Greg Newman

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce has announced its pick of Greg Newman as its new executive director.

Newman will replace Gary Honeycutt, who has served as interim director following the retirement of Mark Blackney in August 2017.

A born-and-raised Fresno native, Newman, 51, has served as the general manager of Sierra Vista Mall for the past 17 years, and served on the Clovis Chamber board of directors from 2010-2016. Newman attended Fresno State, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication.

Along with being a member of the Clovis Rodeo Association and the Clovis Elks, Newman also serves on the Clovis Tourism Advisory Committee, and served on the City of Clovis Economic Development Strategy committees in 2003 and 2013. He was also the chair of the Clovis Local Organizing Committee in 2012, which hosted the Clovis Stage of the Amgen Tour of California international bike race.

Jimmy Dunn, assistant vice president for operations for Clovis-based California Health Science University and chamber board chair, said that there is excitement surrounding Newman’s new position as the Clovis Chamber executive director.

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished professional to lead the Clovis Chamber of Commerce,” said Dunn. “Greg’s extensive experience in building partnerships will strengthen our initiatives for a better and stronger business environment and quality of life in Clovis, and we are all confident in his abilities to guide the Chamber and its membership.”

Newman’s duties as chamber director will include strengthening business relationships in the community, working with members and the board of directors as well as with Clovis Unified School District, Clovis Community College, the City of Clovis and other local organizations.

“Clovis is growing and our community is thriving,” said Newman. “We, as a chamber, will strive to serve Clovis and the Central Valley by offering exceptional benefits to our membership, as well as produce exciting events for the public such as Big Hat Days and ClovisFest.”

Andy Haussler, community and economic development director for the City of Clovis, said Newman is the right man for the job.

“His background in business attraction, managing large events, and a deep caring for Clovis makes me excited for the City to see him step up in his new role with the chamber,” said Haussler.