SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The California Black Chamber of Commerce today announced the election of prominent attorney, law professor and former California Public Utilities Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, Esq. as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Simon replaces Leonard Robinson, the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) who recently retired.
Simon will chair the 11-member board of directors of this leading, Sacramento-based, statewide business advocacy group representing the interests of the African American business community in California and across the nation. Simon will also head the search committee to hire a President & CEO, the position previously held by the late Aubry Stone, founder and president of the organization, who passed away November 28, 2018, after leading the CBCC for 24 years.
“I am honored and humbled to be duly elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Black Chamber of Commerce,” said Chairman Simon. “I thank my fellow board members and look forward to working with them in transparent and accountable governance of the CBCC. This organization will continue to lead in the economic support and development of African American businesses in California, the fifth largest economy in the world.”
Leonard Robinson, the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the California Black Chamber of Commerce praised Simon’s selection, saying, "I am very pleased that the Board appointed my long-time friend and colleague Timothy Simon as Chair of the California Black Chamber of Commerce. Tim's background and drive makes him an excellent choice to lead the Chamber."
Patricia Watts, President & CEO of FCI Management and Vice Chair of the CBCC Board, representing the board said, “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we welcome Timothy A. Simon as our new Board Chair. His leadership in advocating for greater equity in opportunities for diverse businesses and expertise in legislative affairs is long standing.”
Ken McNeely, President of AT&T’s West Region, a long-time supporter of the Chamber, added, “We are fortunate to have such an experienced and respected leader, such as Tim Simon join as the new Board Chair of the California Black Chamber of Commerce. The CBCC is one of the leading voices in ensuring that economic development efforts throughout the Golden State help lift up every community in California. I believe Tim’s perspective will be essential for helping lead the CBCC through this period of transition and guarantee that the Chamber will continue its demonstrated track record of success.”
About Timothy Alan Simon
Timothy Alan Simon, is president of TAS Strategies, founded in 2013. Simon is Commissioner Emeritus, having been appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 15, 2007 ending his term on December 31, 2012. Prior to this appointment, he served as Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor, the first African American in California history to hold this post.
Simon also was appointed by two Department of Energy Secretaries as a member of the National Petroleum Council. Simon also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at U.C. Hastings College of the Law and Golden Gate University School of Law. Prior to public service, Simon was counsel and Chief Compliance Officer advising major financial institutions.
About the California Black Chamber of Commerce
The California Black Chamber of Commerce is the largest statewide non-profit business organization serving African American businesses in the state. Founded in 1995, by the late Aubry Stone and five others, the Chamber strives to advocate for equity and deliver programs to strengthen Black ownership and access to business opportunities throughout the state and the nation.
For the past 24 years, the California Black Chamber of Commerce has become a pillar within the California landscape and an invaluable resource for economic and social justice for African Americans seeking to establish and operate businesses, while navigating pathways toward prosperity in the state.
The California Black Chamber of Commerce’s affiliate organization, the California Black Chamber Foundation owns and operates radio station KDEE 97.5 FM.