Judy Kruger takes the helm, succeeding Laurel Rosen
By Sam Catanzaro
Last week the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce announced Santa Monica resident Judy Kruger as their new President and CEO.
In its announcement, the Chamber touted Kruger’s “extensive” background in business. Kruger, who most recently served as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), assumed her role on June 1.
“We are thrilled to have Ms. Kruger join us at the Chamber. Her extensive economic and business experience will benefit our City, regional community, and Chamber members as we support our growing local business community,” said Michael Ricks, chair of the Santa Monica Chamber Board of Directors and CEO of Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
At the LAEDC, Kruger led business councils and industry cluster development in an array of sectors including clean energy transportation, mobility, digital media and aerospace through business growth strategies. Before joining LAEDC, she ran her own small business specializing in providing consulting to companies that sought to grow in international markets.
“Santa Monica is a world class city and with Ms. Kruger’s knowledge and experience, the Chamber is positioned to expand advocacy regionally while advocating for our local businesses. We will be an integral part of creating a thriving business climate that generates jobs, benefits local residents and serves our global community,” said Greg Morena, incoming chair of the Santa Monica Chamber Board of Directors and chairman and partner of EST 1977 Group.
Kruger succeeds Laurel Rosen who retired after 22 years at the Chamber and 14 years as President and CEO.
“I look forward to working with local businesses, city leaders and our community as we focus on strengthening our chamber to serve and support Chamber members. I appreciate the confidence of the Chamber Board and am eager to get started,” Kruger said.
Kruger received a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan Cooley Law School and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from Grand Valley State University.
