Longtime local businessperson Bill Gorman will step in to lead the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry while the organization seeks to replace its outgoing president and CEO, Ken Oplinger, according to an announcement from the chamber.

Oplinger announced in April that he would leave his position at the end of May to take a similar post at the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Region Chamber of Commerce. He has served as president and CEO of the chamber since October 2003.

Gorman, a former local sales manager for Comcast Spotlight, will assist the chamber and its membership as it evaluates its services, programs and initiatives and begins the process of finding a new president. Gorman has also previously served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County and as a past president of Bellingham Bay Rotary Club.