The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has hired Asha Aiello as its next president and CEO, filling a leadership vacancy that stretched five months at the Hillsboro-based business group.

Aiello starts Monday, Oct. 5, the chamber announced Wednesday, Sept. 30, as first reported by the Hillsboro News-Times. She takes over an organization headquartered at 5193 NE Elam Young Parkway that hosts more than 200 events and classes a year for businesses across Washington County.

The position opened in late April when Josh Tompkins left to join the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), a construction industry association. Tompkins had started the job Dec. 1, 2025, meaning he led the chamber for less than five months. He had replaced Deanna Palm, who retired after 24 years leading the organization.

Vice presidents Jen Little and Dara Schumacher ran day-to-day operations during the gap, according to the Beaverton Valley Times. The chamber's board of directors led the search for a replacement. When Tompkins departed, the board said it was taking a deliberate approach to finding the next leader.

Aiello has worked in workforce and economic development across private, public and nonprofit organizations, the chamber said. Her experience includes managing multimillion-dollar programs and building partnerships among businesses, government agencies, schools and community groups.

No board chair or other named chamber official was quoted in the announcement explaining why Aiello was selected. The chamber's description of her background did not name specific prior employers or job titles.

"Throughout my career, I have seen what becomes possible when businesses, government, education, workforce partners and community organizations come together around shared challenges and opportunities," Aiello said in a statement. "The Washington County Chamber is uniquely positioned to build those connections."

The chamber has not announced Aiello's first public event or any policy priorities for her tenure. Oct. 5 is the only confirmed date on her calendar so far.