FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2006

Contact:
Rachel Laing
Communications Manager
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
(619) 544-1381

SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2006) The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Ruben Barrales its new president and chief executive.

Barrales has an extensive background in both government and private industry, with experience as an elected official and as an advocate for business. He joins the Chamber after five years serving as deputy assistant to President George W. Bush, where he acts as the President's liaison to state and local elected officials.

Prior to joining the President's staff, Barrales was president and CEO of Joint
Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a civic organization of Silicon Valley business, government and academic leaders that advocates for public policies favorable to Silicon Valley's technology-driven economy.

In 1992, Barrales became the first Latino elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. He was reelected and became president of the Board of Supervisors in 1996. In 1998, Barrales was the California Republican Party nominee for State Controller.

“Between Ruben’s understanding of the unique policy issues of high-tech companies and his experience in both regional and federal government, we couldn’t have found someone better suited to head this region’s chamber,” said Chamber Board Chairwoman Nikki Clay. “His leadership will undoubtedly give the San Diego business community an even stronger voice in Sacramento and in Washington.”

Barrales, 44, has served on various boards, including the California Speaker's
Commission on State and Local Government Finance, the California Commission of Local Governance for the 21st Century and the Stanford Institute for Economic
Policy Research.

In 2005, Barrales received the “Ohtli Award” from the government of Mexico for his commitment to improving the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. Hispanic Business Magazine has listed Barrales as one of the "100 Most Influential Hispanics" in the United States three times over the past decade. In 2000, the World Economic Forum named Barrales "A Global Leader for Tomorrow."

The son of Mexican immigrants, Barrales speaks Spanish fluently. He grew up in Redwood City and received a joint Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Administrative Studies from the University of California, Riverside in 1984.

Barrales’ selection to head the Chamber capped an extensive search launched when Jessie J. Knight Jr. stepped down from the top post in August. Chamber board member Richard Vortmann has served as interim chief during the selection process.

“Ruben was one among an impressive pool of top-notch candidates,” said Robert Horsman, incoming Chamber chairman and a member of the selection committee. “That we were able to attract someone of this caliber shows San Diego’s strong, diverse economy has gained the national renown it deserves, and people want to be part of its success.”

Barrales’ appointment was affirmed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors on Friday morning. He will begin working at the organization full-time on Jan. 8.

Founded in 1870, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization with the goal of promoting the business interests of its more than 3,000 members, while increasing the international region’s prosperity.