By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Spade hired as city's new economic development manager
Tamra Spade Ceres
Tamra Spade is the city of Ceres' new economic development manager.

Tamra Spade is the new Economic Development Manager for the city of Ceres.

Spade fills the vacancy left by Anthony Sims who was in the position for only five months until he left for the city of Turlock in July. The position was previously filled for seven years by Steve Hallam.

Spade spent the last 10 years as the CEO of the Chambers of Commerce in Ripon and Tracy. She worked as part of the district staff for then state Senator Anthony Cannella prior to accepting the top job at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

“We’re delighted to have Tamra help us take the city of Ceres to the next level of economic development,” said Christopher Hoem, director of Community Development.

In addition to her professional career, Tamra served on the board of directors for the San Joaquin Workforce Development board, Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Ripon Consolidated Fire District and is currently serving on Valley First Credit Union Board. 

She attended California State University, Stanislaus where she earned both a BA in Communication and a Master’s in Business Administration and a second Master’s in Leadership from Grand Canyon University.  She holds a National Certification in Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and a California Certification in Economic Development. 

Spade and her husband David Murphy have three children and three grandchildren.

Spade was born in Phoenix before moving to Turlock with her family. Her mother Sharon Silva headed up the Turlock Chamber of Commerce for 17 years. After Spade graduated from Turlock High she earned a communications degree at California State University of California, Stanislaus.

In 2020 she ran for Ripon City Council.