Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
2021 Executive Committee
Sarah Latham, Board Chair
Business & Administrative Vice Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz
Sarah Latham has served as the Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Services at UCSC since fall of 2012. Her portfolio includes the Sustainability Office, Colleges, Housing and Educational Services, Physical Plant, Physical Planning and Construction, Risk and Safety Services, Real Estate, Financial Affairs, and Human Resources. Prior to UCSC, Sarah served for ten years at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama where she was Vice President of Operations and Planning. She also served as an instructor in the Political Science department for eight years. Sarah started her career working for the Florida Legislature and Board of Regents. A California native, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham and her master’s degree and Phd from Florida State University.
Business & Administrative Vice Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz
Sarah Latham has served as the Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Services at UCSC since fall of 2012. Her portfolio includes the Sustainability Office, Colleges, Housing and Educational Services, Physical Plant, Physical Planning and Construction, Risk and Safety Services, Real Estate, Financial Affairs, and Human Resources. Prior to UCSC, Sarah served for ten years at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama where she was Vice President of Operations and Planning. She also served as an instructor in the Political Science department for eight years. Sarah started her career working for the Florida Legislature and Board of Regents. A California native, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham and her master’s degree and Phd from Florida State University.
Karl Rice, Immediate Past Board Chair
President, Santa Cruz Seaside Company
Karl Rice is the President of the Santa Cruz Seaside Company. He holds a master’s degree in business administration in finance and real estate from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication from the University of Washington. Karl is a sixth generation resident of the Santa Cruz area and he and his wife have two children, the seventh generation of the family to call Santa Cruz home.
President, Santa Cruz Seaside Company
Karl Rice is the President of the Santa Cruz Seaside Company. He holds a master’s degree in business administration in finance and real estate from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication from the University of Washington. Karl is a sixth generation resident of the Santa Cruz area and he and his wife have two children, the seventh generation of the family to call Santa Cruz home.
Duf Fischer, Ex-Officio, Ambassador Chair
Chamber Consultant and Past President of Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
Graduate of UC Santa Barbara with degree in economics and accounting. Served in the U.S. Army 8 years. Co-Founded F & M Engineering Construction, Inc. Owner, Partner, President, Executive V.P. of many travel organizations. Community Service: President Santa Cruz Jaycees, President Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, President Miss California Scholarship Pageant, Chairman Santa Cruz City Planning Commision, Chairman Animal Protection Institute, Chairman Advisory Board, Coast Commercial Bank, Chairman Board of Directors, Family Service Association, Board Director, Rotary Club of Santa Cruz, Served as political advanceman for Ronald Reagan. Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and Delegate to the first ever White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. Served as Congress Chairman for ASTA 61st World Travel Congress in Taipei,Taiwan. Duf just finished a two year term on the Santa Cruz County Sherrif's Advisory Team and most recently, has been invited to join Cabrillo College's Presidents Circle Committee which he began in September of 2018.
Chamber Consultant and Past President of Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
Graduate of UC Santa Barbara with degree in economics and accounting. Served in the U.S. Army 8 years. Co-Founded F & M Engineering Construction, Inc. Owner, Partner, President, Executive V.P. of many travel organizations. Community Service: President Santa Cruz Jaycees, President Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, President Miss California Scholarship Pageant, Chairman Santa Cruz City Planning Commision, Chairman Animal Protection Institute, Chairman Advisory Board, Coast Commercial Bank, Chairman Board of Directors, Family Service Association, Board Director, Rotary Club of Santa Cruz, Served as political advanceman for Ronald Reagan. Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and Delegate to the first ever White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. Served as Congress Chairman for ASTA 61st World Travel Congress in Taipei,Taiwan. Duf just finished a two year term on the Santa Cruz County Sherrif's Advisory Team and most recently, has been invited to join Cabrillo College's Presidents Circle Committee which he began in September of 2018.
