The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in one of the world’s most iconic cities, supporting hundreds of businesses across a wide range of industries. Founded in 1923, the Chamber has played a significant role in strengthening the local Beverly Hills economy for more than a century. Through advocacy and high-impact marketing opportunities, the organization continues to be a vital connector between businesses, city leadership, and the community.
More specifically, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce works to help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment. Its efforts in economic development, government affairs, member services, and community engagement are all designed to support businesses in their growth while helping to preserve the city’s character. With more than 150 events annually, including signature networking experiences, leadership forums, and community celebrations, the Chamber creates opportunities for visibility, relationship building, and collaboration. Working closely with city leadership and an engaged membership, the Chamber is a forward-thinking organization that offers businesses a way to connect, grow, and advance in Los Angeles.
Leading the organization is Todd Johnson, President and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. Johnson brings a clear vision for the city’s future that respects its heritage and potential for sustainable growth. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, his focus is on strengthening Beverly Hills’ position as a global business and cultural destination.
“Beverly Hills has always stood for excellence, luxury, and innovation. The opportunity ahead is to reinforce that brand by supporting a vibrant mix of legacy businesses, global brands, and emerging entrepreneurs, while continuing to attract international visitors, investment, and creative talent,” Johnson says. He believes the city should remain a place where commerce, hospitality, and the arts can exist and thrive together.
As President and CEO, Johnson’s priorities are to maintain the foundation that has made Beverly Hills successful while also creating opportunities for continued growth. Long-standing local businesses, which he considers the backbone of the city, are a particular focus. He emphasizes the importance of strong advocacy and a business environment that allows these businesses to thrive rather than just survive. This includes ongoing collaborations with city leadership on issues such as public safety, infrastructure, permitting efficiency, and maintaining the overall quality of the business district. At the same time, Johnson recognizes the importance of attracting emerging brands and new entrepreneurs who bring global relevance to Beverly Hills. “One of my key priorities is strengthening the Chamber’s role as a strategic partner for these businesses – helping them understand the market, connect with established leaders, and integrate into the community in a way that respects the city’s character and standards,” Johnson expresses. On a personal level, he has noted that some of the most defining moments of his work with the Chamber have come from helping businesses work through real challenges and come out stronger.
Further supporting the Chamber’s advocacy and economic development efforts is Blair Schlecter, Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs. In this role, Schlecter works closely with public officials to tend to the needs of the business community with public policy. His scope includes issues from taxes and development projects to restaurant and retail openings, all of which have a direct impact on the vitality of Beverly Hills’ commercial sector. This year, Schlecter sees opportunities to increase engagement with specific business sectors, including retail, medical, and office, while raising awareness of the Chamber’s advocacy work. “We have worked in the past with the City of Beverly Hills to lower parking requirements for restaurants to make them more competitive with neighboring cities, support an outdoor dining program, and support key development projects that will bring economic activity to our area,” Schlecter lists as examples.
In 2026, Schlecter sees maintaining the city’s worldwide brand as a key priority. This global reputation continues to attract businesses, visitors, and investment from around the world. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting development initiatives, including One Beverly Hills, a multi-billion-dollar mixed-use project expected to generate significant economic activity. In close coordination with the City of Beverly Hills, the Chamber also plays a role in attracting and retaining new businesses, which in turn supports a vibrant commercial sector and the tax revenue necessary to fund essential city services such as fire and police protection.
Furthermore, programming and member engagement are brought to life through the Chamber’s extensive events calendar, overseen by Events Manager Christian Lipton. His focus is on ensuring that every event reflects the distinctive character of Beverly Hills. “In 2026, I’m focused on making every Chamber event feel more intentional, more interactive, and more ‘Beverly Hills’ in the best way,” Lipton says.
Each event by Lipton is designed so members understand exactly what they will gain, whether that is meaningful networking, business insights, or community connection. He places equal importance on execution, noting, “For me, the creative idea is only half the job. The other half is making sure the experience is seamless, because in Beverly Hills, people notice the details.”
