Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President Joe Haraburda to Retire in December 2013

Leader’s quarter-century of service marked by numerous accomplishments, a powerful downtown monument and regional economic leadership

Oakland, CA – Joseph Haraburda has announced that he will retire as President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in December of 2013. 

He has served in the role for 17 years. Previously, he volunteered for 8 years as a board member, head of the Economic Development department and served as Vice Chair while employed as a leader in local newspaper publishing. 

In looking ahead, Haraburda said, “I am immensely grateful for the dedication of the Chamber staff both past and present who worked with me to launch many new projects and initiatives each focusing on stimulating the Oakland economy.  We have accomplished some great things for Oakland’s economy and community. There is no doubt in my mind that the new executive will benefit greatly by their expertise.”

Haraburda provided quiet, steady and consistent leadership to the City of Oakland and helped shepherd many important local initiatives.  He has a long record of accomplishment and a legacy of projects big and small that benefitted the entire community.  Sample successes:

·         Remember ThemMonument – a monument in Oakland’s uptown dedicated to Humanitarians

·         Small BusinessDevelopment Center – Oakland Chamber now serves as home to this essential tool for local growth and small business support.

·         Facilitated the formation of the East Bay Women In Business Roundtable, Non-Profit Roundtable and Oakland Restaurant Association

·         Regional leadership on Economic Development – hosting regional “Mega-summits” and speaking loudly for regional collaboration at the local and state level

·         Founder of America’s Children’s HolidayParade, one of the largest children’s Parades now televised nationally and worldwide

·         Engaging local organizations and neighborhood business improvement districts as partners on issues important to Public Safety and the economic growth of Oakland

·         Confidant to the region’s elected officials, appointed commissioners and leaders of businesses of all sizes.

Joe and his wife Cathy plan to approach retirement with enthusiasm and will continue to look for ways to engage where they can make a difference in Oakland and the Bay Area.

Chamber Board Chair Shannon Pedder added, “Joe has positioned the Chamber as a regional leader on economic development and personally advised elected officials and business leaders across the community. In each his many wins for the community, Joe has provided consistent, steady and thoughtful leadership. We are so grateful for his efforts.” 

In the weeks and months ahead, the Chamber will take some time to reflect on Joe’s accomplishments and begin a regional and possibly national search for his replacement. Joe will remain as Chamber president through the end of the year. 

The Chamber plans to find many opportunities to honor Joe in the months ahead and will engage its members and the public in those efforts. 

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About Joseph Haraburda:
Joe has held the position of President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the largest and most diverse business organization in the East Bay since 1996. Prior to becoming president Joe served on the Chamber board and had a 35 year career in newspaper publishing serving as general manger of the Oakland Tribune, associate publisher and publisher for the Alameda Newspaper Group; senior vice president for The Washington Post Company; director for The Wilmington Journal & Morning News, and senior management positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer and Suburban newspapers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

About the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce:
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is serving member companies and affiliate members with upwards of 200,000 employees throughout the East Bay. The focus of the Chamber staff is building a strong economy, representing business to government and enhancing the quality of life in the Oakland region.  More information can be found at OaklandChamber.com.