Board of Directors Election 2024
Application for the Board of Directors closed on September 17th at 5:00 PM (PST).
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce is lead by a board of directors. There are currently 17 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: 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.
- August: 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
- September: 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 Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 at 5pm PST.
- Third Thursday of September: the nominations committee selects a slate of candidates they feel is best suited and presents it to the board for a vote. That slate is then publicized to the membership by email and social media.
- One week after board meeting: Any applicants not selected by the board may petition to be on the ballot - requiring 10 signatures of business members in good standing. A deadline submission date is determined by the committee.
- 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.
- Third Wednesday of November: All ballots are due the day before the November Chamber Board of Directors meetings. The election winners are validated at the November Board meeting.
- New members are seated in January.
Candidates for Director
Term 2025-2027
Board of Directors Endorsed Slate
These candidates were vetted by the nominations committee and presented to the full Board of Directors for approval and endorsement.Â
Jessica Accamando | Creative Fish Studio
Your immediate past President and CEO, Jessica Accamando wishes to extend her service to the business community by joining the Board of Directors. Jessica has been in marketing and communications her entire career and opened Creative Fish Studio, a creative agency, in 2014 to help folks figure out their brand. She took a leave from the business in order to accept the honor of President and CEO of the Hermosa Chamber during the pandemic. Jessica brings to the community a ton of knowledge and relationships to continue the great work of the Chamber and support the Board of Directors.
Andrew Gawdun* | Curious...
Since 2012 (when I moved here) I have had that chance to dive into the Hermosa Beach community from being a resident, to a partner in the locals favorite shop curious... On both aspects I have seen changes in the community that have both been positive and not so positive. While there will always be more work to be done I am running for re-election to continue the efforts to establish Hermosa Beach as a "must stop" destination for tourists and continue to shape this community as a great place to have a small business.
*currently on the Board of Directors
chairs Tourism Committee
Andrea N. Giancoli | civic member
Hermosa Beach is my chosen forever home and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to both maintain and enhance the characteristic charm of Hermosa Beach as the best little beach city. I am strong believer that the health of a community depends on the successful collaboration of all stakeholders including local businesses, elected officials, residents and community organizations. Collaborating with all audiences is my specialty. I will put my passion for this city and skill set to work for the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau on behalf of all chamber members.
Amanda Holsinger | Beach & Beverly
Amanda Holsinger is the General Manager and Buyer for Beach & Beverly, Wicked+ General Store and Beach & Beverly HOME. She has over eight years experience running and opening businesses in Hermosa Beach. She has extensive knowledge in marketing, social media and has a great reach within the community. Her main focus is on the growth and support of small businesses and making sure they have everything they need to thrive!
HERmosa Circle Board Member
Kathy Knoll | Uncorked
Kathy Knoll is the owner of Uncorked Wine Shops in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Over the past 13 years, she has served multiple terms on both the Chamber board and executive board. Kathy has chaired several key chamber committees, including marketing, business advocacy, and served as the downtown business liaison. She also played a pivotal role in founding the Hermosa Beach Downtown Business Association and serves on the board of directors for the Hermosa Beach Foundation, which organizes community events. Kathy is deeply connected to the Hermosa community, and Uncorked has become a beloved gathering spot for many South Bay residents. Her passion for the town is evident through her frequent attendance at City Council meetings, where she advocates for local business needs.