The California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors last week named Jennifer Barrera as the organization’s next President and CEO, effective October 1, 2021.
Barrera will succeed retiring CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, who will remain on the job until the end of 2021. Zaremberg served as CalChamber President and CEO for 23 years.
In her current role as CalChamber Executive Vice President, Barrera oversees the development and implementation of policy and strategy for the organization. She represents CalChamber on legal reform issues and has been active in CalChamber’s business compliance activities, interpreting important changes in employment law for California companies. Barrera is well known for her success rate with CalChamber’s annual list of job killer legislation, efforts to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and leadership working with employers on critical issues, including most recently those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The news was welcomed by dozens of notable individuals and organizations from the Capitol community. Congratulatory statements poured in including those from Go Biz Director Dee Dee Myers, The California Women’s Caucus, Assembly Member Evan Low, Senator Pat Bates, California Women Lead, members of the third house and trade association executives.
CalChamber’s Zaremberg endorsed the appointment, saying, “Jennifer is respected by CalChamber members for her leadership and advocacy on business issues. California employers will be well served as she assumes the role of CalChamber President and CEO. During her time with CalChamber, Jennifer has positioned the organization for future success, and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, CalChamber will continue to be the strongest voice for California employers at the State Capitol as well as the industry leader in compliance resources.”
Barrera’s full biography is available at https://advocacy.calchamber.com/bios/jennifer-barrera/.
Loren Kaye, President, California Foundation for Commerce and Education