Matthew Mingrone, file photo

The new head of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce comes to the organization from the hospitality and tourism industry, specifically with a local casino.

For the last 14 years, Matthew Mingrone has worked in various roles at Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, including marketing director and general manager. He has more than 30 years in hospitality, bringing “a wealth of knowledge and a passion for community development to his new role.”

A native of western Pennsylvania, Mingrone got his start in the gaming industry in Lake Tahoe. He’s worked at 10 casinos, about half owned by Indian tribes, he said in a 2015 Business Journal executive profile.

He takes the role at the Visalia Chamber effective May 20.

“Mingrone’s extensive leadership experience and dedication to our community make him the ideal candidate to lead the Visalia Chamber of Commerce into its next chapter,” said Nathan Halls, current Board of chair of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our organization and the businesses we serve.”

As president and CEO, Mingrone will be responsible for driving the Chamber’s vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations, according to a news release. He replaces Gail Zurek, who announced in January her intention to step down after nearly a decade.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Chamber team and contributing to the continued success of our community,” said Mingrone in a statement. “Having admired the Chamber’s accomplishments as a representative of a member business, I am excited to now be a part of the team that works to create a better environment for all businesses in Visalia.”