Maria Salinas is the new president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The board announced this week that current president and CEO Gary Toebben will retire on July 1 after leading the Chamber for 12 years.
Salinas is currently the President and Founder of Salinas Consulting, a finance and accounting project management firm.
“Maria has the unique combination of financial acumen and sound leadership skills paired with an entrepreneurial spirit that makes her the perfect choice to lead the Chamber,” said Michelle Kerrick, board chair for the Chamber.
“On top of this, she has deep community involvement and an insurmountable passion for seeing this city prosper. As a lifelong Angeleno, we are confident Maria will champion diversity and bring our communities closer together.”
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,650 members representing businesses of every size, from nearly every industry, in every community across Los Angeles County.
The small, medium and large-sized businesses employ more than 650,000 employees. According to the Chamber, each year they make more than 40,000 referrals to member companies, lead business, and professional development programs, as well as advocacy and signature events. Nearly 100 graduates participate in civic leadership programs annually, creating 10,000 job opportunities and internships for L.A. youth in California.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to build upon the great progress the Chamber has made in Los Angeles and lead it into its next chapter,” said Salinas.
“Throughout my career, I have used my financial expertise and business acumen to lead and create change and make a lasting impact both in business and in the community. I look forward to working alongside the talented staff and Board of Directors to continue to carry out the Chamber’s important mission of championing economic prosperity and quality of life for the Los Angeles region.”
Prior to launching her business in 2006, Salinas held financial leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company for nearly 11 years. She also developed public accounting experience working with Ernst & Young LLP.
In addition to serving as director and former Chairwoman of ProAmérica Bank, Salinas is chair of the Board of Regents at Loyola Marymount University, her alma mater. She also serves on the Board of Directors at UnidosUS and brings deep ties to the local education community with a board position at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine.
In addition to her professional experience, Salinas is an active member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, National Latina Business Women’s Association, Women’s Corporate Directors and the Latino Corporate Directors Association.
Salinas holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University earned her Certified Public Accountant designation in 1989. Salinas lives in Pasadena, California, with her husband and four children.
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