June 27, 2025–Today, the Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP) announced that Leah Goold-Haws, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors of her decision to step down from her position, effective July 31, 2025, to pursue other opportunities. The board graciously accepts her resignation and wishes her the best in her pursuit of a new endeavor.
Ms. Goold-Haws has announced plans to return to consulting, where she will serve both national and international clients. In fact, she began her tenure with LBEP as a part-time consultant in 2022 and transitioned to the role of full-time CEO at the end of that same year. Together with the LBEP board, partners, and stakeholders, Ms. Goold-Haws led the organization as it grew brand recognition, financial contributions, data-led strategies, innovative programs, and increased business attraction events and services.
“It has been an honor to lead the Long Beach Economic Partnership during such an important phase for the organization. Together, we have established LBEP as a leading partner in economic growth on behalf of the city and the region. LBEP has showcased how Long Beach is leading the way for business location, growth, and retention,” stated Ms. Goold-Haws.
The board will now transition efforts to finding a successor to the role during the summer dark period the organization has historically observed.
“We want to thank Leah for all her hard work and efforts to continue positioning LBEP as the go-to organization for economic development and growth in Long Beach. The timing of this decision aligns well with the organization’s calendar of events, and we will work to get a new executive seated by the end of summer to avoid any disruption to our stakeholders. Long Beach has considerable momentum in the economic development arena and has garnered national recognition in recent years. We look to find a new leader who can take up the mantel and take LBEP to new heights, in an effort to support all the great work happening throughout the city and in alignment with the Long Beach Economic Blueprint,” stated the Board.
LBEP remains committed to its strategic priorities and to delivering value to its board, stakeholders, and partners during this transition and beyond.
