The Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce named Julie Snyder its new chief executive officer Aug. 6.

The chamber began the search for a new leader when former Executive Director Ray Hernandez took the same position with the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Cale Baese said chamber officials are excited about Snyder's hiring.

"She has a lot of experience in multiple aspects of what we do," Baese said. "She has some experience on the membership and the chamber side, and she's got experience on the operations and management side. That's what the chamber needs in order to continue to be successful and grow."

Snyder comes to Kyle from Sacramento, Calif., where she previously worked for 10 years as the vice president and director of operations for the California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers' Association.

"The chamber of commerce plays an important role in creating a strong local economy and fostering growth and diversity in the community," Snyder said in a press release. "I have a strong passion for local chambers and look forward to providing value to chamber members during this exciting time of growth for the community of Kyle."

Snyder has also worked with the Reno-Sparks, Nevada, Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona State Chamber of Commerce and the Roseville, Calif., Chamber of Commerce.

Snyder is a graduate of the Academy Program through the Western Association of Chamber Executives and is married with two children.

Snyder will start her new position Sept. 3.

The job title for the leader of the chamber changed from executive director to CEO, and Baese explained it was to bring the chamber's organizational structure closer in line with other chambers.

"It's to make it more obvious whose roles are what," Baese said. "I think it's important to be clear on who is responsible for what."