Todd Jones to leave Redding Chamber for role with Shasta College leading Workplace and Economic Development

In a Facebook post last week, Todd Jones said the decision to depart from his role as CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce was not one he made lightly.

“While my time here was shorter than expected, it has been incredibly meaningful,” he wrote.

The Redding Chamber of Commerce is a business-oriented association that advocates for reducing regulations on businesses, coordinates with other business associations and government officials and promotes tourism.

Before Jones joined the chamber, he spent about six years at the Shasta Economic Development Corporation, eventually becoming president before taking his position as CEO in 2024.

Under Jones’ leadership, the chamber has continued to evolve its approach to attracting visitors to Redding, hosting networking events ahead of the recent Ironman triathlon and most recently celebrating the launch of a new round-trip intercity bus line from Redding to Sacramento.

Jones said he feels especially proud of establishing the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, which has allowed the organization to strengthen the voice of the business community, in part by taking on a strategic role in local political forums and endorsements.

This fall Jones will be starting a new role as interim dean of Economic and Workforce Development at Shasta College. The occupationally focused department connects students with apprenticeships and adult education, including for those with disabilities, along with technical education programs. 

Jones told Shasta Scout that his time at the chamber helped him realize that finding enough trained and available workers can be a setback for businesses looking to put down roots in Shasta. Part of what draws him to a new position at Shasta College, he said, is the school’s focus on cultivating those workers. 

“Shasta College has demonstrated an ability to create programs that are right-sized for our economy such as logging, truck driving, nursing, and other health care specialties,” Jones explained, adding that in this new role, he’ll continue to play a role in supporting the local economy. 

He will be replacing Jim Harrell who, like Jones, joined Shasta College as the interim dean in 2023 before becoming full-time dean in 2024. Harrell has now transitioned to a role as Dean of Extended Education and the North State Together program.

In his Facebook post, Jones said the search for the chamber’s next CEO was due to begin this week, and he’ll remain involved.

“In the months ahead,” he said, “I remain fully committed to finishing well, supporting our team, and helping ensure a smooth transition.”

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