Zach Davis, Community Affairs Committee Chair
CEO, The Glass Jar
In 2009 Zachary Davis co-founded The Glass Jar, Inc. a Santa Cruz based restaurant group focused on the nexus between sustainable food and community. Current brands include The Penny Ice Creamery, The Picnic Basket and Assembly Restaurant. As CEO of The Glass Jar he is actively involved in all aspects of the business. In 2018 The Glass Jar was selected by Senator Bill Monning to receive the Small Business of the Year Award for the 17th Senate District and in 2014 The Glass Jar was the recipient of Business of the Year from the Santa Cruz Area Chamber. Zach currently serves on the Santa Cruz Downtown Commission as well as on the Boards of Directors for Visit Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Downtown Management Corporation and on the Small Business Council of the Small Business Majority, a national small business advocacy group. Zach holds an MBA from Dominican University of California in San Rafael and a BA from the University of Washington. Zach loves living in Santa Cruz County with his wife and three children.
CEO, The Glass Jar
In 2009 Zachary Davis co-founded The Glass Jar, Inc. a Santa Cruz based restaurant group focused on the nexus between sustainable food and community. Current brands include The Penny Ice Creamery, The Picnic Basket and Assembly Restaurant. As CEO of The Glass Jar he is actively involved in all aspects of the business. In 2018 The Glass Jar was selected by Senator Bill Monning to receive the Small Business of the Year Award for the 17th Senate District and in 2014 The Glass Jar was the recipient of Business of the Year from the Santa Cruz Area Chamber. Zach currently serves on the Santa Cruz Downtown Commission as well as on the Boards of Directors for Visit Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Downtown Management Corporation and on the Small Business Council of the Small Business Majority, a national small business advocacy group. Zach holds an MBA from Dominican University of California in San Rafael and a BA from the University of Washington. Zach loves living in Santa Cruz County with his wife and three children.
Angelo DeBernardo, Jr., Finance Comittee Chair
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Santa Cruz County Bank
Angelo DeBernardo, Jr., is Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Santa Cruz County Bank. An employee since the Bank’s inception, Angelo administered the SBA lending program and within the first year achieved Preferred Lender Status from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Fresno and San Francisco District, which includes Santa Cruz County. Mr. DeBernardo has over 30 years of community banking experience which extends across the greater Bay Area. He is a graduate of San Jose State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and concentration in Accounting. Additionally, he is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS), a National Graduate School of Banking at the University of Washington in Bellevue, Washington, where he has instructed for the past ten years. An active volunteer and leader in the community, Mr. DeBernardo is an Emeritus Director of the Dominican Hospital Foundation, a member of Santa Cruz Rotary, co-chair of the Santa Cruz Chapter of Attorneys, Bankers & CPAs (ABC), and has dedicated many years of commitment to local youth organizations and educational fundraising. He has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for 30 years where he lives with his wife and three kids.
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Santa Cruz County Bank
Angelo DeBernardo, Jr., is Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Santa Cruz County Bank. An employee since the Bank’s inception, Angelo administered the SBA lending program and within the first year achieved Preferred Lender Status from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Fresno and San Francisco District, which includes Santa Cruz County. Mr. DeBernardo has over 30 years of community banking experience which extends across the greater Bay Area. He is a graduate of San Jose State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and concentration in Accounting. Additionally, he is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS), a National Graduate School of Banking at the University of Washington in Bellevue, Washington, where he has instructed for the past ten years. An active volunteer and leader in the community, Mr. DeBernardo is an Emeritus Director of the Dominican Hospital Foundation, a member of Santa Cruz Rotary, co-chair of the Santa Cruz Chapter of Attorneys, Bankers & CPAs (ABC), and has dedicated many years of commitment to local youth organizations and educational fundraising. He has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for 30 years where he lives with his wife and three kids.
Dan Smart, Membership & Marketing Committee Chair
Director of Sales and Marketing, Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dan Smart, director of sales and marketing for Dream Inn Santa Cruz, is a seasoned hotelier with international sales experience. Smart leads the sales and marketing teams in expanding leisure and group markets to keep pace with Santa Cruz’s growing exposure.
Prior to joining Dream Inn, Smart spent seven years with the international tour operator, Collette Vacations, as the national account manager. Smart traveled worldwide and visited more than 25 countries. It was through these global experiences that Smart developed his passion for sales, marketing and tourism.
Smart began his career in hospitality and tourism in 2005 at Casa Munras Hotel in Monterey, where he progressed within the hotel for more than four years, gaining experience working at the front desk and later as the director of sales.
Smart is a California native from Lake Arrowhead and attended Cal State Monterey Bay. His passions include surfing, traveling, working on his house and 1966 ford and spending time with family, including his two young daughters.
