The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Shana Epstein as its next chief executive officer, effective Oct. 12, following a competitive recruitment process.
Epstein, a longtime Santa Monica resident, joins the Chamber after more than 20 years of executive leadership in the cities of Beverly Hills and Ventura, and more than 30 years of experience across public works, infrastructure and economic development.
"We are excited for the leadership, energy, and community service focus Shana will bring to the Chamber," said Addie Van Gessel, board chair. "She has spent her career working directly with city government while making sure businesses, residents, and civic leaders each feel heard. Her creativity and enthusiasm made her the standout candidate, and I am confident she will advance our business community's voice to support a vibrant Santa Monica."
For the past nine years, Epstein has served as director of public works for the city of Beverly Hills, leading a team of more than 220 professionals and managing an operating budget of about $160 million. In that role, she worked closely with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Task Force and coordinated holiday lighting and art installations along the Golden Triangle and Rodeo Drive. She also managed logistics for major events, including the Golden Globes, the Milken Institute Global Conference and the LA Marathon, and leads construction mitigation with LA County Metro to protect businesses along Wilshire Boulevard during subway construction.
Known for a customer-service approach to government, Epstein created askBH, Beverly Hills' centralized 311 customer relations center. She has also guided complex community processes, from utility rate approvals to climate action planning.
Before Beverly Hills, Epstein was the inaugural general manager of Ventura Water, where she raised funds for a $515 million, six-year capital improvement program, secured $20 million in federal grants and restored the wastewater utility's AA bond rating. She also supported the city's tech incubator and brought business owners onto the Rate Advisory Task Force.
"Business owners deserve a Chamber that listens first, responds quickly, and brings every voice to the table, from small merchants to major employers to City Hall," Epstein said. "Santa Monica is my home, and I am honored to be its business community's strongest advocate."
Epstein holds a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in political science from UC San Diego. She resides in Santa Monica with her husband.
Edited by SMDP Staff