North Bay Angels names new CEO

<p>HEALDSBURG, Jan. 17, 2007 – After nine years as chairman and CEO of the angel investing group he co-founded with four other North Bay businessmen, Steve Weiss is passing the baton, it was announced Monday.</p><p>The North Bay Angels' Denny Van Ness, a part-time resident of Geyserville who owns Hidden Hill Advisors in San Francisco, will become chairman and CEO of the North Bay Angels for a year. Then the office will rotate to another board member.</p><p>"The idea is to share the leadership among more members," said Mr. Weiss. "Each chairman and CEO will act as CEO-elect for a year, learning the requirements of the position, and then take on the role."</p><p>"Steve's vision, energy and leadership was vital in creating the North Bay Angels, but it's not a one-man show," said Mr. Van Ness. "Shifting to a rotating leadership is good, and we'll continue to function as an emerging source of capital in the North Bay."</p><p>Mr. Weiss, Dan Lanahan, Harold Robinson and Deiter Thurow founded the North Bay Angels in 1998. Since then the group has grown to over 80 members and funded – as a group or individually – close to 40 startups from beverage makers to high-tech and biotech companies.</p><p>"It's been a great experience for me," said Mr. Weiss, who will continue to serve on the board as a chairman emeritus. "I've really enjoyed seeing young companies get off the ground."</p>