Toeniskoetter Takes Charge San Jose Chamber: In a pivotal move for the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, Leah Toeniskoetter has been chosen as the new president and CEO. Notably, she brings a wealth of experience as the founding director of SPUR San Jose, a public policy think tank, and as a senior manager at Deloitte. Toeniskoetter, daughter of prominent developer Chuck Toeniskoetter, steps into the role amidst a period of transition for the Chamber.
This marks the third change in leadership for the organization in three years. Toeniskoetter succeeds Derrick Seaver, who resigned in August. The Chamber, previously known as the Silicon Valley Organization, faced significant challenges, including the dissolution of its political action committee and the loss of numerous members following the controversy surrounding racist campaign ads in 2020.
In a statement, the Chamber expressed confidence in Toeniskoetter, citing her success in launching initiatives, shaping public policy, and fostering community impact. Toeniskoetter herself acknowledged the diverse businesses the Chamber represents, from local stores to Fortune 500 enterprises, and expressed her commitment to advancing economic vitality in San Jose and beyond.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the Chamber’s direction. Rev. Reginald Swilley from the Minority Business Consortium criticized the Chamber for allegedly favoring large corporations over small businesses and contributing to a widening wealth gap. Swilley called for a commitment from the new CEO to prioritize the economic strength of the community’s bottom 50%.
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Victor Gomez, director of the Silicon Valley Business PAC, emphasized the need for the Chamber to actively engage in advocacy, with or without a revived political action committee. He stressed the importance of the Chamber’s presence at local government meetings to address the challenges faced by the business community.
In addition to Toeniskoetter’s appointment, Nicholas Adams, the Chamber’s vice chair, has been elected chairman of the board. Adams, president and CEO of NINICO Communications, expressed his enthusiasm for ushering in a new chapter for the Chamber, working alongside Toeniskoetter.
As the San Jose Chamber of Commerce navigates this transition, the community watches closely, eager to see how Toeniskoetter’s leadership will shape the organization’s future and its impact on businesses of all sizes in the region.