(August 7, 2009) The California Chamber of Commerce has promoted Robert Callahan to a policy advocate position with responsibility for tracking environmental issues of concern to California businesses.

Callahan took over environmental policy advocacy for the CalChamber on July 16.

“It is always a pleasure to recognize in-house talent, so we are especially happy to name Robert Callahan as the policy advocate spearheading the CalChamber’s efforts on environmental issues,” said CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg.

“We are confident that Robert’s experience in following a variety of issues will serve the business community well as he continues our work to balance economic and environmental concerns in shaping public policy.”

Callahan will continue following transportation issues affecting California business, as well as housing and land use, banking and finance and small business issues—the areas he has been covering as the CalChamber’s policy analyst since October 2006.Callahan joined the CalChamber staff in 2005 as a legislative assistant working in the areas of agriculture, resources, water, privacy, housing, education, environment and transportation.

Before joining the CalChamber staff, Callahan worked as a legislative assistant for a Sacramento lobbying firm and held several legislative internships, including assisting California Senator Jim Battin and serving as an intern in Washington, D.C. Callahan received bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from the University of California, Davis.

Staff Contact: Jeanne Cain