She cooks Italian, kick-boxes and hails from Brooklyn and Long Island. She is Tina Firestone, the new executive vice president for the Malibu Chamber of Commerce as of July 24.
Firestone will take over duties from Mary Lou Blackwood who filled in temporarily when former Executive Vice President Catherine Garcia abruptly left the post earlier this year. Blackwood served as executive VP for 12 years, retiring from the position in November, 2000.
With a string of awards for excellence and sales in her 15 years of chamber service, Firestone worked for the Tarzana and Woodland Hills chambers, followed by a stint at the Azusa chamber for two years before coming to Malibu.
While in Azusa, she was involved in numerous activities including a partnership with the Azusa school district, which began a job shuttle program for high school students. She also initiated member-to-member discount programs and “legislative advocacy for issues that came up that affected the businesses in Azusa,” she said during a phone interview.
“We are happy to welcome Tina Lyn Firestone to the Malibu Chamber of Commerce,” chamber President Ray Craig wrote in a press release. “Tina came to us highly recommended by her colleagues in several chambers in Southern California.”
The Woodland Hills resident came to the Valley when she was 14 and has lived there ever since. She plays golf, takes spinning classes and loves to cook.
“I barbeque a lot for friends,” she said.
One of the perks of working in Malibu is the shorter commute. While in Azusa, “I drove a hundred miles a day,” she said, “so it’s really nice to be here.”
Talking about Malibu, her voice brightened noticeably. “I love it-it’s a dream,” she said. “The weather, the ocean, and the people-they’re so friendly. Being here has complexly released my stress.”
Some responsibilities of a executive VP include business promotion, interfacing with the government on behalf of the business community and listening to business owners.
Firestone said it’s too soon to offer her insight on what she has planned as the executive vice president of the chamber.