Remembering A Servant Leader

by Maria S. Salinas

This week I traveled to Lawrence, Kansas for the memorial services of Gary Toebben, former president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. I was joined by several attendees from Los Angeles; including Chamber staff, Board members, and former Board Chairs. Gary’s legacy of service and dedication to improve communities went beyond Los Angeles. He was recognized for his work in Northern Kentucky, Lawrence Kansas, and North Platte, Nebraska. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband to Janice, his best friend. Former Board Chair Chris Martin shared a moving tribute and noted how Gary elevated the L.A. Area Chamber to the influential organization it is today.

He was an inspiring leader who left an undeniable mark in this world. Gary championed initiatives which contributed to the economic prosperity and quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles. Amongst his countless accolades includes his leadership in engaging the business community to help tackle L.A.’s homelessness crisis. He worked for a strong education system and career pathways. He was instrumental in building a regional coalition on transportation through Mobility 21. These are just a few of the many initiatives he worked on that will benefit future generations. 

Gary’s memorial services ended with attendees singing a few lines from The Gambler, a tribute to Gary’s approach to work:

You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,  
Know when to walk away and know when to run.  
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table;  
There’ll be time enough for count-in’ when the deal-in’s done.