About The Chamber

Kristen Sharp

President / CEO

Kristen Sharp has served as the President and CEO of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce since October 2022. She previously served as the Chamber’s Events Director. Originally from Missouri, Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri. Kristen moved to Arizona to attend the University of Arizona and achieved her master’s degree in the same field. Prior to joining the Chamber, she gained experience teaching across all education levels, from early childhood to university level, as well as in retail management. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and playing piano and guitar.

Joni Bates

Member Engagement Director

Joni Bates became the Member Engagement Director for the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce in April 2022. Before joining this Chamber, she spent over 20 years at the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association in various roles, including Communications and Membership Director. Joni is a 2008 graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy and completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management in 2014. In her free time, Joni loves golfing and hiking.

Makenna Markley

Events/Communications Director

Makenna Markley started as the Events and Communications Director at the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce in November 2022. Born and raised in Oro Valley, she ventured to San Diego to earn a degree in Communication Studies and Public Relations from Point Loma Nazarene University. Afterward, Makenna returned to Arizona’s desert, though she often misses the ocean breeze. She enjoys watching comedy TV shows, except for The Office, and has a particular weakness for chocolate. In her free time, she hosts movie nights with friends and cuddles with her dog, Mambo.

Leah Noreng

Operations Director

Leah Noreng joined the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce in February 2023 as Operations Director. A Tucson native, Leah returned to the area after living in New Mexico, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. Leah’s career has spanned business development, sales, and nonprofit work, and she is actively involved in her community, serving on various nonprofit boards and committees.

Leah Bahan

Business Development Director

Leah Bahan became the Business Development Director for the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce in January 2024. Originally from South Carolina, Leah moved to Tucson in 2022 with her husband, Mark. She has a background in sales, marketing, and advertising. Leah enjoys getting to know the local business community and hosting get-togethers. In her free time, she likes to travel, explore new restaurants, build Legos, play piano, and relax by the pool.