Hayward Chamber Board Names Frank J. Ferral of Greater Stockton Chamber as New President and CEO

Frank J. Ferral, Program and Public Policy Director for the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, has been named the new President and CEO of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce by the board of directors, and will officially take the position on June 20. Ferral will succeed Kim Huggett, who is retiring after 12 successful and steady years in the position.

“What attracted us the most about Frank was his versatility,” said Darrell Thornhill of Sugar Bowl Bakery, chair of both the chamber board of directors and the search committee. “Our chamber has extraordinary expectations for a CEO who is an outstanding communicator for our members, can manage our multiple affiliates and programs, is a savvy budget administrator, and drives our efforts in government advocacy and economic development.

“In Frank J. Ferral, we have found that uniquely qualified leader.”

One of Frank’s focuses will be to leverage the already successful events offered by the Hayward Chamber with “new and innovative programs” to help all businesses reduce their cost of doing business and increase profit margins, particularly through environmentally sustainable business practices.

“The Chamber is the Catalyst, Convener and Champion of the community,” said Ferral.

Frank’s experience with the Stockton Chamber since 1997 included government advocacy, designing and implementing programs, sponsorship development, and successful grant-writing. Thornhill said that when the chamber board voted unanimously on May 26 to hire Frank, it was particularly encouraged by his experience representing the Stockton chamber to a variety of state and local government entities. A signature effort of the Hayward Chamber is its engagement with the Hayward City Council, planning commission, and economic development committee, among others.

Frank’s engagement included service on various economic development entities such as San Joaquin County’s WorkNet Business Retention Expansion Program, the Economic Development Association, and as an alternate on the San Joaquin Partnership Board. He is also an active Board member on the California Green Business Network and the International Green Industry Hall of Fame. Additionally, Frank is a proud Desert Storm era Veteran of the United States Air Force.

His community service includes that of past president of the Ripon Unified School District Board of Education (8 years), president of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (13 years), and president of the San Joaquin County Economic Development Association (21 years).

“I am extremely honored for the opportunity to work with an engaged Board of Directors and staff to continue to move the Hayward business community forward,” said Ferral.

Frank holds a BA in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from CSU Stanislaus. He is also an Academy graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Frank has been married to Elizabeth Oseguera Ferral for 27 years and has three children, Meahgan, Therese and Maxwell.