Santa Clarita Valley Chamber Interim Leader Steps Down

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce’s interim executive director has stepped down, allowing another board member to take the lead, the group announced. Ed Masterson is resigning from the interim role he took over in May after the chamber’s former executive director Larry Mankin retired. Former board chairman Charlie Gill is replacing Masterson in a part-time role for the remainder of the interim period as the group continues its search for a permanent replacement. Gill is president of Integrated Property Services Group, Inc., located in Valencia. He served as the chamber’s board chairman in 2008 and has a long history of involvement with the group, Masterson said. Masterson, former field representative for Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, said he decided to resign after realizing the role was not the best fit for him. “I really wanted to make sure that whoever’s going to be in here permanently and on a temporary basis is somebody who’s got maybe some more experience involved for the overall management of the organization,” Masterson said, adding that while he has been involved in the business community, his expertise is rooted more in public relations. Masterson described Gill as an experienced business leader. “He’s a really good fit in terms of understanding the operations of the organization, and he’s just a great business mind,” he said. “He’s a very well-respected guy and well-liked.” Masterson, who is also a longtime member of the chamber and a former board chairman, said he plans to remain involved with the group. John Shaffery, the chamber’s current board chairman, commended Masterson for his work with the organization. “We sincerely thank Ed Masterson, our previous director, for his dedication and expertise as he assisted the Chamber with our transition,” Shaffery said. “Ed is a true friend of the business community and we look forward to his continued involvement.”