Nick Ortiz, who joined the California Chamber of Commerce in February 2023, was promoted in October 2023 to head the newly created CalChamber Small Business Policy Center, assuming the role of vice president of small business advocacy. In addition to enhancing the efforts of small business employers to let policy makers know how government requirements affect the day-to-day workings and profitability of small companies, Ortiz continues to serve as an information resource for and CalChamber liaison with local chambers of commerce. Before joining the CalChamber team, Ortiz was president and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce from April 2015 to February 2023. Ortiz’s previous experience includes positions with the Western States Petroleum Association, PG&E, Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, United Way and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz. See full bio