SAN DIEGO–The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has added a new position to advance its goal of developing the region’s next generation of leaders. Hannah Castillo joined the Chamber today as Leadership Development Manager. Castillo will oversee and grow the Chamber’s three leadership programs: San Diego Young Leaders, Public Leadership Institute, and a new program for women’s professional development to be launched in early 2017.
“We are continually looking for ways to support our region’s next generation of leaders,” said Jerry Sanders, Chamber President and CEO. “By dedicating a full-time staff member to this role we will grow these programs and develop with them the business-minded leaders needed to keep San Diego moving forward. These programs will help in improving workplace communication by a significant degree and make our challenges much more transparent.”
Sanders continued, “Hannah’s background in both local and national political campaign management, program management, and communication is a perfect match to take these programs to the next level.”
Castillo has an extensive background in civic service, and most recently worked as manager of the Ray Ellis 2016 city council campaign. In this role she directed a variety of daily operations including targeted marketing, staff development, and various community outreach programs.
Prior to her work for the Ellis campaign, Castillo served as deputy director of Hispanic initiatives at the Republican National Committee, where she successfully co-managed a national team that communicated with hundreds of thousands of voters, developed relationships with community leaders, and advised myriad local campaigns and Republican Party leaders on strategic messaging.
The Chamber’s leadership development programs complement the tools and resources the organization offers to its member businesses and the community. The San Diego Young Leaders program was launched in January 2016 to help drive the growth of young professional’s ages 21 to 40 in the San Diego-Baja region by providing relationships, mentoring and community awareness necessary to becoming an influential business leader.
The well-known San Diego Public Leadership Institute which helps to build a bench of business professionals interested in pursuing elected office or appointed positions, has become part of the Chamber organization after being managed by Mark Mills for the past three years. Mills will continue to develop course curriculum.
The newest program, still in the formative stages, will be focused on women’s professional development. The initiative is scheduled to be formally launched in early 2017.
