Joel A. Ayala, Director Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GoED)

Joel A. Ayala was recently appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GoED) to make it easier to start, expand, or keep a business in California. Mr. Ayala will work to facilitate and stimulate economic growth through the development and implementation of strategic policies and partnerships with the private sector, community, local, and national organizations that enhance human and capital infrastructure development as well as increase California’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Prior to joining the state, he served as the President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce where he represented the interests of over 720,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in California. In 2001, Mr. Ayala became President and CEO of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where he served as the primary contact for federal, state and local legislators concerning the interests of the Hispanic business community in Orange County, CA. Through local Empowerment Zones, Workforce Investment Boards, and Enterprise Zones, Mr. Ayala worked to improve Workforce and Economic Development for small to midsize companies in Orange and Los Angeles counties.  

Mr. Ayala brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of personal development and leadership and has served as a board member to the Orange County Presidents Council, the Santa Ana Empowerment Zone, the Workforce Investment Boards of Santa Ana and Anaheim, the Small Business Development Center, and the Business Community Advisory Boards for Rancho Santiago and North Orange County Community College Districts. Mr. Ayala sat on the California Task force for Small Business spearheaded by the Department of General Services, and was selected to join the Lieutenant Governor’s Economic Development Committee.

Mr. Ayala has been awarded the CHCC “Executive of the Year” award, Citi Bank Executive of the Year, as well as the SBA award for “Minority Small Business Champion.”