Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce Appoints Maryam Zar as CEO

Palibu Chamber Will Host Recovery Expo in Pacific Palisades

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host a recovery expo on Sunday, November 23, and has announced that Maryam Zar has been appointed CEO.

The Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo—the second in a series of large-scale events showing over 100 exhibitors, from major companies to local nonprofits and government agencies—will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283. The event was originally planned for November 16, but was postponed due to the “forecast of heavy rain.”

“Given that our expo is entirely outdoors, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the event,” Zar wrote, confirming the new date of Sunday, November 23.

Organized and hosted by the chamber in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Recovery, the expo will stretch from Alma Real to La Cruz drives and over to Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, designed to create a lively, walkable corridor of recovery resources, demonstration booths and community connection.

Streets will be closed, allowing attendees to walk the expo and engage directly with organizations offering architectural advice, fire-hardening supplies, construction and remediation advice, support, assistance, solutions, mental health services, workforce training, small business recovery tools, and more. There will also be food options available.

“After the devastation of the January fires, people are eager not just for answers, but for tangible support,” Zar said. “The Palibu Expo brings everyone—residents, businesses and agencies—into one space, to make recovery faster, simpler and more connected.”

Malibu and Palisades residents are encouraged to attend, whether they are rebuilding, navigating insurance, repairing homes, or seeking information and support.

At the start of November, the chamber announced the appointment of Zar as new chief executive officer, marking a “pivotal” chapter for Malibu and the Palisades while both communities navigate wildfire recovery, economic revitalization and preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. Zar takes over the position from outgoing CEO Barbara Bruderlin.

The chamber stated that Zar’s appointment signals a “bold shift” toward “deeper civic engagement, impactful public policy advocacy, and a renewed empowerment of the business community through innovative programs, grants, and recovery resources.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Maryam Zar as our new CEO,” said Ramis Sadrieh, board chair of the chamber. “She brings unmatched experience in civic leadership and community-building. She is exactly the kind of visionary who can guide this chamber through economic recovery and into a future of strength and opportunity.”

A “longtime community advocate,” Zar has built her career around public service, as well as coalition-building and strategic problem-solving.

“She is known for convening government officials, residents, nonprofits and business leaders during times of crisis—most recently through her leadership in wildfire recovery efforts across Pacific Palisades,” the chamber said.

As CEO, Zar will lead initiatives to: both rebuild and strengthen the local economy, support wildfire-impacted businesses and commercial, further advance policy collaboration at the city, county and state levels to accelerate rebuilding, expand civic programming and tourism opportunities ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and create pathways for workforce development and entrepreneurship.

“This is a moment for renewal and reinvention,” Zar said. “Our two coastal communities have endured devastation, but we also have extraordinary determination to recover and potential to thrive. By linking recovery to opportunity, amplifying local business voices and investing in resilience, we can emerge stronger than ever.”

Zar will speak at the chamber’s next Connections Breakfast, which will take place on Thursday, November 13, at 8 a.m. at Palisades Recovery Coalition headquarters, 15224 Sunset Boulevard.

For additional information, including a link to RSVP to the Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo, visit palibu.org. Zar can be reached through ceo@palibu.org.