Stamets named chairman of Newport chamber

The general manager of the Island Hotel in Newport Beach is the new chairman of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber voted Aug. 22 during an event at the Newport Sea Base to put Donald Stamets in the role. He began his one-year term this month.

“The Newport Beach Chamber has so much to offer our local business community,” Stamets said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to helping members stay connected and informed about the issues that can help them as they grow their businesses in today’s competitive market.”

Stamets previously worked for The Resort at Pelican Hill, Westin Hotels and Resorts and Ritz-Carlton Hotels, according to the release.

He also serves several other Orange County organizations, including Visit Newport Beach Inc., where he is a board member.

Stamets replaces outgoing chairman Tim Brown, who announced this summer that he plans to run for the Newport Beach City Council District 4 seat currently held by Leslie Daigle, who will be termed-out.

—Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall