Clayton Bushong, co-founder of Cantina Lobos and director of programming, marketing, and operations at the Picture House, has been named president of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, according to a statement by the organization. Bushong takes over for Joe Solimine Jr., founder and president of Meridian Risk Management, who led the organization for three years.

“I am honored and excited to be the next president of the Pelham chamber,” said Bushong in the statement. “I’m eager to get started building a diverse team from the extremely talented pool of Pelham business owners and patrons. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all of our members to create innovative strategies and programs to help Pelham’s businesses grow and thrive in an ever-changing commercial landscape.”

Bushong has been an active member of the chamber since 2015, overseeing the technology committee and acting as a non-profit liaison, the chamber said. Solimine will remain on the board, and the chamber will keep its headquarters at Meridian Risk’s offices at 1 Wolfs Lane.

“It has been a terrific honor to work hand-in-hand with our member businesses, non-profits, and volunteers in this thriving community over the past three years,” said Solimine. “I have no doubt that Clay’s passion for the community, dedication, and creativity will only benefit the chamber and Pelham businesses, and I look forward to seeing where we go under his leadership.”

Bushong has volunteered in the community since he and his family moved to Pelham 13 years ago. He has been a member of both the Colonial and Siwanoy school PTA, serving as the president of the latter, and a site-based representative at the Pelham Middle School. Bushong helped create the Pelham Half Marathon, which brought hundreds of runners from all over the country and overseas to Pelham in 2017. An avid soccer fan, he has coached both Pelham Travel and Pelham Recreation soccer teams for nearly ten years.

Cantina Lobos, owned and operated by Bushong and his partners, was named Best New Restaurant by “Westchester Magazine.” At the Picture House, Bushong is in charge of film programming and created the sold-out Picture House Film Club that has helped drive business to local retailers and restaurants since its inception in 2014.