Director of Sales and Marketing, Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Dan Smart, director of sales and marketing for Dream Inn Santa Cruz, is a seasoned hotelier with international sales experience. Smart leads the sales and marketing teams in expanding leisure and group markets to keep pace with Santa Cruz’s growing exposure.
Prior to joining Dream Inn, Smart spent seven years with the international tour operator, Collette Vacations, as the national account manager. Smart traveled worldwide and visited more than 25 countries. It was through these global experiences that Smart developed his passion for sales, marketing and tourism.
Smart began his career in hospitality and tourism in 2005 at Casa Munras Hotel in Monterey, where he progressed within the hotel for more than four years, gaining experience working at the front desk and later as the director of sales.
Smart is a California native from Lake Arrowhead and attended Cal State Monterey Bay. His passions include surfing, traveling, working on his house and 1966 ford and spending time with family, including his two young daughters.
Greg Lukina, Past Finance Committee Chair
Director of Business Development, David Lyng Real Estate
Greg Lukina joined David Lyng Real Estate as the Director of Business Development in 2013 and helps oversee and implement the company’s strategic plan, growth opportunities, and overall business plan. Greg previously worked at Cahill Contractors, Inc. out of San Francisco where he held the position of Senior Project Manager. His last Cahill project was the construction of a $31.5 million, 120-unit apartment project in the Transbay Redevelopment District in the heart of downtown San Francisco. During his career at Cahill he had been involved in the new construction of a 250,000sf mixed-use office/residential project and renovation/tenant improvement projects at schools and hotels throughout San Francisco. Prior to starting at Cahill, Greg spent time as an engineer at Treadwell & Rollo, Inc, a San Francisco based geotechnical and environmental engineering firm. In addition to being a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, he recently completed his M.B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He also holds an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Greg lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, Morgan, and two sons.
Director of Business Development, David Lyng Real Estate
Greg Lukina joined David Lyng Real Estate as the Director of Business Development in 2013 and helps oversee and implement the company’s strategic plan, growth opportunities, and overall business plan. Greg previously worked at Cahill Contractors, Inc. out of San Francisco where he held the position of Senior Project Manager. His last Cahill project was the construction of a $31.5 million, 120-unit apartment project in the Transbay Redevelopment District in the heart of downtown San Francisco. During his career at Cahill he had been involved in the new construction of a 250,000sf mixed-use office/residential project and renovation/tenant improvement projects at schools and hotels throughout San Francisco. Prior to starting at Cahill, Greg spent time as an engineer at Treadwell & Rollo, Inc, a San Francisco based geotechnical and environmental engineering firm. In addition to being a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California, he recently completed his M.B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He also holds an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Greg lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, Morgan, and two sons.
2021: Board of Directors
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Shawn Adams, Board Member
Owner, Santa Cruz Signs Shawn Adams is the Owner of Santa Cruz Signs and also Monterey Signs. Santa Cruz Signs is an award-winning full service sign company. With a full staff of Designers, Project Managers, Fabricators, and Installers Santa Cruz Signs is ready to help with any sign project. For a look at the capabilities of the company and portfolio of work please visit www.SantaCruzSigns.com. Shawn is very much a small business advocate. As a small business Owner himself he directly understands the many needs of small businesses and their challenges in finding and managing success. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and was awarded Business of the Year in 2017. Consideration and respect for the environment are also very important to Shawn both personally and professionally. Santa Cruz Signs is a certified Monterey Bay Green Business and Monterey Signs has been awarded Ocean Business of the Year by Save Our Shores. Shawn was born and raised in Santa Cruz and is very proud to call it home. |
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James Allen, Board Member
Co-Founder of Allterra Solar In 2004, James Allen co-founded Allterra Solar, the leading solar installation company in Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast. As CEO, James built a team of the top solar professionals in the area and together they have created an award winning product and service offering. The company’s success has been built upon customer service, employee retention, and an unwavering commitment to the communities in which the company does business. James was born and raised in Salinas, CA and settled in Santa Cruz in 1998 after graduating from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Environmental Science. James enjoys living in Santa Cruz with his wife and two children. |
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Kenny Au, Board Member
Vice President, Product Management, Bay Federal Credit Union Kenny Au is the Vice President of Product Management at Bay Federal Credit Union. As such, he is in charge of product development and a number of departments, including Card Services, Loan Services, Deposit Production, and Deposit Services. Kenny joined the Credit Union in 2018, bringing with him more than two decades of experience. Before coming to Bay Federal, he held management positions at credit unions, including NuVision Credit Union, Financial Partners Credit Union, and FAA First Federal Credit Union. He currently serves on the NCR Advisory Board and holds a degree in Technical Engineering. Kenny speaks Cantonese, Vietnamese, and English fluently. He is married with two children, and he enjoys barbecuing and food. |
