2025 Board of Directors Election
Timeline & Procedures
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce is lead by a board of directors. There are currently 15 seated members and you can see them here. Each year, there is an election in early November to elect new members to opening seats from those who are retiring, terming out or resigning.
Our election process:
- August - September: Formation of a nominations committee of 3-5 board members appointed by board chairman. They discuss, outreach and recruit potential members based on member expertise or contributions to the Chamber/community. An announcement is made to the member community of the upcoming election and folks are invited to give notice to the president or nominations committee of their interest in running for the board. The official board application is emailed and posted on socials for the full membership. Applicants are sent to the nominations committee for consideration. There is a deadline assigned to the application by the President/CEO of September 12, 2025 at 5pm PST.
- Third Thursday of September: the nominations committee selects the candidate(s) they feel are best suited and present to the board for a vote. The Chamber-endorsed candidates will be identified with an asterisk or chyron during election communications. Video interviews will be made available to qualified voting members to support an informed voting process. Candidate selection considerations include reputation, categories of membership, and geographical areas that require representation.
- Late October: The nominations committee validates the petitions (verifying members in good standing).
- Early November: The ballot is sent out to the membership. Only members in good standing receive a ballot but any members who pay dues in the election period may receive a late ballot. Note that civic members and artist memberships are not eligible to vote. Your Key and Password will be emailed to you from electionbuddy. If you cannot locate, please contact president@hbchamber.net.
- Third Wednesday of November: All ballots are due the day before the November Chamber Board of Directors meetings. This deadline is Wednesday, November 19 at 5pm PST. The election winners are validated at the November Board meeting.
- New members are seated in January.
Note that there are three parts to the application process:
- Apply on the button below - closed
- Submit 5 member endorsements (you will be sent a form to complete after your application is verified)
- An interview via Zoom with the Nominations Committee
Candidates
All listed candidates have been endorsed by the current Board of Directors.
Claire Lockwood, Sun Bear Bookkeeping
Claire Lockwood is the owner of Sun Bear Bookkeeping and a dedicated Chamber member passionate about supporting Hermosa Beach’s diverse business community. With a background in finance and business management, Claire hopes to bring her expertise to the Chamber Board of Directors to assist with financial oversight and strategic planning. She believes the Chamber’s greatest role is connecting, supporting, and advocating for local businesses of all kinds. Claire is especially interested in highlighting businesses outside the downtown and Pier Avenue areas — such as the Cypress Arts District, North End, and Aviation corridor — and creating more opportunities for service-based businesses to connect through business-to-business events and showcases. She’s eager to bring fresh ideas, curiosity, and collaboration to the Chamber’s mission.
Gavin McGarry, Hermosa Beach Surf Company / Hermosa Beach Marketing Agency
Gavin McGarry is the founder of Hermosa Beach Surf Company, a lifestyle brand celebrating local surf culture, and Hermosa Beach Marketing Agency, which helps small businesses grow through creative marketing and community engagement. With decades of experience in media, events, and brand development, Gavin brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial insight, data-driven strategy, and deep local knowledge. His expertise in marketing and tourism trends provides valuable perspective on how to attract visitors while supporting the businesses that make Hermosa Beach special. Passionate about community collaboration and innovation, Gavin is dedicated to helping the Chamber strengthen connections between residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors — ensuring Hermosa remains a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic coastal community.
Josh Royal*, American Junkie / The Lighthouse CafeÂ
Josh Royal is the Operating Partner at The Lighthouse Café and owner of American Junkie, bringing years of hands-on experience in hospitality, live entertainment, and event production. As a current Chamber Board Member, Josh is running for re-election with a continued passion for supporting local businesses and simplifying the process of opening and sustaining them in Hermosa Beach. He has hosted and supported numerous community events, including Best of Hermosa, the Hermosa Friends Foundation, and the History of Jazz celebration with the Hermosa Beach Museum. Josh regularly attends Chamber and City Council meetings and recently volunteered for Fiesta Hermosa. His deep understanding of Hermosa’s business landscape and community character makes him a strong advocate for its growth and vitality.
*currently on the Board of Directors
Courtney Ryan, Hotel Hermosa
Courtney Ryan is the Manager of Hotel Hermosa and a longtime supporter of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, having previously served on the Board of Directors. Since 2018, Courtney has worked to strengthen Hermosa’s hospitality and tourism industries while fostering a stable, year-round local business market. With extensive knowledge of the hotel sector and local visitor trends, she brings valuable insight into balancing the needs of residents, tourists, and business owners alike. Courtney is passionate about promoting collaboration among local businesses and ensuring Hermosa Beach remains a welcoming, vibrant destination for visitors while sustaining a strong foundation for the community that calls it home.
Seth Weiss, Fox & Farrow / Underground Pub & Grill
Seth Weiss is the owner of Fox & Farrow and Underground Pub & Grill, as well as a longtime Hermosa Beach business owner, homeowner, and resident. With 12 years of prior service on the Chamber Board, including as Vice President of Finance, Seth brings deep institutional knowledge, legal training, and a grounded yet forward-thinking perspective. Having raised his family in Hermosa, he is deeply invested in the city’s success and community spirit. Seth values innovation over tradition for tradition’s sake, believing that progress comes from collaboration and open-mindedness. His goal is to continue strengthening Hermosa Beach’s business environment — across all districts — to ensure a thriving and inclusive community for years to come.