The Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of a new Interim Chief Executive Officer in January. In a statement, the Chamber introduced Dave Caffaro, who served as the interim CEO at the Irvine-based Second Harvest Food Bank between 2018 and 2019.

As a graduate of Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at the Claremont Graduate University, Caffaro has built a reputation as a strategic advisory, keynote speaker and author.

Currently, Caffaro serves as the Principal of Strategic Advisory Consulting Group and the co-founder of the fintech firm Atticus.

Lisa Thomas, Chair of the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors, expressed her excitement for the addition of Caffaro’s financial expertise to Chamber operations. 

  “Dave’s strategic approach, financial leadership and experience in Irvine will be instrumental in

leading the Chamber forward,” Thomas said. “We have great confidence in Dave’s ability to serve the needs of our membership and positively impact the overall business community in the greater Irvine area.”

  In terms of experience, Caffaro has also worked as the head of International Trade Strategy for Bank of America and as well as a professor of Strategic Management and Business Policy at California State University, Fullerton.

Caffaro said he plans to facilitate growth within Irvine’s business community and continue Irvine’s reputation as the number one city to launch a company.

“Irvine’s economy is the envy of all California cities. I’m honored to help guide this vital organization and help our members and the city continue to thrive,” he said. “One of my first tasks — one I’m really excited about — is to meet with as many members and stakeholders as possible to understand the value the Greater Irvine Chamber brings to this community. That starts Day One.”

The appointment of Caffaro follows the abrupt departure of former Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr in December.

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