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Jessie Bristow, Board Member
Development Project Manager Swenson Builders Jessie Bristow is a Development Project Manager for Swenson Builders. He holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from San Jose State University and earned is bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His past experience consists of working in real estate development, and planning for cities and counties throughout California. Jessie enjoys community engagement and working with stakeholders to accomplish shared project vision. He owns a small coffee shop located in the City of Santa Cruz with his father and enjoys surfing, hiking, and travel. |
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Keisha Frost Browder, Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Santa Cruz County Keisha Frost Browder is the Chief Executive Officer with United Way of Santa Cruz County (CA). She leads multiple county-wide initiatives addressing issues ranging from academic success to youth violence prevention and criminal justice reform. Keisha also leads the robust tracking of community well-being with the Community Assessment Project (CAP), a collection and utilization of community data. As the nation’s longest-serving community assessment of its kind, the CAP guides shared community goals rooted in a commitment to equity. A few recent trailblazing initiatives launched under Keisha’s leadership includes the 211 Kinship Navigation Project – connecting foster youth and resource families to necessary services specific to their needs using the 211 Helpline; and the launch of United 4 Youth – aligning several local nonprofit agencies to provide support to middle and high school youth in the areas of college and career readiness, health and wellness, economic mobility, and community connection. Keisha serves on several boards including the Health Improvement Partnership, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital Community Advisory, Your Future Is Our Business, Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast, Monarch Services, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Santa Cruz County. A graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz, Keisha holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a 2019 leader in the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. Keisha started her career in nonprofits as an executive leader in resource development, program design, and product sales with several Girl Scout Councils throughout the nation. She then joined a design team with Mayor David Ciciline (now a U.S Representative) in Providence, Rhode Island that created the nation’s first citywide system for after school programs, the Providence After School Alliance/AfterZone. Prior to joining United Way of Santa Cruz County, she was the Director of Resource Development with United Way in Charleston, South Carolina, leading a team securing $11M in community support, allocating those funds to over 100 partner agencies. On a personal note, Keisha and her husband Charles, an audio engineer, have three children, twins Charles III and Braelyn, and baby Brightlyn. Keisha also has two teenage sons, Kaleb and Joshua, who live in Charleston, South Carolina during the school year and actively participate in Summer Camp at the Boys & Girls Club Downtown Santa Cruz. |
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Roberto Garcia-Valera, Board Member
Vice President of Materials, Poly Currently, Roberto is the Vice President of Materials for Plantronics, Inc. He has worked with them for over 22 years, offering a strong background in lean manufacturing, procurement and global sourcing. He has succeeded in price negotiations and operations management, leading a team which has generated a reputable company cost savings. In his former role, as Vice President of Manufacturing, Roberto was responsible for providing oversight to over 3,000 employees, at offices located worldwide. During that time, Roberto implemented a lean manufacturing initiative that improved the timing of deliveries and inventory turns. In recognition of these major contributions, Roberto was given the President’s Award of Excellence. Graduating with honors, Roberto holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Universidad de las Americas, A.C. Roberto received his Masters of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. |
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Steve Gray, Board Member
Chief Administrative Officer, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and Area Operations Executive, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz Stephen Gray joined Sutter Health in 2006, and currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of Santa Cruz and the Operations Executive for Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz County. In this capacity, he has operational responsibility for Sutter Health’s hospital and 22 medical office buildings throughout Santa Cruz County. Prior to this role, Steve served as Chief Executive Officer of Sutter Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, a 130-bed Level 2 trauma center in Alameda County. He has also held leadership roles at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Sutter Davis Hospital, Memorial Medical Center Modesto, and Sutter Gould Medical Foundation in Modesto. Steve is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz, and is active in Capitola-Soquel Little League. He lives in Capitola with his wife and two children. |
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Bonnie Lipscomb, Board Member
