Rancho Cordova city staff present Diann Rogers with flowers in recognition of her 15 years leading the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - “Exhilarating. Candidly challenging.”

That is how President and CEO Diann Rogers summed up 15 years leading the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber. Years she said have ultimately been about helping other people turn their ideas into reality.

Community leaders, chamber staff and friends gathered Sept. 17 at Rancho Cordova City Hall to recognize Rogers’ 15th anniversary with the Chamber.

Matthew Ceccato, district chief of staff for Rep. Ami Bera, presented Diann Rogers with a certificate of congressional recognition.

“It’s really been a joy because, in its very own corny way, you get to help people with dreams come true,” Rogers said. “They have a passion or a vision for something, and you have the tools, resources and the team to be able to help make those things come to fruition.”

Representatives from federal and state offices joined city and business leaders in recognizing Rogers’ work.

Matthew Ceccato, district chief of staff for Rep. Ami Bera, said Rogers has become a point of connection for people entering the Rancho Cordova community.

“You talk to anyone in this community, anyone in this region, they will tell you that you must see Diann,” Ceccato said. “She’s connected to the business community. She’s connected to leaders, to the people. She’s connected to the community.”

Natalya Sachuk, representing Assemblymember Josh Hoover, and Kosim Latipov, representing state Sen. Roger Niello, presented recognition and thanked Diann Rogers for her service.

Natalya Sachuk, representing Assemblymember Josh Hoover, and Kosim Latipov, representing state Sen. Roger Niello, also presented recognitions and thanked Rogers for her service.

Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood credited Rogers with helping rebuild and expand the Chamber during her tenure.

“I could not imagine not having Diann in my life and not having her as part of the city,” Gatewood said. “From the City of Rancho Cordova, we thank you.”

Brad Silverbush, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Rivergate Cordova, presents Diann Rogers with a framed photo of Rogers and Chamber staff during a visit to the restaurant.

Brad Silverbush, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Rivergate Cordova, recalled meeting Rogers after opening his business and learning more about opportunities to become involved locally.

“She really opened my eyes to a lot of really positive things going on here that I was unaware of,” Silverbush said.

Chamber staff also reflected on Rogers’ impact inside the organization.

Bee Lopez, who has worked with Rogers for 11 years, said Rogers’ approach extends beyond supporting businesses.

Rancho Cordova Area Chamber staff, from left, Cassandra Marcum, Pam Garcia, Diann Rogers, Bee Lopez and Ashley Buud gather during Rogers’ 15th anniversary celebration.

“You inspire us to want to be better at what we do,” Lopez said. “You meet us with such passion for the community, not just the business community, but everybody who walks through our door.”

Rogers, in turn, credited the team around her.

“Every one of them is so unique that what they bring is marvelous to everything that we do,” Rogers said. “Yet when we need to be a fully cohesive team, it happens in a second.”

After 15 years, Rogers said reaching that point took time.

“I’m glad we got here,” she said.

Diann Rogers (center) poses with members of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber Board of Directors during her 15th anniversary celebration.