Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, announced today that the California State Assembly will recognize Leigh Nixon, the President and CEO of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, as the 2007 “Woman of the Year”.

“I am very proud to present Leigh Nixon as the 2007 woman of the year for the 38th Assembly District,” said Smyth. “She has shown strong leadership, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to helping the community.”

President and C.E.O. of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the past 8 years, Leigh has been in the Chamber profession for more than 21 years. She began her career with the Irvine Chamber in 1985 and then served the Temecula, Santa Clarita and Palmdale Chambers before taking the helm of the Simi Valley Chamber in 1999. Prior to her Chamber of Commerce career, Leigh was in the banking industry for 16 years as Vice President and Manager of several Orange County Banks.

“Mrs. Nixon has done such an exemplary job as head of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce that it made my decision relatively easy. She truly embodies everything that the 38th district stands for. The integrity, character, and work ethic she displays on a daily basis are a tremendous example for our future leaders of California.”

Mrs. Nixon is married to Richard Nixon and they have 4 children between them. She will be honored on the Floor of the California State Assembly in Sacramento on Monday March 5th.