Economic Development Director, City of Santa Cruz Bonnie Lipscomb is the Economic Director for the City of Santa Cruz and the Executive Director of the Successor Agency (former Redevelopment Agency). She has been with the City of Santa Cruz since 2007. Bonnie has 20 years’ experience in economic development and community development, including 17 years in local government working on public/private development projects; most notably in Santa Cruz including the Warriors’ Arena, the Tannery Arts Center, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, and the Riverwalk Apartments. Bonnie is a founding board member of Santa Cruz Works and the Project for Entrepreneurship with the University of California, Santa Cruz. Bonnie is currently also a board member of the Bay Area Development Company, a CDC licensed and regulated 504 lender. Within the last ten years, Bonnie has also served in the capacity as a board member of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, past board member and Vice President of Pacific Collegiate School, and board member of the Pacific Collegiate School Foundation. Bonnie has an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree in environmental policy and administration from the University of Michigan. |
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Laura Marcus, Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, Dientes Community Dental Care Ms. Marcus started her career in nonprofits in 1997 as part of an HIV/AIDS prevention project in South Africa and became Executive Director of the Human Care Alliance after returning to the United States in 2000. Laura joined Dientes Community Dental Care in 2004 and served as Executive Director from 2006 through 2008. After serving as the Vice President of risk at Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group in Santa Cruz, Laura rejoined Dientes Community Dental Care as Chief Executive Officer in May 2011. A graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County, she earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University (a first generation college graduate) and is a fellow of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives. She completed her Master’s in Public Health from University of California, Berkeley in 2018. Laura currently serves on the board of the Health Improvement Partnership and recently finished a 5 -year term on the United Way board supporting the process to reinvigorate their business model for sustainability. She is a 2013 graduate of Focus Agriculture and a 2015 recipient of the Community Assessment Project Community Hero Award. Laura lives with her husband and 17-year-old daughter in Live Oak close to where she is building the newest clinic for Dientes in partnership with Santa Cruz Community Health Centers and MidPen Housing. The project on Capitola Road sits on a 3.7-acre parcel which will include dental and medical care and 57 units of affordable housing. She enjoys travel, yoga, good books, beach days and a walk in the woods. |
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Stephanie Munoz, Board Member
CEM - Vice President/Co-Owner, BTF Enterprises Stephanie Munoz holds a degree from San Jose State University in Business Marketing. She has worked for BTF Enterprises for over 10 years and in 2014 she took over ownership of the company with her partner, Shiela Locatelli Wallace. BTF Enterprises is an Accredited Association Management Company, providing business management to nine different associations, representing various industries. She serves in varied capacities for each client, including, Executive Director to the American Board of Vocational Experts, business manager to the California Association of Directors of Activities, meeting planner, tradeshow manager, and marketing manager. She is a Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Exhibition and Events, and manages tradeshows with over 2,000 attendees and 200+ exhibit booths. She has also presented for the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce on “How to Exhibit Like a Pro!”. Recently she took on her most important role as mom to a beautiful baby girl. |
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Chris Murphy, Board Member
President, Santa Cruz Warriors Chris Murphy enters his third season as president of the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. The 2017 NBA G League Team Executive of the Year, Murphy oversees all day-to-day aspects of the franchise’s business operations in his current role. In 2016-17, the Santa Cruz Warriors set franchise attendance records for single-game attendance (17,497 at Oracle Arena, third-largest in league history) and overall season attendance. The Santa Cruz Warriors currently possess a home sellout streak of 31 games at Kaiser Permanente Arena entering the 2017-18 season. Murphy also helped Santa Cruz increase the team’s corporate sponsorships 15 percent over the previous season and championed the team’s ongoing commitment to Santa Cruz by participating in dozens of local community events. He also serves on the NBA G League’s Team Leadership Council, where he collaborates with other team leaders to foster the NBA G League’s growth in all business areas and matters. Murphy began his career in the Warriors organization in June 2005 as a ticket sales account executive. He gradually progressed over 10 seasons in the Warriors ticket sales department, eventually serving as senior director of group ticket sales for two seasons before transitioning to Santa Cruz. A graduate of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, Murphy currently resides in Santa Cruz with his wife KJ, three-year-old son Connor, one-year-old daughter Taylor, and four-year-old terrier mix Boots. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing and being outdoors. Murphy also serves as a Board Member for both the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. |
Christian Pellecchia, Board Member
Vice President, Slatter Construction
Christian Pellecchia is originally from Brooklyn, New York where he served as a public high school biology teacher for over 3 years. Seeking a change of lifestyle, Christian moved to Santa Cruz in 2004 and returned to graduate school. While in graduate school, he also owned and operated a small business in Soquel for over 6 years before being recruited to Slatter construction. Christian is currently the VP at Slatter Construction and he oversee all operations in Silicon Valley.
