Tempe Chamber Welcomes New Staff

Erika Acorn, Business Development Specialist

Erika’s role is to develop and implement programs to increase membership and sponsorships.

She has worked for a nonprofit membership-based company where she was able to connect members with new opportunities and create programs that aligned with their needs. She brings experience in community engagement, brand development and fundraising to the Chamber. 

“Erika has an exceptional business background with strong communication and marketing skills,” said Anne Gill, Tempe Chamber president and CEO. “She will be a great asset to the team and a valued resource for our members.”

As a nine-year resident of the Valley and a graduate of Arizona State University, Acorn is passionate about creating a dynamic community and economy for the present and future residents of Tempe. She is eager to build and maintain relationships with business in order to promote a diverse, sustainable membership. 

Kristian Johnson, Marketing Specialist

Kristian’s role will include all facets of the Chamber’s marketing program including website management, content creation, social media and events.

After spending most of his life in Southern California, Kristian brings nearly two decades of creative, branding, and marketing experience to the Chamber. His expertise includes both traditional and digital media, executing award-winning advertising, trade shows, and rebrands that span from small businesses to global corporations. 

“We are very excited to add Kristian to the team,” said Chamber President and CEO Anne Gill. “His expertise in communications and digital marketing will serve our members well and bring immense value to the Chamber in furthering our mission to propel business success.”

Most recently, Kristian comes to serve the greater Tempe community from The QE Group, a small-business marketing solutions incubator, where he helped ideate services and strategies to help entrepreneurs make the most of limited time and budgets. 

With his own parents in mind, themselves Arizona business owners for more than 30 years, it is Kristian’s goal that, through the Chamber, he can help make life a little easier for the people of Tempe’s business community and help build a more connected feeling for Tempe as a whole.