Tempe Chamber of Commerce names interim president, CEO
Courtesy Tempe Chamber of Commerce
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce announced July 30 that former Tempe City Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage has been named the chamber's interim CEO and president.
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce announced in a July 30 media release that Robin Arredondo-Savage is assuming the role of interim CEO and president while a search begins for someone to permanently fill the position.
The chamber would not discuss why former chamber President and CEO Colin Diaz left, according to an email from Paulette Pacioni, the chamber’s vice president of operations and communications.
“We are not at liberty to discuss the specifics of a former employee’s employment with the chamber,” Pacioni wrote, addressing Diaz’s departure.
Arredondo-Savage will begin her work as interim CEO on Aug. 12, Pacioni said.
Diaz was named the president and CEO in March 2022, taking over the role from Anne Gill after her retirement. Prior to his work with the chamber, he led the Culver City Chamber of Commerce in Culver City, California.
At the time of publication, Diaz had not responded to a request for comment about leaving the chamber.
Arredondo-Savage served as a Tempe City Council member from 2010 to 2022, where she also served as vice mayor from 2016 to 2018.
The release noted her experience in local government, dedication to fostering economic growth and support for local businesses make her qualified to lead the chamber during this time.
“We are excited to see Robin step into this role and lead us through the transition,” Tom Binge, board chair for the chamber, stated in the release. “Robin’s Tempe roots and her relationship with the city will be invaluable as we continue to support our members and promote a thriving business environment in Tempe.”
As the interim CEO and president, the former council member will lead chamber initiatives including advocating for local businesses, providing economic development resources, connecting with the community and planning chamber events.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m thrilled to join the Tempe Chamber team. I look forward to contributing to the chamber’s success and collaborating with such talented staff, board members and Tempe community,” Arredondo-Savage stated in the release.
The chamber has commenced its search for a permanent CEO, and its board of directors will work with Arredondo-Savage to ensure a smooth transition, according to the release.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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“We are not at liberty to discuss the specifics of a former employee’s employment with the chamber,” Pacioni wrote, addressing Diaz’s departure.
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