Lamkin, Stroman Take on Manhattan Beach Leadership Positions
Jun 10, 2025 06:24PM ● By Mb News Staff
Two major Manhattan Beach leadership positions have been announced, with Jill Lamkin being named the new head of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Kelly Stroman returning to the helm of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association.
Lamkin To Head Chamber
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday announced Jill Lamkin as its new president and chief executive officer.
Lamkin stepped into the role following a six-year tenure as executive director for the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association (DBPA), where she built strong relationships between local businesses, residents, and city leadership. She also led the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market to record growth, doubling revenues under her management.
“Jill has a proven track record of bringing people together to get results, and the board of directors and I could not be more thrilled to have Jill assume leadership of this iconic organization,” said David Curry, chair of the chamber's board, in a statement. “Her deep roots in Manhattan Beach, coupled with her experience in both the corporate world and local advocacy, make her uniquely qualified to lead the chamber into its next chapter.”
“I’m honored to accept this role to further support the entire Manhattan Beach business community,” said Lamkin in a statement. “The Manhattan Beach Chamber will serve as a centralized point of contact and influence for all businesses in the city to more effectively communicate and advocate their needs.”
Lamkin continued, “We have an important opportunity to step onto the world stage over the next several years, as Los Angeles hosts the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics, with venues proximate to Manhattan Beach. The visitors are coming, and we must prepare to greet them in a way that enhances the experience for our guests and businesses, while showing them the true character of our small and charming beach community. The Chamber will once again play a vital role in shaping our city’s economic future, and I’m excited to work with our talented board of directors to expand its reach, relevance, and impact for businesses of all sizes.”
Stroman Returns to DBPA
Meanwhile, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association (DBPA) has announced that Kelly Stroman will return to the organization as its executive director.
A veteran of nonprofit and board leadership in the South Bay — including leading local business and civic organizations — Stroman had previously served as the organization's executive director from 2013 to 2018.
Since then, she has served as president and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce (2018–2021) and as managing director of The Friendship Foundation (2021–2025).
"We are thrilled to welcome Kelly back as executive director of DBPA," said DBPA President Molly Hobin Williams in a statement. "Her vast experience, passion, enthusiasm and vision align perfectly with our mission and goals. We are confident she will bring strong leadership, collaboration and fresh perspective as we enter this exciting new chapter."
“I’m absolutely thrilled to return to lead the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association at such a pivotal moment in the city’s evolution," said Stroman in a statement. “With transformative decisions ahead around land use and key building projects, we have a once-in-a generation opportunity to shape the future of the business district. As the world’s spotlight turns to Southern California and Downtown Manhattan Beach with global events like the World Cup, Super Bowl, and LA28 on the horizon, I’m excited to help our community rise and shine — honoring our charm while embracing smart, strategic growth. Throughout it all, I remain deeply committed to preserving our core beach town values while elevating the sophisticated charm that makes the downtown area unique — ensuring that it remains clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone to enjoy.”
About the Organizations
Founded in 1941, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and resilient local economy. The chamber aims to bring together businesses, organizations, and leaders to enhance economic growth, create development opportunities, and build a cohesive brand that positions Manhattan Beach as the premier place to live, work, and play. By unifying the voice of local commerce and partnering closely with city and regional stakeholders, the chamber aims to drive strategic initiatives that support retention, attraction, and prosperity in the community.
The Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professionals Association leads business advocacy, marketing and promotions, community engagement and beautification and improvement for the more than 300 businesses in the downtown district as well as the Manhattan Beach Farmers' Market.
