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Volunteers of the Month

Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey Peninsula College

Deborah Josue

Deborah Josue

Deborah Josue is the September 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Aaron Waters

Aaron Waters

Aaron Waters is the July 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Gabriel Sanders

Gabriel Sanders

January 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Gabriel grew up in the cities of Santa Rosa and Windsor in Sonoma County. After graduating with his Master's in Public Administration in 2019 from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, he returned to Sonoma County to manage a successful Board of Supervisors campaign. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked with community-based organizations across the County to administer CARES Act funding to low-income community members in need of gap income and emergency services.

Ed Everest

Ed Everest

February 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Ed Everest is the Creative Services Director for KSBW Television. He oversees the brand and product packaging for KSBW Action News 8, KSBW 8 (NBC), Central Coast ABC, and Estrella TV Costa Central. Each year he develops numerous community outreach projects and station partnerships throughout the Central Coast and serves as the connection between internal and external stakeholders. Ed has worked in the television industry his entire life in various roles throughout the country. He joined KSBW in 2008.

Kelly Savukinas

Kelly Savukinas

December 2022 Volunteer of the Month

Kelly Savukinas, a native Texan, moved to the West Coast in 2005 with her husband Robert, a decision they have never regretted. Living less than a mile from the ocean, they have raised their three daughters around the best hiking trails, national parks and beaches. As a real estate agent for Sotheby's International Realty-Canning Properties Group, Kelly is always promoting the Monterey Peninsula, staying active in her community and building relationships. On the weekends, you might find her wine tasting with friends, going on a hike or headed to the beach with her family

Alex Black

Alex Black

Alex Black is the October 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

As luck would have it I actually found my way into wealth management and financial planning by happenstance. My mentor always used to say, "You can't build a house without a blue print", and that is really what a financial plan provides, the blue print to your financial lifePrior to joining Integris I gained significant experience developing and implementing financial plans for small to medium size business owners, as well as executives with varying forms of compensation. Whether it be business succession, retirement, or generational planning, being able to provide comfort and lower anxiety levels via a financial plan has been truly rewarding, and something I could have never received by simply learning how to invest. As my career developed in beautiful Sonoma County I found myself missing life near the ocean. The decision was not easy, but I made the choice to come back to my roots in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area. While searching for firms that focused on financial planning I stumbled across Integris Wealth Management. The culture, people, and most importantly the work they do for clients seemed like an opportunity I could not pass up. Integris' holistic view into individuals' financial lives is something that was hugely important in my decision to join the team, and I haven't looked back since.

Francine Rodd

Francine Rodd

Francine Rodd is the November 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

Francine Rodd has been the Executive Director of First 5 Monterey County since January 2004.  Prior to returning to the Monterey Peninsula, where she grew up, she worked in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Bringing home the experience of co-creating solutions with those most impacted by systems failures, she has advocated for innovative short-term and long-term changes in child care and early childhood development. She serves in leadership positions at the state-level and on local boards including, the Child Care Planning Council, the Monterey County Children's Council, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.

Jeff Mitchell

Jeff Mitchell

Jeff Mitchell is the August 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

Dynamic and creative leader with the ability to motivate and mentor staff to a higher level of performance. Experienced in brand marketing and project management along with multi-media expertise including: newspaper, radio, television, direct mail, outdoor, transit, magazine, social media, digital marketing, copywriting, new product development, event creation and planning.

Ileen Groves

Ileen Groves

Ileen Groves is the July 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

Julie King

Julie King

Julie King is the June 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

Julie King has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years.

She has worked in both at law firms and within the legal departments of major international corporations, such as Toshiba America. She is currently the principal of PIERCE KING, P.C., a business and estate planning law firm in Monterey. She represents clients throughout the State of California. PIERCE KING handles a variety of trusts (including revocable and special needs trusts), as well as wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, real estate grant deeds, incorporation, LLC formation, annual meeting minutes, contracts, and business succession planning, among other things. Ms. King received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. Ms. King is a Board Member for the Monterey County Business Council and Monterey Bay Educational Center, an Ambassador for the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She is also involved in numerous community service projects including Love Our Central Coast. Julie King is a noted speaker, having conducted seminars for the State Bar of California; Continuing Education of the Bar of California; the Monterey Bar Association; the Orange County Bar Association; and Alliance Career Training Solutions. Additionally, she has been a guest lecturer at the California State University, Fullerton, taught ethics at Western State University School of Law, and was a professor at the University of California Irvine's Paralegal Program. Her talks cover a wide range of topics from Trusts and Wills to Sexual Harassment Prevention.

Michael Troutman

Michael Troutman

Michael Troutman is the May 2022 Volunteer of the Month.

Michael Tourman provides professional photgraphy services for individuals and businesses in the Monterey Bay area, Northern California and beyond.  Clients receive powerful images, passionate service and fast turnaround.  Please call (831) 596 7568 to check availabilityfor your wedding, business meeting, coporate party, sports compettition, portrait photography, product shoot, advertising, amrekting campaign, private reception, or special event.

