HB Chamber of Commerce names new president and CEO
James O’Callaghan is the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce’s new president and CEO, the chamber’s board of directors announced this week.
O’Callaghan, who served as president and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce for the last four years, will begin his term July 11. He was selected after a nationwide search, according to a news release from the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“This represents an extraordinary opportunity to combine my backgrounds in economic development and tourism monetization,” said O’Callaghan, who is also on the board of the Western Assn. of Chamber Executives and previously worked as the Executive Director of the Venice Visitor and Director of Visitor Services for LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“When I first moved to California 12 years ago, Huntington Beach is where I chose, so this is a homecoming of sorts,” he said.
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Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Weikko Wirta said he believes O’Callaghan will bring a wide range of skills to the job.
“Jim brings a unique blend of marketing, financial and chamber credentials to our organization,” he said. “His proven leadership in a diverse range of businesses gives him the perspective and knowledge that will serve the Huntington Beach Chamber and its members well.”
O’Callaghan replaces former Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jerry Wheeler, who retired from the position in April.
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Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com
Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey
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