Tallia Hart Named President/CEO of San Francisco Chamber

  • Share:
January 22, 2017
Following an extensive national search, The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce has selected Tallia Hart as its new president and CEO. Her term will begin March 13, on the heels of nearly eight years as president and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.
 
Under Hart’s leadership, the Irvine Chamber, the largest chamber in Orange County, was transformed into one of the most influential and successful business associations in the county. Hart moved the Irvine Chamber into the forefront of western chambers in terms of profitability and engagement. She oversaw advocacy for the organization’s nearly 1000 member companies and established economic development and international programs for the City of Irvine.
 
“It’s been such an honor and a pleasure to lead the Irvine Chamber through so many changes and to work with such talented and dedicated people who place the success of the local business community as a top priority,” Hart said. “It was not an easy decision to leave the Irvine Chamber, but I’m confident that it is in good hands with a capable staff and a diverse board of directors and business membership.”
 
Hart was selected to head the San Francisco Chamber for her inspiring leadership, in-depth non-profit management experience and passion to advocate for the business community. She is the first woman, minority, and youngest, to lead the 167-year-old organization.
 
“Tallia will be a tremendous asset to San Francisco’s business community,” said Mario Alioto, chair of the San Francisco Chamber’s board of directors and executive vice president for business operations at the San Francisco Giants. “Her strong background and fresh voice will inspire our members and be a formidable influence and resource in the city.”
 
Hart currently serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, an elite group of chamber executives, which advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors. She is chair of the Western Association of Chamber Executive’s 2017 Annual Conference. Prior to the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Hart was the president and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce in Marin County. While there, Hart’s strong leadership and management earned her recognition by the North Bay Business Journal as one of the area’s top 40 Under 40 business leaders. The Western Association of Chamber Executives honored Hart with the William Hammond Award, given annually for excellence in chamber of commerce management.
 
Hart will be relocating to the Bay Area with her husband Mark, their daughter Lola, and their two bulldogs. 
 
Click here to read the San Francisco Chronicle story of Hart's remarkable life journey.