Our Team

We're excited to extend a warm welcome to Amanda Sweeting, as the Executive Director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce. Amanda grew up on the coast of California and has proudly called Alaska home for the past eight years. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit marketing and community outreach—including time as a marketing manager in Utqiaġvik (Barrow)—she brings a people-focused and creative approach to her work. Her years as an Alaskan outdoor guide strengthened her interpersonal skills, as she learned the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Amanda holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and is passionate about using her skills to give back to the town that has given her a home. In her free time, she enjoys packrafting, reading, film photography, and outdoor adventures with her dog, Rio.

Malia has been a local in Seward for 17 years, going through Pre-K to 12th grade in Seward's school systems. During her time here in Seward, Malia has worked a variety of jobs, including recently working at the Seward Airport which helped her develop key skills that she is able to utilize at the Seward Chamber of Commerce. Having previously worked at the Visitor Center, Malia has now stepped into the Member & Visitor Services Coordinator position. In this role, she is looking forward to getting to know the various businesses here in town and helping to promote and support them. During her off time, Malia enjoys working on art- anything from drawing, painting, jewelry making and pottery!

Kelly Ann Cavaretta lives and breathes small business. Her past 7 years have been predominantly defined in marine tourism – managing a push-the-limits seasonal small business explosion that Seward summers know best. An entrepreneur herself, Kelly Ann comes from a footing of shared experiences as SBDC’s newest Seward Business Advisor. From working as an environmental consultant in San Diego, to managing 60 seasonal employees and a seasonal boat tour company in Seward, to starting her own small yoga studio and own nightly rental business, Salted Roots Cabins, to buying an existing downtown restaurant and long-term rental business, Thorns, Kelly Ann hopes to bring real time experience to her community clients. To say Seward is her home is an understatement – She’s a proud resident of Seward, a community volunteer and board member, an avid recreationist in these coastal mountains, and a new mom. Kelly Ann has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.