Valley Industry & Commerce Association President Brendan Huffman will leave by the end of the year having made the group more assertive about its pro-business agenda. Among the accomplishments Huffman is most proud of since taking the position in 2006 is making VICA more visible to city and state lawmakers. “In Sacramento we have the most regular presence in the state capital than any other business group,” Huffman said. “We have the most regular presence at City Hall than any other Valley business group.” Although he helmed the association for just a short while his predecessor Bonny Herman had been there for nearly 20 years Huffman said he was ready to take on new challenges. His future plans may involve independent consulting work or working at a large consulting firm. VICA Chairman Greg Lippe said Huffman’s leaving was not a total surprise but it hadn’t been anticipated it would happen so soon. Huffman will remain president until a replacement is found and then will help with the transition. His intention is to remain until the end of year. “My hope and desire is to find somebody with equal skills who will continue to take VICA to the next level and into the future,” Lippe said. Huffman lives in Studio City with his wife, Los Angeles Unified School District Board member Tamar Galatzan, and family. He served as public policy director and head lobbyist for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce before going to VICA.