Vice President, Slatter Construction
Christian Pellecchia is originally from Brooklyn, New York where he served as a public high school biology teacher for over 3 years. Seeking a change of lifestyle, Christian moved to Santa Cruz in 2004 and returned to graduate school. While in graduate school, he also owned and operated a small business in Soquel for over 6 years before being recruited to Slatter construction. Christian is currently the VP at Slatter Construction and he oversee all operations in Silicon Valley.
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Alan Smith, Board Member
Attorney, The Grunsky Law Firm Mr. Smith has tried real estate actions in the Superior Courts of various counties, including actions involving fraud claims, contract claims, specific performance and rescission claims, title insurance claims, partition actions and assorted easement disputes. He has also represented both public and private entities in connection with delay damages and extra work claims on construction projects. Mr. Smith served as the City Attorney for the City of Watsonville since December 1995. Between 1996 and 1999, he served on the Community Service Policy Committee of the League of California Cities and was a member of the League’s City Attorney’s Department Legislative Committee in 1998 and 1999. In 2009 he began a two year term as Monterey Bay Division representative to the League of Cities Legal Advocacy Committee. Mr. Smith received his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in 1979. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of California, Los Angeles and Chapman University. He is admitted to the California Bar, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California. Mr. Smith has been actively involved in leadership roles in the community throughout his legal career. He was a member of the Watsonville Rotary Club from 1989 2014 and served on its Board of Directors in various positions. Between 1991 and 1995, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and served as its president in 1993. Mr. Smith was elected to the Governing Board of the Cabrillo Community College District in 1994 and was re-elected in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. He also served as Chair of the College’s Governing Board in 1997, 2006 and 2012. He chaired the Cabrillo College Search Committee for a new president appointed in 2013. He has served several terms on the Cabrillo College Foundation and been a member of its Finance Committee. Mr. Smith also served on the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Law Library between 1980 and 1982 and the Santa Cruz County Law Library from 2010 to the present. He coached youth basketball the Watsonville YMCA and was very active for many years with several leadership positions in Local Boy Scout Troop 599. |
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Matthew Wetstein, Board Member
President, Cabrillo College Matthew Wetstein was selected President and Superintendent of Cabrillo College in lat 2017 and took the leadership role in March 2018. Dr. Wetstein comes to Cabrillo College from San Joaquin Delta College where he served as the Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction and Planning in Stockton, California. He has participated in research funding and institutional grants totaling $8 Million. Prior to that, he served as Interim Dean of the San Joaquin Delta College Agriculture, Science and Math Division, and before that, was the Dean of Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness for five years. He has served as the President of the Research and Planning Group of the California Community Colleges from 2014-2016. His research on the effects of the economic recession on California Community College Students has won national and state awards. Dr. Wetstein began his academic career as a Political Science Instructor, with more than a dozen years of postsecondary teaching experience at colleges and universities in California and Indiana. He received a Ph.D. in Political Science and an M.A. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University, and he holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Illinois. |
Emeritus
Hilary Bryant, Emeritus Board Member
Donor Services Director at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
As Donor Services Director of the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation, Hilary supports current and future donors in creating funds for immediate giving, as well as and designing and planning funds for future giving. With over twenty-five years of experience as a local government official, tech entrepreneur, and civic leader, she is excited to share her love of Santa Cruz County with donors and will assist them in achieving their personal philanthropic goals while helping our community thrive.
