Marna Smeltzer Named 'Woman of Distinction'

Marna Smeltzer, the president and CEO of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce since 1995, was honored as one of nine Women of Distinction at an El Camino College event last month.

All nine women of distinction were recognized for their dedicated service and contributions to community, according to a news release from the college. The women were nominated by friends, family and colleagues; winners were selected by the ECC Women's History Month Committee based on service in one or more of the following areas: professional accomplishments; leadership or mentorship; and social, educational or health services.

Smeltzer was recognized because of her position as one of the leading chamber executives in California, according to the release. She is a founder of the Leadership Redondo program, which has produced more than 200 graduates.

"A graduate of Stanford Institute of Management, she's mentored a number of people, guiding them toward career mobility," according to ECC.

Smeltzer, who was recognized as a Redondo Beach Patch Greatest Person last year, received her associate's degree at El Camino College.

She started at the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce in 1986 as a receptionist after a career in insurance.

"I liked (working at the Chamber) so much I probably would have worked for free," she told reporter Katharine Blossom Lowrie last year. "It was so diverse. Not like insurance, where you are doing the same thing day in and day out. (Here) I could do economic development … government affairs … human resources."

Smeltzer's accomplishments, along with those of other award winners, will be featured on the ECC Women's Wall of Fame in the Schauerman Library throughout the year. Their names will also be engraved on a plaque that is a permanent part of the display.

The other women recognized were Antoinette Brown-Leon and Mattie Eskridge of Gardena; Bonnie Jean Coronado of Lawndale; Leslie Fletcher and Penny Rahmeyer of Torrance; Christina Gold, of Lakewood; Heidi Maerker, of El Segundo; and Lisa Raufman, of Long Beach.