Well-known business leader announces run for SLO County Board of Supervisors

A local business leader has announced his candidacy to replace Bruce Gibson on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in 2026, marking the first candidate to enter the race.

Jim Dantona, president and CEO of the SLO Chamber of Commerce, announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat in a news release Thursday morning. He also made the announcement in person at the Good Morning SLO Chamber event at the same time.

“I’m running for supervisor because I believe San Luis Obispo County can be a model for what’s possible. We have the tools, the talent, and the values to protect our environment and coastline while building something even better,” Dantona said in the news release. “With smart planning and bold leadership, we can grow an economy that creates good-paying jobs and affordable housing, supports working families and ensures the next generation has every reason to stay.”

Dantona will step down from his post at the Chamber to run for the Board of Supervisors.

Gibson announced in May he will not seek reelection. Dantona is a lifelong Democrat and resident of Cayucos.

District 2 spans Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Los Osos, San Simeon and a portion of San Luis Obispo.

In addition to his leadership in the Chamber of Commerce, Dantona volunteers his time with local organizations like the Lumina Alliance, SLO Rotary Club, ECOSLO and the Surfrider Foundation.

“The future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we mold,” Dantona said in the release. “With renewed leadership, we can protect our coastline, our values and our people while building a stronger, more inclusive future.”

The primary election will be held on June 2, 2026.

Chamber of Commerce searching for new CEO

The SLO Chamber of Commerce is launching a nationwide search to find a successor for Dantona as he steps down to run for county supervisor, the chamber said in a news release.

“The chamber has always encouraged community members to run for office, as this sort of civic engagement is essential to our democracy and thriving community,” June McIvor, chair of the SLO Chamber Board of Directors, said in the release. “Jim has encouraged many people with business backgrounds to run for office throughout his time with the chamber, and now he is walking the talk.”

Dantona will continue in his current role as CEO through the end of the year, which will mark his seventh year leading the organization.

“The board is working hard to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible, and I’m here to support them every step of the way,” Dantona said in the release. “The chamber has a great team of staff and volunteers, and I know I’m leaving the organization in great hands”

Dantona and the chamber’s Board of Directors have agreed to a formal transition plan outlining his continued work while also limiting his public advocacy to other chamber staff members so that there is no conflict of interest, the release said.

For example, Dantona will no longer represent the chamber at major events like Good Morning SLO. Other staff and board members will represent the chamber at hearings before the San Luis Obispo City Council, the county Board of Supervisors and other governmental agencies.

“As CEO, Jim has done excellent work over the last six and a half years,” McIvor said. “Notable highlights include leading the Chamber through the Covid-19 pandemic and recovery, providing exceptional advocacy for the interests of our business community at city, county and statewide levels, cultivating a strong Chamber team and ensuring the Chamber’s financial stability.”

The chamber is forming a search committee chaired by former chamber board member Hillary Trout to identify a new CEO by the end of the year.

“We appreciate Jim giving us this long ramp of lead time, which will ensure a smooth transition,” Trout said in the release. “The chamber has a terrific professional staff and a committed board of directors, and we are confident that our members will continue to receive the same high level of service they always have.”

The chamber said it will announce more about the CEO search in the coming weeks. For more information, please reach out to Communications Director Hollie West at hollie@slochamber.org or 805-786-2777, or check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.

This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM.

Chloe Shrager

The Tribune

(805) 781-7809

Chloe Shrager is the courts and crimes reporter for The Tribune. She grew up in Palo Alto, California, and graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in Political Science. When not writing, she enjoys surfing, backpacking, skiing and hanging out with her cat, Billy Goat.