Chamber of Commerce Staff
SHERRY YARDLEY
CEO
Sherry Yardley is a dedicated community leader with a passion for fostering growth and collaboration within Encinitas. As a key figure in the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Sherry works tirelessly to support local businesses, drive economic development, and enhance the vibrant culture of the region. Her commitment to community service extends through her involvement with the Encinitas Rotary Club, EcoFest and various local initiatives that aim to create a stronger, more connected city. With a focus on creating impactful partnerships, Sherry’s leadership continues to inspire growth and prosperity throughout North County.
CAROL KNIGHT
Community Relations & Membership Director
A 20-year resident of Encinitas, Carol joined the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce in 2021 and oversees events, membership, marketing communications and the Visitors Center. At the Chamber she uses her 30+ years of public relations, promotions and events experience to help make a positive impact on the community, it’s businesses and especially the Chamber members. A veteran of the toy and game business and Japanese pop- culture spaces, prior to joining the Chamber she worked for Parker Brothers & Wizards of the Coast (Hasbro) as Director of Public Relations, Promotions and Consumer Relations and was their spokesperson. She spearheaded successful publicity events, including the National and World Monopoly Game Championships and the World’s Largest Sleepover, the launch of The Pokémon Trading Card game and worked on brands such as Harry Potter, MLB, NFL and Star Wars. Most recently she was partner at The Frame Shop, a marketing communications agency working with clients KONAMI, J!NX The Upper Deck Company, various board game companies, clothing retailer Draper & Damons and t-shirt manufacturer HeartThreads Clothing. On the weekend she loves exploring the trails of Olivenhain, the local beaches at low tide and having a leisurely brunch on the patio at one of Encinitas’ many restaurants.
LAURA CHARLTON
public relations
PR consultant Laura Charlton brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations and public affairs to the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. With extensive experience in the entertainment, non-profit, education, trade and member organization industries, Laura has developed and executed strategic partnerships and cause marketing campaigns with major national corporations including Disney, Make-A-Wish, Girl Scouts of the USA and NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants.
Laura formed her own Public Relations and Marketing Consultancy Firm in 2006 and has focused her talents locally to generate exceptional coverage and awareness for San Diego clients including the Encinitas Chamber, the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, Make-A-Wish San Diego, Keep California Beautiful, The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, the La Costa Film Festival and Kitchens for Good. She is especially proud of her work for the Chamber writing the bi-weekly column “Chamber Chatter” for The Coast News and in making Chamber Director Carol Knight into a local celebrity as the official Chamber media spokesperson.
Her perfect day in Encinitas includes a walk on Swami’s beach followed by lunch at La Especial Norte and meeting up with friends at Biergarten or Union.
