At the annual AMMBI, (Annual Member Meeting and Board Installation) that took place this past Thursday morning Genevieve Morrill, President and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced a CEO Succession Plan and Leadership Transition.
Morrill spoke of the past 15 years working with the Chamber and her 10 years of service at the Pacific Design Center prior to taking on the position of chief advocate and liaison for the business community. The succession plan along with other changes to the Chamber’s work and initiatives will be discussed at the annual retreat of the Board of Directors.
The theme of this year’s AMMBI event was “Turning the Page & Moving Forward”, Setbacks to Solutions, and outlines a new path forward for the WeHo chamber. Initiatives include revamping the membership value proposition, rethinking fundraising events, and a new path foward including the CEO succession plan.
In her remarks Morrill noted: “This April will be my 15th year at the Chamber as President and CEO. I’ve been working in West Hollywood 25 years, came here in 1999, and it fills me with a lot of pride, everything we have accomplished and gone through, what we have overcome and how we have pulled this chamber together.”
When Morrill formerly turns over the reigns of the Chamber it will mark the end of an illustrious career serving the West Hollywood community. Over the years Morrill worked closely with former City Manager Paul Arevalo to create economic opportunities throughout the city. Her hand and guidance was at the forefront of the development of the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District, the development of the Design District and building the foundation that created a vibrant economic base in West Hollywood. Morrill was a fierce advocate for the business community and was often the only woman in the room. Her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was nothing short of heroic.
A hundred steps forward and a few steps back. Two years ago Morrill penned ‘the critical state of business letter to the city council in hopes of arresting their motivations to create the highest in the nation minimum wage and worker ordinance. Morrill’s decision to retire comes after UNITE HERE Local 11 winning referendum which stripped the city council of its ability to enact changes to the ordinance. The results can be seen all around the city with stalled developments, vacant storefronts and a wholesale turnover of businesses and business owners.
The annual retreat of the Board of Directors of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerice is this Friday, March 14th.
I worked with Gen when she was at the PDC and I was honored when I filled in at the Chamber of Commerce office. I was always learning something from her leadership . You will be missed both professionally and personally .
I didn’t always agree with her, but I don’t think I’ve been to an event,or hundreds of council meetings that she wasnt there. She is a sta8nch supporter of sober events and was receptive to the ideas immediatley. I wish her well on her next journey and hope that she enjoys the hell out of it!
The Chamber has a tough job ahead to fill the shoes of a woman has has helmed the organization with character, grit, resilience, and great determination and thoughtfulness to her responsibilities. Gen has always been the adult in rooms that are often crowded with petulant egos and political snark. She has always stood tall in those spaces. Gen defines true and authentic leadership.
Hopefully the new chair has a local perspective and actually eats,shop and plays in west hollywood.
I’ve worked with Genevieve for many years on many projects. Her knowledge and commitment to West Hollywood span decades and her input to the city immeasurable.
We didn’t agree on some (big) issues, but you are/were a great advocate for your beliefs
For that I commend you.
Thank you!
We didn’t always agree but I always admired you.
Thank you Genevieve for all that you have for the city over the years. It’s a shame that the current councils majority of extremist progressive policies have destroyed the city with stalled developments, vacant storefronts and a wholesale turnover of businesses and business owners. It’s amazing what bad policies can do within such a short period of time. Enjoy your retirement and know residents really appreciate all that you’ve done.
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! A consistently poor advocate for the business community with a lackluster record of success. Impressively unable to read the room and react to shifting public opinion. The Chamber is a nonentity, with no power and little influence, thanks to her failed leadership. What a legacy!
Perhaps the next chair will actually live in WeHo or have any vested interest in the community besides spending money redecorating the office on Santa Monica boulevard.