After she graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Biology, she chose to make Santa Cruz her home. Hilary worked as a real estate broker and met her husband, Dr. David Shuman, a veterinarian. Together, they built Westside Animal Hospital in downtown Santa Cruz. An active volunteer, she was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, and in 2010, was elected to the Santa Cruz City Council, serving as Vice Mayor in 2012 and Mayor in 2013. During her Council term, Hilary combined her knowledge of regional outdoor resources, business, and technical expertise to help Santa Cruz address critical issues. She worked to grow and retain businesses in Santa Cruz, was active in the endeavor to bring the Santa Cruz Warriors to the City, led efforts to establish the City’s first Open Data Ordinance, and also developed the first Santa Cruz Youth City Council in partnership with eight local schools. Most recently, Hilary co-founded Buoy Labs, a water-saving technology startup, which was acquired by Resideo Technologies in 2019. She also enjoys surfing, swimming, running, biking, and tries to keep up with her two teenagers in all of their various activities.
Donor Services Director at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
As Donor Services Director of the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation, Hilary supports current and future donors in creating funds for immediate giving, as well as and designing and planning funds for future giving. With over twenty-five years of experience as a local government official, tech entrepreneur, and civic leader, she is excited to share her love of Santa Cruz County with donors and will assist them in achieving their personal philanthropic goals while helping our community thrive.
After she graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Biology, she chose to make Santa Cruz her home. Hilary worked as a real estate broker and met her husband, Dr. David Shuman, a veterinarian. Together, they built Westside Animal Hospital in downtown Santa Cruz. An active volunteer, she was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, and in 2010, was elected to the Santa Cruz City Council, serving as Vice Mayor in 2012 and Mayor in 2013. During her Council term, Hilary combined her knowledge of regional outdoor resources, business, and technical expertise to help Santa Cruz address critical issues. She worked to grow and retain businesses in Santa Cruz, was active in the endeavor to bring the Santa Cruz Warriors to the City, led efforts to establish the City’s first Open Data Ordinance, and also developed the first Santa Cruz Youth City Council in partnership with eight local schools. Most recently, Hilary co-founded Buoy Labs, a water-saving technology startup, which was acquired by Resideo Technologies in 2019. She also enjoys surfing, swimming, running, biking, and tries to keep up with her two teenagers in all of their various activities.
Mark Mesiti-Miller, Board Past-President
Professional Civil Engineer
Throughout his career, Mark has provided the structural design and civil engineering of many ordinary and several challenging projects including landmarks such as the Walton Lighthouse at the Santa Cruz Harbor, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, the O'Neill Seawall and the World War II Memorial in Washington DC. His expertise is the design, planning and engineering of buildings, bridges, coastal structures and appurtenant facilities. Since selling his design practice in 2015, Mark now works exclusively as a forensic engineer and expert witness using his 30+ years of experience to resolve complex problems. Mark earned his BS in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1983. In addition to his work with the Chamber, Mark also serves as a planning commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz and serves on the board of several community organizations.
Professional Civil Engineer
Throughout his career, Mark has provided the structural design and civil engineering of many ordinary and several challenging projects including landmarks such as the Walton Lighthouse at the Santa Cruz Harbor, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, the O'Neill Seawall and the World War II Memorial in Washington DC. His expertise is the design, planning and engineering of buildings, bridges, coastal structures and appurtenant facilities. Since selling his design practice in 2015, Mark now works exclusively as a forensic engineer and expert witness using his 30+ years of experience to resolve complex problems. Mark earned his BS in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1983. In addition to his work with the Chamber, Mark also serves as a planning commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz and serves on the board of several community organizations.
Richard Pickard, Emeritus Board Member
(Retired) Vice President, Legal & General Counsel, Plantronics
Richard R. Pickard is the former Counsel for Plantronics, Inc. in Santa Cruz, CA. From June 2001 to October 2016, Mr. Pickard served as Vice President Legal, General Counsel & Secretary of Plantronics. Traded on the NYSE, Plantronics is the world leader in Communications Headsets, software and related technologies. In his role as General Counsel, Mr. Pickard oversaw all legal matters of the company including corporate, securities, M&A, litigation and intellectual property matters. Prior to assuming his post at Plantronics, Mr. Pickard spent 14 years at ZiLOG, a semiconductor manufacturer in Campbell, CA - culminating as Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Before that Mr. Pickard worked as Corporate Counsel at NEC Electronics, Inc. and in private practice at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May and Graham & James. Mr. Pickard received his law degree from the College of William and Mary and his undergraduate degree from Williams College.
