James O’Callaghan was named president and chief executive of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, effective July 11.
Former President and Chief Executive Jerry Wheeler left the role on April 8 to move to Sacramento, where his wife, Celia, who led March of Dimes work in Orange County, had taken a promotion with the nonprofit.
Huntington Beach Chamber Chairman Weikko Wirta and Chairman-Elect Barbara Mason have split interim chief executive duties since Wheeler’s departure.
O’Callaghan has extensive experience with beach cities and tourism, having recently led the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce. He’s also held regional operations positions with TicketMaster, Family Dollar and Blockbuster Video.
The Huntington Beach chamber has about 700 members.
—Paul Hughes
