Atascadero Chamber Board announces next President & CEO
Derek Kirk.
–The Atascadero Chamber Board of Directors announced the appointment of Derek Kirk as the organization’s new President & CEO. Kirk will join the organization on Jan. 8, and succeeds Linda Hendy, who after seven years with Atascadero and twenty-one years working for three Chamber of Commerce announced her retirement from the Chamber Industry to open her own small business.
“I am honored that the Board of Directors has selected me to lead this organization into the future. The future of Atascadero is bright, and I look forward to ensuring the Chamber is serving the business community to the best of our ability,” said Kirk
With more than seven years in the chamber of commerce industry, Kirk is no newcomer to representing local business communities. He joins the team in Atascadero from his most recent role as Director of Community & Government Relations for the North Orange County Chamber (NOCC) in Fullerton, CA. NOCC is the largest business organization in the region and has over 2,500 business members. In North Orange County, Kirk was responsible for the development of the organization’s advocacy and workforce development programs. He also played a vital role in the recent development of the organization’s 15-year strategic plan.
Early in his career, Kirk began working for the Porterville Chamber of Commerce in California’s Central Valley and became passionate about engaging local members in purposeful conversations around local economic success. Since that time, he has worked at and volunteered at a number of chambers across southern California.
Chairman of the Atascadero Chamber, Dr. Ryan McGaughey said “We are thrilled to have Derek joining us in Atascadero and look forward to his leadership in the years to come. The chamber is a vibrant organization with its hands on the pulse of the community. Derek is the type of leader we need to keep us moving forward”.
Members of the chamber and the community will have an opportunity to meet Kirk at the chamber’s annual Installation Dinner on Jan. 27, at the SpringHills Suites by Marriott.
