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Turlock Chamber names Paul Wright as interim CEO
chamber CEO Paul Wright
The Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors appointed Paul Wright to serve as the interim President/CEO. - photo by Photo Contributed

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors appointed Paul Wright to serve as the interim President/CEO, following the retirement of long-time President Sharon Silva on Aug. 15.

A native of Turlock, Wright enters the position with years of experience in professional leadership roles. 

“We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Paul Wright during this interim period,” said Kyle Kirkes, chair of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Not only is he a Turlock native, but he also brings with him decades of business and Chamber experience.  I am confident that he will be an invaluable asset to our organization over the next several months.”

Wright's background includes over 30 years of business experience, with 20 years as a consultant—working with leadership teams and organizations as they seek to align their relationships and strategy.

“I think I have a unique background for this role,” said Wright. “I started my career here in Turlock. When I moved into a new profession, I served as a volunteer for two chamber of commerce boards and was the chair of one. I’ve served on a city council and understand what it’s like to be in a position of making decisions that influence the business community and the chamber.” 

Wright’s term as President/CEO for the Turlock Chamber will include operations management, performing an internal analysis of the organization, fostering key business and community relationships and assisting the Board of Directors in the search for a permanent President/CEO.

“My number one goal is creating the foundation for the new permanent CEO to be successful,” Wright said. “I’d also like to continue to improve the financial systems and the way the Chamber generates income, and continue the development of our staff—we’ve got a great staff.”

Wright graduated from Turlock High School in 1967, and served as the Turlock Chamber’s executive from 1977 through 1980.

“There’s a saying that ‘you can never go back’ and in this context I think there is an exception,” Wright said. “I have roots here, I have a deep care for the community and the chamber, and I think that I have the practical connection and background… yet I’ve got that sort of emotional connection to the community and I think that’s a nice combination.”