Once an event concept is established, Lipton plans backward from the guest experience, considering arrival, check-in, first impressions, sound, sightlines, timing, program flow, exits, and follow-up. He is meticulous about planning, vendor coordination, and other preparation. One of the most memorable events he managed was back in 2025: “The most rewarding and memorable event I’ve managed was the 2025 Summer Garden Party,” he reminisces. “When people are smiling, laughing, and stopping you to say how much fun they’re having, that’s the clearest sign you got it right, and it’s the standard I’m bringing into future Chamber events,” Lipton expresses.
Behind the scenes, financial stewardship and operational efficiency are led by Farimah Fayyad, Chief Financial Officer and Office Manager. As the Chamber enters a new phase of growth in 2026, her role is essential to maintaining long-term sustainability. “I will focus on strategic financial planning that not only adapts to the evolving business landscape but also enhances our members’ opportunities, making sure the Chamber remains a cornerstone of business success in Beverly Hills,” Fayyad says.
Her priorities include maintaining robust financial health, improving operational efficiency, and investing in technology and partnerships. For Fayyad, the most meaningful part of her work is seeing the tangible impact on local businesses. “The most meaningful aspect of supporting the Chamber’s mission is witnessing the tangible impact our work has on local businesses,” she says.
Moreover, membership growth and strategic partnerships are led by Melissa Case, Sales Director for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. Her approach to expansion is measured and reputation-focused. “In 2026, my priority is to grow membership in a way that protects the Chamber’s reputation as the most trusted connector in Beverly Hills, not just a directory, but a true business advantage,” she says.
Case emphasizes quality over quantity when it comes to partnerships, focusing on collaborators who expand opportunity, strengthen credibility, and reinforce the Beverly Hills image. She notes that businesses today want tangible outcomes. As a result, the Chamber is both a credibility builder and a visibility platform, customizing membership and sponsorship opportunities to meet the specific needs of each business. “My experience has taught me that people don’t just join organizations. They join relationships. So, I approach every member and partner connection with a long-term mindset. I care about what they’re building, what they want to be known for, and how the Chamber can serve as a meaningful part of that story,” says Case.
Also contributing to the Chamber’s impact is Matthew Kalinowski, Senior Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator. Kalinowski believes that visual communication through thoughtful graphic design and consistent execution is essential to how information flows between the Chamber, local businesses, and the community. “Thoughtful design enhances clarity, builds credibility, and increases engagement,” he expresses.
One of his most meaningful contributions to the Beverly Hills Chamber came nearly a decade ago, when he collaborated on the redesign of the logotype that now accompanies the Beverly Hills Crest, an important element of the Chamber’s current visual identity. With years of experience in luxury real estate and architectural marketing in Beverly Hills, Kalinowski now has a unique understanding of the city’s visual language. And looking ahead to 2026, he hopes to further strengthen relationships within his existing network while building new ones, using design and communication as tools to connect businesses with the community in lasting ways.
Rounding out the leadership team is Julian Pineda, the Marketing Director, who oversees digital strategy and communications. Pineda focuses on engaging both long-established businesses and a new generation of entrepreneurs. “For our legacy businesses, it’s about protecting brand equity and showing their continued leadership in Beverly Hills. For newer entrepreneurs, it’s about making the Chamber feel current, accessible, and worth their time,” he says.
Pineda notes that the Chamber is moving beyond traditional networking to become a platform that provides visibility, relationships, and access to decision-makers. “I want people to see our content, attend one event, and immediately understand the value: this is where you meet the right people, get plugged into the community, and grow your brand in Beverly Hills,” Pineda expresses.
Together, the leadership and team of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce are working to maintain and improve the lives and careers of business owners in the city. Their collective work supports a business environment that maintains the city’s strong legacy while also preparing it for the future. Ultimately, the Chamber advocates for businesses of all kinds and works to ensure that the city remains a premier destination for commerce, culture, and opportunity for everyone.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.beverlyhillschamber.com.