L.A. Chamber Taps Ex-MWD Chief for Post

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The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday named Ronald Gastelum, former chief executive of the Metropolitan Water District, to the new position of executive vice president.


Gastelum, who managed the MWD until retiring last year, will be responsible for the daily operations of the chamber starting Oct. 10, assisting chamber President and Chief Executive Rusty Hammer, who has been battling leukemia for two years. Hammer announced last month he plans to resign from the chamber due to health reasons.


A search for Hammer’s replacement is expected to last for six to nine months. Gastelum will not be a candidate for the position, according to a chamber official.


Hammer has been in the office part-time for the past year while battling his illness. Chamber staffers and Chamber Board Chairmen George Kieffer and Chris Martin have been pitching in to help Hammer with his duties.


Hammer said Gastelum, who fills the No. 2 position at the chamber, would assume more management duties than did previous executive vice presidents of the chamber. “Ron is an expert in public policy issues and that’s one of the key things that the chamber is involved in,” said Hammer. “He’s also a seasoned manager.”

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