SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday former San Diego City Councilmember Chris Cate has been tapped to take over as president and CEO. Cate, a Republican, was appointed to the role following an "an extensive and rigorous search process" by the group's B oard of Directors to succeed former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders in the role following his retirement at the end of last year. In a statement, the former city councilmember described the opportunity to lead the Chamber, which represents the interests of the region's businesses in local politics, as a "tremendous honor." City creating new $3M ‘greenway’ in East Village as part of wider makeover “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated Board and staff to advocate for policies that help businesses thrive, drive economic growth, and strengthen our region," Cate said in a statement. "By championing innovation, opportunity, and collaboration, we are building a brighter future for San Diego’s business community and the people it serves." The Chamber of Commerce said in its announcement Cate will officially assume the position on June 1. Jessica Anderson, a former policy director for the administrations of Todd Gloria and Kevin Faulconer, will continue as interim CEO until his start date. Cate was first elected to public office in 2014, representing the city's sixth council district. At the time, Republicans had more of a presence in City Hall, holding the offices of mayor and city attorney on top of a slim minority on the city council. When he departed the office due to term limits in 2022, he was replaced by Democrat Kent Lee, cementing a 9-0 majority on the council for the first time in its history. Once out of office, Cate founded a public policy consulting firm, 3MC Strategies, and served in leadership roles with the San Diego Taxpayers Association. “Chris strongly embodies the vital attributes we need and expect for the role of President/CEO of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce,” Chris Howard, chair of the Chamber's board and president of Sharp HealthCare, said in a statement. “Chris has demonstrated the ability to build effective coalitions within our business community and has been successful at working with government at all levels to deliver results," Howard continued. "These qualities will be essential as we represent the ever-changing needs of large and small businesses across our diverse San Diego business community.” ...read more read less