(Retired) Vice President, Legal & General Counsel, Plantronics
Richard R. Pickard is the former Counsel for Plantronics, Inc. in Santa Cruz, CA. From June 2001 to October 2016, Mr. Pickard served as Vice President Legal, General Counsel & Secretary of Plantronics. Traded on the NYSE, Plantronics is the world leader in Communications Headsets, software and related technologies. In his role as General Counsel, Mr. Pickard oversaw all legal matters of the company including corporate, securities, M&A, litigation and intellectual property matters. Prior to assuming his post at Plantronics, Mr. Pickard spent 14 years at ZiLOG, a semiconductor manufacturer in Campbell, CA - culminating as Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Before that Mr. Pickard worked as Corporate Counsel at NEC Electronics, Inc. and in private practice at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May and Graham & James. Mr. Pickard received his law degree from the College of William and Mary and his undergraduate degree from Williams College.
Gine Johnson, Emeritus Board Member
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors-Office
Since January 2013, it has been my privilege to work with Supervisor Bruce McPherson, 5th District representative on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. I am advising the Supervisor on a myriad of environmental and economic policy matters with an overall focus on the region's transportation and energy initiatives. Supervisor McPherson previously served the greater Monterey Bay region as a State Assembly member and Senator, and was Secretary of State under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
From 2013 to 2016, Supervisor McPherson allowed me to lead the project team investigating Community Choice Energy on behalf of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties as well as all 18 Cities within the Monterey Bay tri-county area. After three years of work, Monterey Bay Community Power will be formed in early 2017. For more information, please visit the project's website, mbcommunitypower.org.
I remain in service to the community as the 5th District appointee to the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment and as a Board member and Vice-President of Community Affairs for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce.
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors-Office
Since January 2013, it has been my privilege to work with Supervisor Bruce McPherson, 5th District representative on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. I am advising the Supervisor on a myriad of environmental and economic policy matters with an overall focus on the region's transportation and energy initiatives. Supervisor McPherson previously served the greater Monterey Bay region as a State Assembly member and Senator, and was Secretary of State under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
From 2013 to 2016, Supervisor McPherson allowed me to lead the project team investigating Community Choice Energy on behalf of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties as well as all 18 Cities within the Monterey Bay tri-county area. After three years of work, Monterey Bay Community Power will be formed in early 2017. For more information, please visit the project's website, mbcommunitypower.org.
I remain in service to the community as the 5th District appointee to the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment and as a Board member and Vice-President of Community Affairs for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Maffia, Emeritus Board Member
Vice President, Development Officer at Santa Cruz County Bank
Past Board Chair for American Red Cross, Santa Cruz Chapter. Also, extensive work with the Dominican Hospital Foundation Guild with current and former chair responsibilities for the past 15 years. Former Board Chair and Developement Chair for United Way of Santa Cruz. Current Chair for Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon committee. Goal to support the non-profit sector of our community through board service, particularly for the health and human service sector.
Specialties: Non Profit board service
Vice President, Development Officer at Santa Cruz County Bank
Past Board Chair for American Red Cross, Santa Cruz Chapter. Also, extensive work with the Dominican Hospital Foundation Guild with current and former chair responsibilities for the past 15 years. Former Board Chair and Developement Chair for United Way of Santa Cruz. Current Chair for Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon committee. Goal to support the non-profit sector of our community through board service, particularly for the health and human service sector.
Specialties: Non Profit board service
Gary Merrill, Emeritus Board Member
Co-Founder, Emergent Systems
Gary Merrill has over 30 years of professional experience as a management consultant, group facilitator, educator and organizational leader. Gary's practice is focused on increasing the viability, vitality and sustainability of organizations and businesses through consulting, leadership education and coaching. He has provided consulting and training services across a broad spectrum of public and private sector organizations throughout the country.
Co-Founder, Emergent Systems
Gary Merrill has over 30 years of professional experience as a management consultant, group facilitator, educator and organizational leader. Gary's practice is focused on increasing the viability, vitality and sustainability of organizations and businesses through consulting, leadership education and coaching. He has provided consulting and training services across a broad spectrum of public and private sector organizations throughout the country.