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The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce has selected local businessman David S.G. MacKenzie to serve as its interim president and CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement for MacKenzie's predecessor, Paul Wright.

The chamber's board of directors announced that it has chosen MacKenzie, an accountant, because of his knowledge and understanding of the Palo Alto community. According to the board's announcement, MacKenzie has been working with Wright in recent months to improve the organization's administrative and management functions.

Wright resigned last month after six months on the job.

"It is the Board's opinion that David's blend of business acumen, familiarity with the Chamber and knowledge of the Palo Alto community will provide the Chamber with sound organizational leadership as we conduct our search to fill the permanent position," board Chair Rebecca Teutschel said in a statement.

In announcing its selection, the Chamber touted MacKenzie's more than 35 years of experience on executive teams of various startups, large companies and nonprofit organizations. He is past president of the Palo Alto/University Rotary Club and has served on boards at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Cantor Arts Center.

"Palo Alto is where I was born, have lived, worked and volunteered," MacKenzie said in a statement. "I look forward to working more closely with the business community and other organizations to ensure it continues to be the kind of city I am very proud to say I've been associated with as a resident, family member and business person my entire life."

Related story:

• Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce CEO resigns

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