Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), a former small business owner, issued the following statement after the California Chamber of Commerce announced today the appointment of Jennifer Barrera as the organization’s next President and CEO:

“I am pleased that CalChamber has selected an outstanding leader in Jennifer Barrera to be its next President and CEO. Her experience and dedication to improving California’s business climate will serve her well during these challenging times. I look forward to working with her in her new role.

“I also wish Allan Zaremberg a happy retirement as he steps down as CalChamber President and CEO. Advocating for the business community is no easy task in California and Allan has been a champion for employers and a stronger California economy for nearly three decades at the Chamber. He served his members well and fought hard to ensure that the Legislature heard the perspective of job creators. I thank him for his great work.”

Barrera will succeed Zaremberg on October 1, 2021. Zaremberg served as CalChamber President and CEO for 23 years.