President and CEO Named to Chamber

Joe Sandoval is the new president and chief executive officer of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce.

Since joining the chamber 10 years ago, Sandoval, 36, has risen quickly through the ranks, first as a volunteer, then as a policymaker and policy implementer on the Board of Directors.

“I look at this as a very positive career move and a chance to bring ideas and enthusiasm to the job each day,” said Sandoval, who has sidelined his marketing company to take the new position.

Sandoval said his main goal is to get the word out on the chamber and its programs.

“I want to make the chamber more visible,” he said. “I also want to be able to implement the programs that will help businesses thrive in San Fernando.”

The new president has already started a public relations campaign for the chamber that includes ads in local newspapers and radio spots.

Sandoval also wants to attract businesses to the city’s downtown area, help stimulate the growth of small businesses and woo larger companies to settle in San Fernando and provide jobs for a growing workforce, he said.

“We have a good staff that can balance both the needs of the small business, often networking and finding the money to expand, and the needs of the large companies like Home Depot, who often need to find a prepared, qualified work force,” Sandoval said.

Since the Albuquerque native moved to San Fernando in 1988, he has worked in real estate, insurance and marketing.

As president and CEO, Sandoval replaces Bruce Cohen, who served for 10 years.