The Glendale Chamber of Commerce recently announced the departure of President and CEO, Robert Heidt, who will be taking on a new role as the President and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

“Robert's steadfast commitment to the Glendale Chamber runs deep throughout every aspect of this organization. His presence will be missed, and I wish him the absolute best in his new role. Our focus now is on the search for a new CEO and a seamless transition that will take us to new heights while staying true to the Chamber we have become” stated Lisa Baker, chair-elect for 2024 and Realtor, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, in a press release.

Lynda Vescio, Chair of the Board, and Lisa Baker, Incoming Chair of the Board, have, assembled a search committee to work with Waverly Partners, a nationally recognized executive search firm, to assist in recruitment of the chamber's next leader. 

Effective Jan. 1, the chamber has announced that Jim Peyton will take over as Interim President & CEO. Peyton has been with the chamber since 2013 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since February 2017.

Peyton’s ability to assume responsibilities Robert has historically handled ensures that the chamber and the community will experience a smooth transition that the day-to-day operations of the chamber will continue unabated.

“I am honored to serve as Interim President & CEO, working to ensure our members receive a high level of service and our program of work continues with great impact.” stated Peyton in a press release.

The search committee will include several members of the board of directors. During this process, a key goal is to keep our membership and community apprised of our progress.

Questions related to recruitment should be directed to Waverly Partners. As always, questions related to all other areas of chamber business may be directed to any member of the chamber team, Lynda Vescio (2023 Chair of the Board) or Lisa Baker (Incoming 2024 Chair of the Board).

“I am in awe of what Robert has been able to accomplish during his tenure as our president and CEO. Robert’s professionalism and love of community have resulted in significant growth of the organization - from a few hundred members with limited financial resources into a robust, solvent, and impactful organization. We have a strong chamber board and a dynamic chamber team that continue to lead as we embark on the search for our next president & CEO. I am equally excited at the appointment of Jim Peyton as our interim CEO as I know his passion and commitment to the chamber will allow us the necessary time to conduct a meaningful search” stated Lynda Vescio, Chair of the Board, Glendale Chamber of Commerce and Senior Partner of Vescio & Seifert, P.C., in a press release.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of nearly 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals.