The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has appointed a political campaign manager to the newly created position of leadership development manager.
Hannah Castillo, former deputy director of Hispanic initiatives at the Republic National Committee, will lead three chamber programs: San Diego Young Leaders, the San Diego Public Leadership Institute and an initiative launching early next year to help develop women professionals.
“By dedicating a full-time staff member to this role we will grow these programs and develop with them the business-minded leaders needed to keep San Diego moving forward,” chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders said in a Dec. 1 news release.
He added, “Hannah’s background in both local and national political campaign management, program management and communication is a perfect match to take these programs to the next level.”
Castillo worked most recently as manager of Ray Ellis’ 2016 campaign for a seat on the San Diego City Council. She directed marketing, staff development and community outreach. Ellis left the campaign in August.
Before that, while at the RNC, Castillo co-managed outreach to hundreds of thousands of voters, advised various local campaigns on strategic messaging and developed relationships with community leaders.
The chamber’s young leaders program was created in January 2016 to develop professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. Its leadership institute helps bring along local business professionals interested in seeking elected office or appointed positions.
The new women’s professional development program is still in formative stages and isn’t expected to launch until early 2017.
