Arkan Somo

Arkan Somo is one of the Co-founders of the Neighborhood Market Association and served as its first President and CEO from 1996 until 2003.

Arkan rejoined the NMA after 15 years of his own consulting practice helping retailers and businesses with their land use issues. He has participated in government relations and advocacy work for other trade associations in California and helped numerous non-profit organizations with their formation and strategic planning.

Arkan Somo served as President and CEO of the NMA for a second time on August 23, 2018, to help rebuild the association into an organization that empowers all Family-Owned businesses to succeed. He has recently returned in 2023 to serve as President again.

In 2003, Arkan received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the NMA’s highest recognition, for his leadership, vision, commitment and dedication to the NMA and the industry.

Arkan has served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Crime Commission since 1996 and is the Chairman of the Infrastructure and Land Use Committee for the East County Regional Chamber of Commerce.