Chamber Staff
Tahoe Chamber’s staff brings a unique set of skills and areas of expertise to the organization for the benefit of our membership. Get to know the staff below and reach out if you have any questions pertaining to your membership or the community!
Cristi Creegan
CEO
775.588.1728
Cristi Creegan took over the Chief Executive Officer position of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce in June 2024, and she’s excited to ensure that the Tahoe Chamber continues to be the voice of business and a champion for our community. Before coming to the Chamber, Cristi was a council member at the City of South Lake Tahoe, elected in 2020, and served as the mayor in 2023.
Cristi has extensive experience in nonprofit management and organizational leadership, having served as staff at the California Rangeland Trust and the Sierra Nevada Alliance and on the board of Live Violence Free, the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, and Tahoe Parents Nursery School. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA in English and a JD with Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College.
Cristi is a 28-year resident of South Lake Tahoe and, with her husband Bernard and their two daughters, loves to swim in the lake, read novels, and celebrate the connections that make the South Shore such a great place to live.
Jessica Grime
Membership Director
775.588.1728
Jessica Grime is a strategic and community-focused professional with a strong background in membership development, fundraising, and event planning. A South Shore resident since 2016, Jessica first became involved with the Tahoe Chamber as a dedicated volunteer before stepping into a leadership role. As Membership Director, she works to cultivate a vibrant and engaged Chamber network that supports local businesses, strengthens partnerships, and drives economic development.
Jessica brings leadership experience across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with a proven track record in growing membership, securing sponsorships, and delivering high-impact programs. She excels in high-level strategic planning, managing complex initiatives with cross-functional teams, and building trusted relationships with business leaders, community members, and local officials. Her ability to lead with both vision and collaboration ensures that Chamber events, programs, and member services consistently exceed expectations.
Passionate about elevating the South Shore business community, Jessica is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, visibility, and growth. She currently serves as an appointed Trustee on the Kingsbury General Improvement District Board and is actively involved in supporting local youth at George Whittell High School. Through her leadership, Jessica continues to champion a strong, resilient, and connected Tahoe.
Emily Kolessar
Event Coordinator
775.588.1728
Emily Kolessar is an experienced hospitality professional with a decade of expertise in luxury guest services, resort management, and full-scale event coordination. Originally from Key West, Florida, she built her career in high-end hospitality environments. Over the past 7 years she has refined her ability to create seamless, memorable experiences for guests from around the world.
With ten years of hands-on experience, Emily has managed operations for luxury resorts and led event coordination for private clubs, weddings, and a wide range of special celebrations, from intimate baby showers to large-scale gatherings. Her attention to detail, creativity, and calm under pressure nature have earned her a reputation for delivering events that feel effortless, personalized, and thoughtfully crafted.
Rooted in her love for hospitality and her commitment to exceptional service, Emily continues to elevate every event she touches.
Emily is excited to bring her hospitality expertise to the Tahoe Chamber, where she looks forward to supporting local businesses, elevating member events, and helping create meaningful connections throughout the community. With a passion for exceptional service and a commitment to creating memorable experiences, she is eager to make a positive and lasting impact on South Lake Tahoe’s business community.
Steve Teshara
Director of Government Relations
775.588.1728
Steve is recognized throughout the Tahoe region as an effective policy, planning, legislative, and community advocate. His resume includes more than 25 years as the chief executive for various business and community organizations. Steve served as Tahoe Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer from 2016-2021 and continues to lead the Chamber’s government relations. Steve also owns his own consulting company, Sustainable Community Advocates, based in Zephyr Cove.