Olson takes step back from SLO Chamber
Former San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce CEO Ermina Karim will be stepping back into the chamber’s leadership role as Garret Olson steps away to deal with a family matter.
In a note to chamber members, Olson said he’ll be taking a sabbatical as his wife undergoes cancer treatment. The chamber board has approved the sabbatical and Olson expects to return in early February of next year.
Karim served as president and CEO of the chamber from 2011-2018. Cindy Villa, a former senior vice president for administration at Cal POly, will become chief operating officer while Olson is awa
“Ermina and Cindy will collaborate closely, providing continuity across our advocacy work, member services, programming, and community partnerships,” Olson wrote.
The SLO Chamber is one of the largest in the region. Olson stepped in last year when former CEO Jim Dantona announced what turned our to be a successful campaign for county supervisor.
