The Cessnock Business Chamber is led by a volunteer board of local business owners and community members who give their time to support and strengthen business across the Cessnock LGA.
Sarah Pascoe
President
Sarah Pascoe has worked in the Cessnock LGA for many years and is the owner of Cessnock Plaza News & Gifts. A hard-working business owner, mother and wife, Sarah has re-joined the board after a short break and is ready to support local businesses.
Iain Cooper
Vice President
Iain and his wife Emilia moved to the area eight years ago, having semi-retired after 34 years in the gaming and hospitality industry as a director and CEO. Two years ago he was asked to join the board of the Cessnock Leagues Club, drawing on his experience living and working in the USA, South Africa, Japan and Europe. During his career he ran an online gaming business, giving him first-hand knowledge of online trading and the opportunities and challenges it brings.
His passion is to use that experience to add value to SMEs, especially in coaching, mentoring and business development. Iain has an MBA and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Away from the chamber, Iain enjoys golf and walking, and is currently studying to qualify as a JP for the community.
Krystal Sellars
Secretary
Krystal is a wearer of many hats — mother, wife, storyteller and student. She is the Community Engagement Manager at Cessnock Hospitality Group, a role she began in February 2023. Before this, she was a journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser for 16 years, working closely with the business chamber to help promote its initiatives.
Krystal is currently studying a Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation at the University of Newcastle. She is a founding member of the Cessnock Women Connect subcommittee and joined the board in February 2024.
Cass Ponchard
Treasurer
Cass has been involved in business in the Cessnock area for many years. She has run the Abermain Hotel and Blue Leaf Cafe since 2017, and has been nominated for and won multiple awards for her work at the hotel. Over the years she has volunteered her time to assist with many community events and committees.
Raising her young family in Cessnock drives her passion to see the region thrive, which led her to join the chamber at the start of 2025 — to assist with events and chamber initiatives, promote local business, and build stronger community support across the LGA.
Geoff Walker
Membership Officer
In recent years, Geoff stepped back from full-time work. After almost 20 years operating their retail small business, he and his wife Julie decided to explore new interests. Geoff devotes his energy to the Cessnock community and sits on a number of local boards and organisations, sharing his knowledge to assist other businesses with their direction and strategy.
Geoff has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in marketing and business management, is a Justice of the Peace, and is an advocate for local business. As Membership Officer, he supports new business ventures while ensuring the needs of existing members remain a priority.
Stacy Jacobs
Board Member
Stacy Jacobs is a passionate community advocate and award-winning youth worker with over two decades of experience in youth development, community leadership and education. She is best known for her work as a Student Support Officer at Cessnock High School, a role she has held for more than 10 years, mentoring other SSOs across New South Wales and leading programs that build resilience, leadership and wellbeing among students.
Stacy is the 2022 NSW Youth Worker of the Year and a City of Maitland Service Award recipient, and has been a nominee for Local Woman of the Year, Australian of the Year and the Pride of Australia Medal.
Sharon Toner
Board Member
Sharon brings a blend of corporate leadership and community service to the board, with 24 years in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region. After a 22-year career in retail — holding senior leadership roles including Head of Program Delivery and Head of Central Operations, Communications and Events — Sharon made a career transition in 2024.
She has since established herself as a Civil Marriage and Funeral Celebrant and End of Life Doula. As local business owners themselves, Sharon and her partner are passionate about supporting other businesses in the area, and her background in operations, communications and events brings valuable insight to chamber initiatives.
Position Vacant
Board Member
Are you a current member of the Cessnock Business Chamber and interested in volunteering to help make a difference for local business? This position may be for you. Email info@cessnockbusinesschamber.com.au to find out more.
Position Vacant
Board Member
Are you a current member of the Cessnock Business Chamber and interested in volunteering to help make a difference for local business? This position may be for you. Email info@cessnockbusinesschamber.com.au to find out more.
