Jena Rodriguez has been named the Visalia Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Photo via Visalia Chamber/Adobe stock image

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce board announced Friday that Jena Rodriguez, currently serving as vice president of operations, has been elevated to the position of president and CEO.

Jena joined the Chamber in 2019 as impressions coordinator and quickly distinguished herself as a capable and dedicated leader, according to a news release. Over the years, she has held key leadership positions including director of operations, giving her a deep understanding of the Chamber’s programs, members and mission, according to the release.

In her time with the Chamber, Rodriguez has been instrumental in strengthening member engagement and advancing the organization’s strategic initiatives, according to the release. She also leads the Leadership Visalia program, which was recently recognized with an award for excellence in leadership development — a testament to her ability to cultivate collaboration and inspire future community leaders, according to the release.

During the Chamber’s recent transition period, Jena stepped up, providing consistent direction and stability for members, staff, and partners, according to the release. 

Gail Zurek stepped down from the CEO position in June 2024 after nearly 10 years leading the Visalia Chamber. Matthew Mingrone, former general manager of Eagle Mountain Casino, stepped into the role from May 2024 to June 2025 before taking another casino GM position in Oroville.

The Visalia Chamber —  No. 2 on The Business Journal’s Chambers of Commerce list published Sept. 5. — has about 700 members and a budget of $750,000 that Rodriguez will oversee.

“Jena has shown exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the Chamber and the Visalia business community,” said Jason Vasquez, Chair of the Visalia Chamber Board of Directors. “She has a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our members, and the Board is confident she will lead the Chamber with both strength and vision.”

“I’m deeply honored to continue serving our members and this incredible community in this new role,” Rodriguez said.. “The Chamber’s success is built on collaboration — between businesses, community leaders, and residents — and I’m excited to build on that foundation as we work together to move Visalia forward.”