Contact: Janice Sherlock
The J Sherlock Group, marketing & public relations
Phone 619-467-7428
js@jsherlockgroup.com

For Immediate Release

MEDIA RELEASE

World Trade Center San Diego Announces Leadership Change
Board Appoints Interim CEO

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — The World Trade Center San Diego today announced the appointment of Samuel R. Kephart as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Steven W. Weathers who announced his resignation, effective December 4, for personal reasons.

WTCSD provides comprehensive research, international trade services, and key introductions to facilitate and expand business opportunities for regional and worldwide business members and corporate clients. Operating under the World Trade Centers Association headquartered in New York City, WTCSD is able to leverage contacts and databases in over 100 countries and 330 global markets, providing direct access to the largest international trade network in the world.

“We are excited to have Mr. Kephart’s global perspective on business and his creative skills to help “Grow Trade” in the San Diego region,” noted Stephen G. Austin, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Sam has successfully led the new strategies for expanding our reach. He has an excellent team and Board to work with while continuing to make the WTCSD an effective business facilitator.”

Kephart, 63, has served as the VP of Marketing for the organization since July of this year when he was brought in to assist with branding, marketing, and creating new sources of strategic revenue. He is a veteran sales and media executive, who has run his own consulting firm for the last 10 years. He attended UCSD’s Muir College and completed his BBA at National University. As president of Global Factors, Inc., an export management company (EMC) trading in specialty chemicals in the mid ‘70s, Kephart became a Charter Member of the San Diego World Trade Association, the region’s first formal international business network. He has presided as both president and chairman of the San Diego Digital Multimedia Association, which represented 140 companies in the digital content production and distribution fields. Kephart has also worked in the security, television production, and real estate tax consulting industries.

About WTCSD
WTCSD is a formal private-public partnership established in 1994 with the City of San Diego, the Unified Port of San Diego, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Governed by a board of directors that include 45 of San Diego’s top international business professionals, community leaders, educators, and government officials, it operates as a 501(C)6 non-profit corporation. With over 2 million affiliated businesses, it is one of the largest professional associations in the world.

The WTCSD’s Annual Business Meeting, “Breakfast Atop the City” is scheduled for Friday, December 6th from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the University Club, 750 B Street, No. 3400, San Diego, 92101. This annual event attracts international executives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from private, community, and political sectors to celebrate San Diego’s growing place on the global stage. It provides the opportunity to network with members of the newly-elected Board of Directors, outgoing Board Members, and fellow WTC members and investors. The public is invited to attend, prices are $35 for members, and $45 for non-members. Call (619) 615-0868 or register at www.wtcsd.org.

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PRESS CONTACT:
The J Sherlock Group, marketing & public relations
Janice Sherlock
js@jsherlockgroup.com
jsherlockgroup.com
619-467-7428