Vancouver Business Journal publisher named Chamber CEO

John McDonagh, publisher and co-owner of the Vancouver Business Journal, has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the chamber announced Wednesday morning. McDonagh has served as the interim president and CEO since December, replacing Kelly Love. He assumed the permanent position April 1. The Chamber represents more than 1,000 business members in Southwest Washington. McDonagh has been an active community volunteer in organizations including the Clark County Fair Association, the Greater Clark County and Vancouver Rotary clubs, the Columbia River Economic Development Council, and the School of Piano Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Vancouver Business Journal has produced the Boardroom Breakfast Series, the Business Growth Awards, Top Projects, Accomplished & Under 40 and North Bank Magazine. McDonagh will retain ownership and some involvement with the Vancouver Business Journal but will devote full-time effort to the Chamber, according to a statement released by the Chamber. "I have learned a great deal about the operations of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce in my time as interim president/CEO," McDonagh said in the statement. "The (Chamber) plays a critical role in the advancement of economic prosperity in our region and I'm excited and honored to be a part of it." Eric Olmsted, chairman of the Chamber's board, said McDonagh was chosen after "an extensive search with highly qualified candidates." McDonagh's long support for business and community activities, as well as his business and political background, made him an "ideal choice" for the job, Olmsted said.