Around Town: Chamber names executive director

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce has named Laura Henkels its executive director.

Henkels will provide education and outreach services to attract, retain and grow local businesses, board of directors President Larry Nokes said in a news release.

Hankels has worked with the chamber on events for more than a year.

“Laura will continue to bring energy, excitement and new ideas to the chamber. In her work with the events, she has made it a point to meet as many of our members as possible,” Nokes said. “Her first priority is to continue building relationships with our members and with area business leaders.”

Henkels has served as an executive with Citibank, the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, Harte Hanks and Valassis, according to the release.

She lives in Newport Beach with her two sons.

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Rotary Club names student of the month

The Laguna Beach Rotary Club has named Andrew Couse its November student of the month.

Andrew, a student at Laguna Beach High School, is studying advanced calculus, advanced biology, advanced macroeconomics and advanced chemical research to further his strong interest in the sciences.

He has won the TedX Orange Coast Teen Challenge and received the National Merit Commended Student Award and the AP Scholar Award. He is a member of the Lemelson-MIT Inventeam and the Technology Club.

After graduation, Andrew plans to major in science and earn his doctorate with an eye toward a career in forensic science.

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Visit Laguna Beach hires a manager

Callie Malone has joined tourism promoter Visit Laguna Beach as partnership manager.

Malone will oversee and develop local and national partnerships.

She previously served as group sales digital manager with the Bloomington, Minn., Convention and Visitors Bureau and has experience as a private event coordinator. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.