A local business leader with extensive experience helping businesses thrive has been named president and chief executive officer for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.

Ermina Karim, the current vice president of governmental affairs and economic development for the 1,400-member Chamber, was chosen from a national pool of 300-plus applicants to succeed Dave Garth as the Chamber’s top executive. Garth will retire on July 1.

A selection committee composed of the current chairperson of the Chamber Board of Directors and six former board chairs presented Karim’s name as the recommended choice at the Chamber board meeting Thursday morning. The board unanimously approved the action. The selection committee conducted 27 hours of intense interviews with finalists and almost 150 total hours of committee review and discussion.

Karim’s background includes more than 15 years as a business communicator, experience in direct management, a deep understanding of the local community, and almost four years of operational management at the Chamber.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone with Ermina’s depth of experience and proven success as our next president and CEO,” said Michael Gunther, current Chamber board chair. “We knew replacing Dave Garth would be an incredibly difficult task, but the response to advertising for the position was overwhelming.”

Prior to joining the Chamber staff in 2007, Karim had worked as a business reporter for The SLO County Tribune, and previously worked on Wall Street helping small companies go public.

“Ermina is highly regarded locally for her adept political and business skills and as a trusted communicator – she’s got it all,” Gunther said.

“I am excited and honored to be chosen to lead one of our nation’s top Chambers of Commerce, said Karim. “We have a great legacy to build on and huge opportunities for strengthening our local business community.”

Karim will assume her new position on July 1.