Joshua Bonner, IOM, has left the Greater Coachella Valley (CA) Chamber for a position as the general manager of the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District. Diana Soto, the chamber’s vice president, has stepped in as interim CEO until a replacement is found.
Scott Ashton, CEO of the Oceanside (CA) Chamber, has been selected to fill a three-year term on the W.A.C.E. Board. He will fill the vacancy left by Joshua Bonner resigning.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced that Danny Seiden will be their new president/CEO. Seiden has more than 15 years of experience in global public affairs and government relations, as well as handling legal matters in the public and private sectors. Seiden will transition to his new role in early summer.
Melissa Fulton has announced her retirement from the Lake County (CA) Chamber after more than 30 years of service. A search for a replacement is being conducted. Fulton’s last day with the chamber will be June 11.
The Burlington (WA) Chamber has announced Stephanie Vervaart as their new president/CEO. Vervaart previously served as the chamber’s director of operations. She succeeds Peter Browning, who left the chamber in 2020 to become a county commissioner.
Brad Hicks, CCE, IOM, has announced he will be retiring from The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County (OR) after 28 years of service, 22 years of that as the president/CEO. Hicks will maintain an advisory role with the chamber beginning June 30. Eli Matthews, IOM, senior vice president of Travel Medford, has been selected to lead the organization as president/CEO.
The North Orange County (CA) Chamber has hired Andrew Gregson as their new CEO. Gregson has held executive positions for privately owned companies and most recently served as chief operating officer for an estate planning law firm. Gregson succeeds Theresa Harvey, who announced her upcoming retirement after 16 years of service to the chamber.
Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley (CA) Chamber, received the 2021 CEO of the Year award from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal Women’s Council.
The Greater Kings County (CA) Chamber has announced that Amy Ward has resigned to accept an opportunity outside of the chamber industry. The board is currently conducting a search for her replacement.
In Memoriam
Larry Buckmaster, longtime executive of the Redwood-San Mateo County (CA) Chamber, passed away last month. Buckmaster served the chamber for 30 years as president/CEO before retiring in 2013.