The Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce has hired David Phelps to replace outgoing Chief Executive Vicki Nussbaum, who announced her departure last month. Previously, Phelps served as director of external relations for the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, a New York-based national trade group representing production companies that create multimedia content for advertising campaigns. He has joined the chamber on a part-time basis and will start full-time after Nussbaum leaves in mid-November to head the Century City Business Improvement District. “My decision to transition back into the business community had a lot to do with being closer to my family and working closer to my home,” Phelps told the Business Journal. “I have a deep connection with the San Fernando Valley and care deeply about the business community and the residential community here.” Phelps aims to utilize his media and Hollywood connections to help promote Sherman Oaks, and Ventura Boulevard in particular, as a location for filming. He currently serves on the board of Hollywood nonprofit FilmL.A. Inc. and was previously chair of the entertainment committee with the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. “I can help the chamber identify additional revenue streams by tapping into the network I’ve built over 10 years in the entertainment industry,” he said. “I hope to better publicize and market Sherman Oaks as a destination for film.” Phelps also spent time on the North Hills West Neighborhood Council, where he chaired the zoning and land use committee. “The Sherman Oaks Chamber is excited to welcome David to our team,” said Chamber Chairwoman Fran Kerzner in a statement. “We know his extensive government and nonprofit experience will help us expand and open new avenues in advocacy for our Sherman Oaks businesses as well as continue the success of our current programs and events.” Tattoo Removal Anniversary A free program sponsored by Providence Health and Services to remove anti-social tattoos from former gang members and ex-convicts celebrated its 20th anniversary on Oct. 4 at its new location in Mission Hills. Program coordinator Karina Cisneros, Director of Mission Leadership at Providence Health Sister Nancy Jurecki, Providence Director of Community Partnerships Ismael Aguila, Providence Medical Center Chief Executive Dr. Bernard Klein and program Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Grossman attended the ceremony at 11165 Sepulveda Blvd. The program has served thousands of clients who paid for the service by either performing community service or attending school. Erasing the tattoos helps former gang members and ex-cons in job searches, building self-esteem and serving as role models for children. Sister June Wilkerson founded the program after witnessing a spike in gang shooting victims at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. Seeing that many former gang members still bore the tattoos that identified them as rivals, she established the service to help curb the violence and help clients transition out of gang life. Cisneros, the program coordinator, joined Providence eight years ago. She was involved in gangs and drugs as a teen and draws upon her experience to help others who have been negatively affected by street life. Today, she has 30 to 60 clients who are undergoing tattoo removals and 80 currently on a waiting list. Simi Chamber CEO Rana Ghadban, chief executive of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, will step down Nov. 28 to lead the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Ghadban, 38, joined the Simi Valley Chamber in 2016. During her tenure, she strengthened the organization’s financial position, membership and various programs, according to the chamber. Prior to joining the Simi Valley Chamber, she was briefly chief executive of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and before that, served eight years as chief executive of the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce. “Rana’s many positive contributions have made the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce a stronger voice in the community,” the chamber said in statement. “We will all genuinely miss Rana and wish her well in her new opportunity and in all of her future endeavors.” Ghadban will replace longtime chief executive of the Hollywood Chamber Leron Gubler, who announced his retirement in January. Gubler has moderated numerous business events in the Valley area, including the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the Valley luncheon held on Oct. 4 at the Hilton Los Angeles Universal City hotel. “I am pleased to see someone with Rana’s experience selected to lead the Chamber,” Gubler said in a statement. “I believe she will take the Hollywood Chamber to the next level of effectiveness and success.” The Simi Valley Chamber’s board will now begin the search for Ghadban’s replacement. Staff Reporter Ethan Varian can be reached at (818) 316-3130 or [email protected].
