Bruce D. Ackerman - Vice Chairman

Bruce Ackerman was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and approved by the Los Angeles City Council on October 12, 2005.

Mr. Ackerman is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley. He has more than 30 years of executive leadership of chambers of commerce and economic development organizations and he is designated as Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). He is particularly adept in turnaround situations requiring immediate application of financial, organizational, and membership-building skills and he is a Nationally-known innovator of unique programs that enhance revenues and control costs, as well as developer of dynamic, professional and quality oriented staff teams.

Mr. Ackerman is experienced in creating private-public partnerships to enhance economic development of communities. He is a sought-after conference speaker, meeting facilitator, and curriculum instructor with excellent stand-up presentation skills. He specializes in multi-cultural diversity and workplace sensitivity issues. He has exceptional skills in public relations, operations management, communications, economic development, coalition building, and legislative and political affairs. Well-versed in international trade development and regional collaborative.

Mr. Ackerman holds a Graduate of Academy of Management Principles from Notre Dame, and a Graduate of Institutes for Organization Management from the University of Colorado.

He was awarded designation of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) - highest possible industry honor and Western Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives - 1988 “Executive of the Year”

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Formed and raised seed money for two innovative non-profit economic development corporations resulting in first-ever private-public contract relationship with City of Los Angeles.

Retired outstanding debt, increased capital improvements, and built cash reserves through successful membership dues and non-dues income increases and simultaneous cost cutting for each organization served.

Led a regional economic development and marketing corporation from near closure to becoming one of the most successful private-public partnerships in the State of California.

Organized and led successful campaign to repeal anti-business “No-Growth” ordinance and, in doing so, increased community credibility of sponsoring Chamber.

Implemented quality-oriented staff teams for improved operations efficiency by focusing on customer service and continuous process review and improvement. Clients include retail, healthcare, service, health and fitness and manufacturing entities.

Instituted stand-alone Transportation Management Association (TMA) for Chamber members subject to Air Quality Management District (AQMD) regulations. Served as a major benefit to larger employers.

Conceived and started first Employee Assistance Program for a Chamber of Commerce in the state.

Authored and published The Management Bible featuring “how to” procedural examples for office organization, staff development and financial management. Over 2,000 copies in use all over the country.

Served as faculty member for U. S. Chamber Institutes for Organization Management for past 18 years teaching courses in Budget & Finance, Office Management, Staff Development, and Non-Dues Income.

Innovated and taught a number of courses in Total Quality Management (TQM) and Time Management for non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses.

Increased total revenues 135% at the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley in 3 years; 285% at the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership in 2 years; 205% at Pasadena Chamber of Commerce in 6 years; and 1,090% at Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce in 11 years.