Atascadero Chamber of Commerce selects new leader to replace outgoing president

The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce on Friday named a new president to succeed its outgoing leader.

Derek Kirk, former director of community and government relations for the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, will take over for Linda Hendy, who’s served as president for seven years.

Hendy is retiring Jan. 8 to open her own small business, according to a news release.

Kirk got his start working for the Porterville Chamber of Commerce in the Central Valley and has since worked for chambers throughout Southern California, both as an employee and a volunteer.

“We are thrilled to have Derek joining us in Atascadero and look forward to his leadership in the years to come,” said Dr. Ryan McGaughey, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, in a statement. “The chamber is a vibrant organization with its hands on the pulse of the community. Derek is the type of leader we need to keep us moving forward.”

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Atascadero Chamber of Commerce selects new leader to replace outgoing president."