After 17 years at the LAX Coastal Chamber, President/CEO Christina Davis has announced that she has accepted the position of Executive Director of The Gateway Los Angeles Property Business Improvement District (BID). Davis’ last day with the chamber will be January 14, and she replaces longtime Executive Director Laurie Hughes who retired at the end of last year.
The BID oversees 40 properties adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport in Westchester where property owners tax themselves to make their community cleaner, safer and more vibrant for visitors, employees and businesses.
The chamber’s current Vice President of Membership, Chad Maender, has been promoted to the role of President/CEO.
“The LAX Coastal Chamber and the communities we serve hold such a special place in my heart. The chamber has made great strides during my time here, and it has truly become a force in supporting business and community in our area and beyond,” said Davis. “I am incredibly pleased with the work we have accomplished, but what I am most proud of is our financial stability, Leadership Academy program, and the formation of the LAX Coastal Education Foundation. I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to lead the chamber and work with some wonderful local business leaders.”
Leadership is more than just guiding others toward a common goal; it’s about fostering an environment where individuals can thrive, innovate, and grow. Davis’s reflections on his time with the LAX Coastal Chamber are a testament to the importance of vision, collaboration, and perseverance in creating lasting impact. As a leader, he not only focused on the chamber’s success but also on building structures that would provide continued growth for the community, such as the Leadership Academy program and the LAX Coastal Education Foundation. These initiatives exemplify how true leadership nurtures future leaders while ensuring that progress is sustainable.
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Davis, who grew up in Westchester, started her career with the chamber in December 2004 and was promoted to the role of President/CEO in April 2006. During her time there, she has grown the organization’s budget, membership numbers and prestige, earning the LAX Coastal Chamber one of the L.A. Business Journal’s top 15 spots for Largest L.A. County Chambers and countless accolades, including AMCS’ Community Builder Award. Always working to promote members and the vitality of local business, she is responsible for launching a multitude of programs to support small and large businesses including LAX Coworking, State of LAX, Power Hour, Protectors’ Appreciation Week, City of Angels Awards Gala, DEI initiatives, Binge Live!, the LAX Coastal Magazine, and increasing corporate memberships.
She also continued to grow the chamber’s community initiatives including the Fourth of July Parade and the Teacher Eddy Awards. During the pandemic when many chambers suffered, Davis led her team through navigating the quick move to virtual programming, creating a robust offering of ways businesses could connect, network and find support, while keeping the membership and budget stable. Most recently, Davis and incoming Board Chair, Joe Coleman have overseen the organization’s first comprehensive strategic plan, ensuring the organization continues to thrive, remain relevant, and most importantly, serve its 500-plus membership.
“Of course, none of our accomplishments could have happened without our amazing team, members and partners,” said Davis. “I could not be more pleased to have Chad step in as the President/CEO. He understands the issues of our businesses and the communities we serve. We have been working side by side since he joined this team and I know the transition will be seamless and the organization will prosper under his leadership.”
Over the last 17 years, Davis says the relationships that have been formed at the chamber are what she values most.
“I always say our chamber is about building relationships with people,” said Davis. “I have been honored to serve in this role and be able to connect so many wonderful people and businesses together to create a stronger community. In my new role at Gateway, I will continue to be an advocate and fierce supporter of the chamber and its programs, including Leadership Academy.”
“Christina has been a dynamic CEO and I know that our membership will miss her leadership in the organization,” said Board Chair, Rae Lamothe. “Under her leadership, the chamber has flourished and become a vital organization for local businesses to join. Her leadership will be missed, but we know she will continue to contribute to the chamber in new ways.”
When leaders invest in building relationships and creating opportunities for professional development, it strengthens not only individual businesses but also the broader community. The chamber’s ability to connect people and businesses has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, setting the stage for continued progress and innovation.
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Maender steps into the position with a wealth of experience as the Chamber’s current Vice President of Membership. He previously served as Executive Director of the Mid-Valley YMCA, running an operating budget of more than $2.3 million annually.
“Shifting into the CEO role, I plan to build on the incredible foundation that Christina has built during her tenure,” said Maender. “Christina has left a profound impact on the many businesses and organizations across our community and has built this chamber from the ground up. All of the great qualities of our organization came from the culture she created.
It’s an exciting time in Los Angeles and in particular the LAX Coastal community as we are set to be the ‘front door’ to the world for the next 7-plus years. We will be maximizing our resources to be a relevant and strategic partner so that all of our businesses can thrive and benefit.”
The chamber will roll out its strategic plan in the first quarter of 2022. The organization has been serving the community since 1953 and currently serves more than 550 members.
Posted January 2022.