Pleasanton Chamber Of Commerce Names New CEO

PLEASANTON, CA — Vallejo Chamber of Commerce Director James Cooper will take over as President and CEO of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the organization announced Thursday.

Cooper will start June 1, replacing 25-year executive Steve Van Dorn.

Cooper has led the chambers of commerce in Novato, American Canyon, and Vallejo, according to a company news release. He also served as Interim Executive Director of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce during the coronavirus pandemic. He graduated from the Western Association of Chamber Executives and holds an undergraduate degree in business management.

Before working for chambers of commerce, Cooper worked in corporate marketing and real estate. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, and ran a dog training academy. He and his wife run a bed and breakfast on an island off the coast of Madagascar, his wife’s home country. He is married with two daughters.

"The greatest joy I get from my role as Chamber President is when I hear from a member that the chamber made a difference for them. We are a resource to be tapped, rich with information and connections benefiting businesses. Our job is to make sure members know we can help, and how," Cooper said in a statement.

“We are confident that James will represent our business community with compassion and professionalism,” said chamber board chair Kim Damiani in a statement. “His experiences not only make him well-positioned to lead our chamber, but also complement the economic initiatives our city has been focusing on.”