L.A. Area Chamber Appoints Carlos Valderrama as Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives
January 8, 2009
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce today announced the appointment of Carlos J. Valderrama as Senior Vice President, Global Initiatives. Bringing more than two decades of international business and trade experience to the L.A. Area Chamber, Valderrama will lead the Chamber’s global trade programs and spearhead advocacy efforts to bolster international trade, increase foreign direct investment and expand export opportunities for the greater Los Angeles region.
“Carlos Valderrama is one of the leading global trade strategists in our state, and the Los Angeles business community and our local economy will benefit greatly from his service to the L.A. Area Chamber,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “As the L.A. Area Chamber continues to enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region, Valderrama’s knowledge and expertise make him an ideal leader for advancing our mission.”
Previously serving as Director of Latin American Operations for Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP, L.A. Area Chamber Board and Executive Committee Member and Chair of the Chamber’s International Trade & Investment policy committee, Valderrama brings extensive international trade and business expertise to the L.A. Area Chamber. A current member of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s Trade Advisory Council (MTAC), the International Committee of the California Chamber of Commerce, and the Pacific Council on International Policy, Valderrama is actively engaged in key trade initiatives across the region. Valderrama has previously served as Chairman and President of the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California, and Co-Chairman of the California Council for International Trade. During 2001-2005 he served on the International Advisory Board for Los Angeles Mayor, James K. Hahn.
Throughout his career, Valderrama has also held several key posts for the State of California including the California Trade Representative in Mexico for Governor’s George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson. During this time, he was assigned with the opening and organization of the California Trade and Investment Office in Mexico City where he promoted state exports and joint ventures between California and Mexico. He also served as the Director of the Office of Export Development, managing programs promoting California products and services worldwide in addition to overseeing the operational activities of the state's overseas trade and investment offices.
Valderrama received a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Valderrama has twice been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's list of Who's Who in International Trade.
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The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.