San Diego, Calif. (December 13, 2024)— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has appointed Jessica Anderson to the San Diego Convention Center Corporation Board of Directors.
Anderson joins a board that will be chaired in 2025 by Shawn VanDiver. Additional Board Officers and Directors include Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Vice Chair; Alyssa Turowski, Treasurer; Gretchen Newsom, Secretary; Jeff Gattas, and Sam Nejabat.
"Jessica is a fantastic addition to our board, bringing meaningful knowledge of our organization and facility from her career in public policy,” VanDiver said. “Together with Jessica and the entire board, I’m eager to begin my year as chair. San Diegans can expect to see increased partnerships locally and internationally as we strengthen our impact as a diplomatic and economic hub.”
Anderson currently serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked since 2023. She will be the Chamber’s Interim President and CEO beginning January 1, 2025. Before assuming her leadership position at the Chamber, she served the City of San Diego for more than a decade as a senior advisor to two San Diego mayors, Mayor Todd Gloria and Mayor Kevin Faulconer. She brings experience in public affairs, policy, strategic planning, and economic development. The San Diego Business Journal recently recognized Anderson as a 2024 Business Woman of the Year.
“During my ten years working at the City of San Diego, I became familiar with the Convention Center’s operations, workforce, and impact. I understand the value this facility brings to the San Diego region and look forward to helping position it for long-term success.” Anderson said.
VanDiver begins serving as Chair on January 1, 2025. He is the founder of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit organization that helps Afghan allies evacuate to safety, and Vice President of External Affairs at Athenian Group, where he works with government leaders to identify innovative solutions to long-term civic challenges. A Navy veteran, VanDiver is the founder of the San Diego Chapter of the Truman National Security Project and serves as Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum’s San Diego Chapter. He also serves on the Boards for Emerge California, Veterans Community Connections, and the Downtown San Diego Partnership.
The San Diego Convention Center Board is composed of seven volunteer business and community leaders. The Board sets policy for the public benefit corporation created by the City of San Diego to exclusively manage, market, and operate the 2.6 million-square-foot waterfront facility.
About the San Diego Convention Center
The San Diego Convention Center is the region’s premier gathering place, hosting conventions that create economic benefits and jobs for the San Diego region, paid for by outside visitors to the destination.
