David G. Ackerman, former executive vice president and chief lobbyist for the California Chamber of Commerce, passed away recently. He was 75.
For decades, Ackerman was one of the most respected business voices in the State Capitol. He devoted his career to strengthening California’s economy, improving the lives of Californians, and helping clients and members who wanted to do business in the state.
He served as CalChamber executive vice president and chief lobbyist from 1986 through 1988. As president of his own advocacy firm, he continued to represent the CalChamber as special consultant for transportation for two decades, from 1989 to 2009.
Ackerman joined the CalChamber staff after more than three years as Governor George Deukmejian’s undersecretary for business, transportation and housing. In that role, Ackerman had principal responsibility for the activities of the Department of Commerce and development of California’s transportation policies.
For many years, Ackerman was executive vice president of Californians for Better Transportation, a coalition of highway and transit advocacy organizations.
He also had served as chief of staff to California’s lieutenant governor, Republican staff director for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and as deputy to the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
He was an alumnus of UCLA, where he earned a B.A. in political science, and of California State University, Chico, from which he received an M.A. in public administration.
