepreneurship and drives innovation in underserved communities.
• Championing a regional Blue Economy strategy on the Northern California Coast, aligning partnerships and securing investments to revitalize our working waterfront, elevate the importance of harbor restoration and advancing the Noyo Ocean Collective.
• Forging strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as financial institutions, securing vital funding and collaboration that continues to benefit the local economy.

“We are deeply grateful for Mary Anne’s visionary leadership and the profound impact she has had on the business community,” said Michelle Hutchins, Chair of the West Center Board of Directors. “Her dedication to advancing small business development—especially in rural and underserved areas — has been extraordinary. While we will miss her leadership, we are optimistic about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

West Center has launched an open search for a new CEO to guide the organization through its next chapter.

The board of directors is committed to identifying a dynamic leader who will build upon the strong foundation laid by Petrillo and advance the organization's newly completed strategic plan.

This strategic plan, which outlines West Center’s priorities for the next several years, will guide the staff, board, and stakeholders in continuing their mission to promote regional economic growth and small business development throughout Mendocino County and beyond.

“We are well-prepared for this transition,” added Tim Karas, vice chair of the board. “With strong governance practices, comprehensive policies, and a dedicated team in place, we are confident that West Center is poised for continued success. We look forward to welcoming a new CEO who will lead us into an exciting future.”

The board invites qualified candidates to apply for this unique leadership opportunity and looks forward to ushering in the next chapter of growth and innovation at West Center.

All inquiries for this position should be made to info@clairemyersconsulting.com.