Northern California World Trade Center

Meet the NorCalWTC Staff:

Michael Faust, President and CEO

Michael Faust serves as the President and CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center and as the Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Development for the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Mr. Faust brings substantial management, marketing, political, economic development and public policy experience to the table through his years of experience working in governmental affairs, as well as running both small and mid-sized companies.

In his role at the Northern California World Trade Center, Mr. Faust oversees all activities of the largest World Trade Center in California, which covers 40 counties throughout Northern California. Through the U.S. Department of State sponsored International Leadership Visitor Program, Mr. Faust serves as host to the more than 300 government officials and dignitaries from around the world each year in an effort to advance international business relations and citizen diplomacy.

As President and CEO of the NorCalWTC, Mr. Faust has increased regional focus and awareness on the goods movement opportunities that exist in the Sacramento region, by highlighting projects that have the potential to dramatically increase both goods movement in Northern California and bring much needed jobs to Northern California. For full bio, please click here.

Dion Dwyer, Executive Director of Membership

Dion Dwyer joined the Northern California WTC in September 2007 and manages the day-to-day operations of the Center. His responsibilities include developing strategy, promoting membership, designing trade-related programs and events, and building partnerships with other economic development organizations in the Sacramento region.

Dion brings over 12 years of private sector strategic international trade and business development experience to the position, acquired while working at FedEx Express, FedEx Corporate Services and BAX Global.

Mr. Dwyer earned a reputation throughout the northern California region as an expert in logistical management assisting small and medium sized businesses grow their international business base utilizing his extensive knowledge and experience.

Most recently BAX Global employed Mr. Dwyer as a Senior Account Manager. Prior to joining BAX, Dion spent several years in the mortgage industry focusing on recruiting, training and marketing. Previous to that, Dion spent over 8 years in management with FedEx Express and FedEx Corporate Services Group.

Matt Yancey, Director of Workforce Development and Education

Matt Yancey is Director of Workforce Development and Education, Northern California World Trade Center and additionally serves as Director of Business and Economic Development at the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Mr. Yancey is an economic development professional with nearly a decade of experience in the field and holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Chico .

Mr. Yancey has nearly a decade of experience in the economic development field focusing on the full spectrum of economic development analyses, as well as grant writing and grant administration. His responsibilities with the Northern California World Trade Center will include management of the International Business Certificate Program and international market research.

In his role with the Metro Chamber Yancey has been responsible for overseeing that organization’s economic development agenda. His work has included directing the Metro Chamber’s commitments as managing partner in region’s Metro Pulse business retention and expansion program. Yancey also has directly managed the Metro Chamber’s advocacy efforts in the areas of economic development, health care and biosciences, small business, workforce development and education, and others.

Kelly Brenk, Director of Communications and External Affairs

Kelly Brenk serves as the Director of Communications and External Affairs with the Northern California World Trade Center. In addition, Ms. Brenk is the Manger of Regional Policy and External Affairs for the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Northern California World Trade Center and the Metro Chamber, Ms. Brenk worked for Assemblyman Roger Niello (Republican, 5th AD), joining his staff in after his election win in 2004 and served as campaign staff on successful races in both 2004 and 2006.

Through her professional experience, Ms. Brenk has gained an extensive background in writing, research, community and political outreach, as well as a strong command of public policy and political advocacy. In her work with the Metro Chamber, Ms. Brenk manages policy issues at the local, state and federal level, with her primary issue areas including Water Resources, Flood Protection, Transportation, Land Use and Natural Resources, as well as development of the Sacramento Region’s Urban Core. Through her experience in both public policy and communications, Ms. Brenk brings an enthusiastic and knowledgeable perspective to the Northern California World Trade Center’s informational and outreach materials.

In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Brenk holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications from San Francisco State University. Ms. Brenk also holds a post-graduate Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Sonoma State University.

Maureen Johnson, Director of Operations

Maureen Johnson joined the Metro Chamber staff in May 2008. Ms. Johnson came to the Metro Chamber with more than 25+ years of operations and administrative experience—having contributed to the success of small and large companies in the Sacramento region.

Within the Metro Chamber’s Public Policy & Economic Development division Ms. Johnson assists the Executive Vice President in the day to day operations of the department as well as overseeing the 11 committees within the department. As the Director of Operations for the Northern California World Trade Center Ms. Johnson will oversee all administrative functions of the NCWTC.

Prior to her joining the Metro Chamber staff, Ms. Johnson was the Operations Manager for Big Valley Mortgage, the flagship branch of American Pacific Mortgage. In this role she assisted the General Manager as well as supervised the day to day operations of the administrative staff.

Previously, Ms. Johnson was the Operations Manager for Pacesetter Financial, Inc. and Prudential California Realty for over 10 years. She started as an Administrative Assistant and with in one year was the Operations Manager.

Prior to Prudential California Realty she worked in different capacities for Prudential Mammoth Sierra Properties, DJD Enterprises/Daleiden Engineering and Elliott Real Estate.

Jennifer Bailey, Associate Programmer

Jennifer Bailey is a graduate from the University of California Davis . She received two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in her four years of study there. One degree focused on International Relations, with an emphasis on People and Nationalities. The other degree was in Sociology, focusing on Comparative Studies and World Development.

Ms. Bailey's career background has been driven by the desire to work in international relations, a field she wholly enjoys. She has a wide breadth of experience, from programming national events on behalf of the Sacramento Metro Chambers regional policy department, to working on International Visitors Leadership Programming (IVLP).

Ms. Bailey is an Active member of Sacramento ’s Metro sponsored EDGE Group and has a great deal of background in philanthropic work and fundraising. She has done extensive travel throughout the world as well as within the United States . Her travels abroad have also contributed to her fluency in a second language, Spanish. At the Northern California World Trade Center , Ms. Bailey will continue to promote closer educational relationships within the United States and other countries through the IVLP.