VICA names leadership transition after Waldman exit

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association said Stuart Waldman will step down as president July 10 after nearly 19 years leading the group. A search committee is now reviewing candidates as VICA prepares for its next executive leader. Why it matters: - Stuart Waldman’s departure closes nearly 19 years of leadership at one of the San Fernando Valley’s most visible business advocacy groups. - VICA said the transition comes as the organization seeks to preserve its policy and lobbying influence across the greater Los Angeles region. - Waldman’s exit follows a tenure tied to major regional priorities, including transportation funding and the effort to bring the Olympics to the Valley. What happened: - The Valley Industry and Commerce Association said Stuart Waldman will conclude his tenure as president on July 10, 2026. - Waldman is leaving to accept a new leadership position in the Los Angeles region. - The announcement was made June 16, 2026, by VICA’s Board of Directors in Van Nuys, California. The details: - VICA described Waldman’s tenure as historic and said he had spent nearly 19 years as a champion for the San Fernando Valley business community. - The organization credited Waldman with helping bring the Olympics to the Valley. - VICA also pointed to his role in securing critical transportation investments. - The group said Waldman ensured Valley employers had a voice at every level of government. - In a message to the board, Waldman said serving the organization was one of the greatest privileges of his professional life. - Waldman said he was grateful for the friendships, trust, support and partnership he received over the years. - VICA’s board thanked Waldman for decades of service and said his legacy of integrity and effective advocacy left the organization in a position of unprecedented strength. - VICA said Waldman will continue to be a powerful force for the Southern California business community in his new role. - The organization was founded in 1949 and serves the greater San Fernando Valley and surrounding region. - VICA says its mission is to enhance economic vitality by advocating for a better business climate and quality of life. - More information is available on VICA’s website . Between the lines: - Waldman’s exit appears designed as a managed handoff, not a sudden departure. - The board’s immediate creation of a search committee suggests VICA wants continuity during a politically sensitive leadership change. - The timing matters because VICA operates as a business voice in a region where public policy, transportation and large-scale development decisions remain closely linked. What’s next: - VICA’s search committee is reviewing candidates for the organization’s next executive leader. - The group said the committee is guiding the transition to ensure a seamless continuation of VICA’s mission. - The new leader will inherit an advocacy organization with long-standing relationships in local and regional government. The bottom line: - VICA is entering a new era after nearly two decades under Stuart Waldman, with continuity and influence now hinging on the next executive pick.