SD North Chamber executive takes Burn Institute position

By Steve Dreyer

The president and CEO of the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is leaving at the end of March to become executive director of the San Diego Burn Institute.

Debra Rosen confirmed this week that she will be leaving the chamber after four years.

The chamber’s executive board will meet next Tuesday to discuss a succession plan, she said.

“Leading the chamber has been an honor and working with the staff, board and members has always made it easy for us to accomplish the many goals we set for ourselves,” Rosen said. “When approached about this (new) position I looked at it initially to find out more about the Burn Institute. They do so much for the region and make such a positive difference in the lives of so many that it was a natural draw to explore the opportunity and become a part of it.”

Rosen, a Poway resident, came to the Rancho Bernardo-based chamber after four years running the Downtown Business Association of Escondido. Prior to that she spent 15 years at the San Diego Union Tribune.

Looking back on her four years at the chamber, Rosen said that while “I cannot take credit for any accomplishments on my own,” working with the staff and board the chamber:

• Paid off “large sums of debt that was left from predecessor and implemented more benefits and programs for members.”

• Earned U.S. Chamber accreditation, the only chamber in San Diego County to do so.

• Moved the chamber office into more spacious quarters

• Established San Diego Women’s Week. The fourth annual event will be held next month.

Rosen said the chamber is in the process of launching a plan to increase membership “and that will still happen with new leadership.” The chamber has also embarked on a campaign to educate the community on the importance of spending dollars in the region.