The Valley Industry & Commerce Association has a new leader.
The Van Nuys-based business advocacy group named Ruben Gonzalez its president and chief advocacy officer, succeeding Stuart Waldman. Gonzalez took over Sept. 21 following a search led by VICA’s board of directors.
Waldman, who had led VICA since 2008, left in July to take the top job at the Los Angeles County Business Federation, or BizFed, in a role that covers the entire county.
Founded in 1949, VICA advocates for employers across the San Fernando Valley, pushing for policies it says will improve the region’s business climate and quality of life.
Gonzalez brings a background in public policy, government affairs, advocacy and business engagement, with a focus on issues facing employers in Los Angeles and the Valley, according to the announcement.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead VICA and build upon its long history of effective advocacy,” he said in a statement.
In his new role, he will lead VICA’s advocacy agenda, strengthen relationships with policymakers and business leaders, and work to grow the organization’s membership and influence. He is also charged with expanding the reach of the VICA PAC, the group’s political action committee, and steering the VICA Foundation toward addressing workforce, housing and other challenges affecting the business community and the Valley’s quality of life.
“Ruben brings the combination of advocacy experience, relationships, strategic thinking and leadership that we were looking for,” Jim Thiering, chair of VICA’s board, said in a statement. “We are excited to have him lead VICA into its next chapter.”