Welcome New Chamber Staff | January 2026

Over the past few weeks, our exceptional advocacy and marketing team has expanded. We are excited to welcome two Political Advocacy interns, as well as a Social Media & Community Engagement Coordinator, to the Chamber!

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​Nikki Spaulding
Social Media & Community Engagement Coordinator

Nikki supports Tacoma’s small business community through creative marketing, storytelling, and meaningful engagement, which helps local businesses feel seen, supported, and connected. After spending nearly a decade as a small business owner, she brings a deep understanding of the heart, dedication, and resilience it takes to build something from the ground up. Her work is guided by a love for Tacoma and a belief that strong, supported small businesses create a stronger community for everyone.

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Natalie Smith
Political Advocacy Intern

Natalie supports the Chamber’s government affairs work by monitoring county and city council meetings and identifying policies that impact the local business community. Her work helps ensure that business perspectives are represented in local policy discussions. Natalie will complete her degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, with a concentration in International Studies this March. After graduation, she is planning on attending law school. 

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Jakob Volkman
Political Advocacy Intern

Jakob supports the Chamber’s government affairs work by monitoring county and city council meetings and identifying policies aligned with the Chamber's goals. He works as a research assistant, keeping up with city, county, and state-level policy changes to ensure the Chamber's interests are represented in the latest policy developments. Jakob will complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a concentration in Economics next year and plans​ to work in economic policy analysis after graduation.

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