Chamber selects new leader

The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce has appointed Jerry Wheeler as its new president and chief executive.

Wheeler, a chamber executive for 15 years in Lake Oswego, Ore., beat nearly two dozen candidates for the position, according to board Chairwoman Janis Mantini.

Wheeler will start in his new position June 1. Mantini said it was largely Wheeler’s experience that set him apart from the other applicants, who came from Oregon, Arizona and California.

“He just has the right level of experience and maturity,” she said. “It’s a natural progression for him. He’s managed chambers of similar makeup to ours.”

Zoe Taylor has served as the chamber’s interim chief executive since December, following Perry Cain, who held the post for a year after longtime leader Joyce Riddell stepped down.

According to a chamber release, Wheeler has served as president of the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Northwest Chamber Leaders Conference and other positions.

— Michael Miller