North San Diego Business Chamber Names New CEO

The North San Diego Business Chamber has named Chris Thorne as the new Chief Executive Officer effective July 1. Thorne will succeed Debra Rosen, who is retiring June 30 after 14 years as the Chamber president and CEO.

The Chamber’s Executive Team spent three months interviewing many candidates and selected Thorne, according to chamber officials, because of his background in nonprofit leadership, human resources, small business ownership and the work he has done with all sizes of companies.

Thorne served in the military for 30 years and is currently the president of the Gary Sinise Foundation, San Diego Chapter.

Following his military service, Throne helped to establish and scale a small start-up company focused on supporting transitioning military personnel and military spouses in achieving successful post military careers.

Thorne also founded a Human Resources-oriented small business with a focus on military community talent programs, industry best practices in federal government programs, and compliance, with a specialty focus on California Labor compliance, as well as a leading Human Resources certification continuing education provider, speaking as a recognized expert to industry and business groups nationwide.

The Chambers focus on small business support, advocacy for all local business, emerging leaders’ development and supporting our transitioning veterans will continue to be of the highest priority.

“North San Diego Business Chamber is a strong, regional, 5-star US Chamber organization that is positioned to continue growing with Chris’s knowledge, relationships and experience” said Board Chair Stacey Hrountas. “The Chamber is positioned to expand advocacy regionally while advocating for our local businesses, jobs, and strong economic conditions”.

“I look forward to working with an amazing team of staff, board of directors and membership to support and promote the strong and vibrant business community in the San Diego region, as we continue to build on the reputation and strength of the Chamber,” Thorne said.

“Chris is the perfect choice for a successor. He will take the Chamber to the next level and we look forward to watching continued growth beyond the work we have done these last 14 years,” said Rosen.

North San Diego Business Chamber is the only 5-Star U.S. Chamber of Commerce-accredited organization in San Diego County. California has a total of 9 U.S. Chamber-accredited organizations.

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