Jim Dantona joins the Chamber of Commerce with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sector helping businesses grow and create jobs. His private sector leadership experience combined with his knowledge of how government operates makes Jim uniquely qualified to lead our Chamber of Commerce organization.
Over the past decade, Jim has served in executive staff positions for three Los Angeles City Council members, including chief of staff for Councilwoman Nury Martinez and for Councilman Tony Cardenas. He also served as interim chief of staff and senior planning deputy for Councilwoman Wendy Greuel. These roles gave Jim the opportunity to become a leader on economic development policy and to establish links with the private sector.
Jim’s extensive private sector experience focused on helping businesses grow and create jobs. As director of legislative affairs for Auto Parkit, he worked with government agencies to facilitate construction projects that created hundreds of new jobs. As human resources manager for Encino-based Westrec Marinas, Jim dealt with government regulations at all levels. And as property controller for Lake Natoma Inn, he managed large payrolls and the company budget.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in government from California State University, Sacramento. Before moving to the Central Coast, he and his wife Jennifer spent the last 25 years visiting and falling in love with the SLO community and are excited to now call it home.