The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Thursday selected a local banker as its new chairman.

Ernesto Arredondo Jr., San Diego area president of Wells Fargo Bank, replaces John Reilly, who held the chairman post briefly before being promoted to oversee all theme parks for SeaWorld Entertainment. Reilly is relocating to Florida.

Arredondo had been the chamber’s vice chairman.

“Despite just beginning his role as chair of the chamber’s Board of Directors, John has long been a trusted adviser and supporter of the chamber,” said Jerry Sanders, the business group’s president and CEO. “We wish John well in his new role and thank him for the thoughtful and fresh approach he brought to the chamber.”

Arredondo will assume the chairmanship in April.

“Ernesto has been a strong supporter of the chamber and our mission, and I appreciate him stepping into the chairman role,” Sanders said. “Under Ernesto’s leadership, the chamber will continue our progress toward making San Diego the best place in California to do business and bringing more jobs to the region.”

Sam Attisha, vice president of business development and public affairs of Cox Communications, will be the chamber’s vice chairman.

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