Fran Inman ’76, ’81 (B.A. business administration-finance, M.B.A.) has made history by becoming only the third female chair of the board in the 120-history of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
But Inman is used to standing out in a crowd.
The North Tustin resident is senior vice president of corporate development for Majestic Realty Co., one of the nation’s leading real estate developers.
“Building on my experience working with businesses and communities, I now have a unique opportunity as chair of the region’s largest business organization to bring key stakeholders together to help lead the region during very difficult economic times,” Inman said. “I’m honored to be in a position to help Southern California during this historic period in our nation’s economy.”
The chamber’s 2009 Inaugural Dinner and the recent Southern California on the Hill – Access to Washington, D.C. advocacy trip were the highest-attended events in the chamber’s history. Inman also launched the chamber’s Accelerate Recovery initiative to encourage business growth, job creation and economic recovery.
“Creating jobs is our No. 1 priority,” Inman said. The latest unemployment figures show that nearly 12 percent of Californians are out of work or underemployed. “The road to recovery must start with jobs, jobs, jobs.”
Inman is the right person at the right time to lead the chamber and help ensure that the current economic crisis does not become tomorrow’s missed opportunity, said Gary Toebben, president and CEO of the L.A. Chamber. “Fran understands that in order to achieve full prosperity for those who live and work in our region, we must create an environment that is hospitable to business, particularly in today’s challenging economic climate.”
A native of Fullerton, Inman’s first job was at Knott’s Berry Farm, and she credits that early training in the hospitality industry as one of the best foundations upon which to build a career. A non-traditional student, Inman completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees while working and having a family.
“I was determined to get my degrees, and Cal State Fullerton offered me the
opportunity to multitask,” Inman said. “It took a while, but what I really gained
was the advantage of putting what I learned academically to use in the real world
instantaneously.” 