Heather Gardner

Heather Gardner

Volunteer of the Month: March 2022.

Heather Gardner is the Owner and Manager of Monterey Touring Vehicles and Classic Car Rentals. She and her team provide you with a unique way to experience the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas by renting and driving a classic car.

Alexis Gough

Alexis Gough

Volunteer of the Month: January 2022

Alexis Gough began her career with Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. twelve years ago in their Monterey location as a server. She was then asked to move into a bookkeeper role followed by a Sales Coordinator position. She was recently promoted to Sales Manager for both Monterey and Denver restaurant locations.
Alexis began volunteering with the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in 2016, and quickly became a valued Ambassador. She is especially active on the Special Events Committee, and for her dedication, was awarded Ambassador of the Month in January 2017 and January 2018.Alexis can be found volunteering with organizations as well in the community that include the Alzheimer's Association and The Food Bank for Monterey County.The youngest of 3 she enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, making flower arrangements, and hitting up garage sales with her fiancee, Brad.

Jeanie Sumners

Jeanie Sumners

Director of Marketing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

It's more than a Race Track, it's an EXPERIENCE.

It is an honor and privilege to be nominated " Volunteer of the Month "for the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

I have lived on the Monterey Peninsula for nearly 36 years, having moved here from Denver, Colorado.  My husband, children and grandkids have been part of developing lasting friendships from the many sports played and countless business activities found in our destination community.

After arriving in Monterey, I joined one of the largest printers as a Sales Representative and achieving printing sales of $1 million annually. Building strong community relationships led me to Bob Wecker, Mr. Logo. He asked me to come on board to assist in introducing a startup, Monterey.com to the community. His business was increasing, and he needed me to manage the design firm's many clients in media buying, planning, and budgets. One of his larger accounts was Laguna Seca.

Wanting to be an active part of the community, I began volunteering for the not-for-profit SCRAMP, which operated the race track. It was then that I knew where my path was heading. Thankfully, the CEO, Gill Campbell, asked me to come on board in a sales position. She knew how to build a team and needed someone who knew the community to help get businesses involved as a partner with the track. I was able to develop solid partnerships, some of whom are still involved today. The celebrities during MotoGP and many Legends who have visited ignited my passion even more as I watched how visitors enjoy Laguna Seca and Monterey. Soon my role expanded as I applied my knowledge of media buying and printing to become the Marketing Manager.

When the County of Monterey retained A&D Narigi Consulting LLC to assume management of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and knowing and respecting John as a Leader in the community for at least 20-plus years, he asked me to join him in building the team and named me Director of Marketing where I oversee all marketing efforts for the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.

I am grateful to be part of our world-renowned facility that belongs to you, our community. Our relationships in the community are humbling and our economic value to the community is our driver.

JEANIE is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for MARCH, 2021

Paul Weyant

Paul Weyant

Paul owns Express Employment of Monterey County, centrally located at 45 W. Alisal in Salinas, California.

He retired after 23 years of service in the US Navy; most recently serving as Public Works Officer supporting Naval Postgraduate School.

His wife, Mary, is the children's librarian at Pacific Grove Public Library and he has two successful children in High School and College.

Paul hosts a Radio Show called 'What's the Plan' discussing the future of business in Monterey County: Saturdays at 1:30PM on 101.1FM and 1460AM and at www.whatstheplanmonterey.com

PAUL is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for JULY, 2021

Erin Sollecito

Erin Sollecito

After living on the Monterey Peninsula nearly all her life, Erin knew she wanted to return to this beautiful area after college. Erin's family has lived in Monterey for four generations, so she definitely has strong roots keeping her here. After attending Fresno State and earning a BS in Experience Services Management with a Commercial emphasis Erin returned to Monterey to begin cultivating experiences, creating strong community contacts and developing relevant skills that would eventually lead her to Business Development.

Erin truly believes that her 30-plus years of restaurant and hospitality experience helped position her to end up where she is today. Throughout the years, Erin has also loved working independently or on committees putting on large scale events, rather for charity or for-profit organizations.

Erin's early experience as a business development director allowed her the ability to develop a marketing and public relations program for a brand-new business in Monterey. It was during those early years that she learned how vital community involvement and connections are. Not only to one's own career development, but to that of the represented company as well. Throughout the years Erin has remained a strong advocate for businesses and individuals to join and remain involved in their local Chambers and other Trade Associations as an important aspect of their company's standing in the community. Erin looks forward to a future of learning and growing as a Business Development Director and as a contributing member of the community.

ERIN is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for MAY, 2021

Milda Esquivel

Milda Esquivel

Financial Advisor with Edward Jones

Grateful to have a business in my hometown, my husband, Enos, and I are raising two sons, Dominic and Anthony, and our daughter, Marissa, is in her last year of college. When I'm not in the office, you can find me on the baseball field. My family is involved in our local Pony Baseball League as well as the Monterey Bay Pirates travel ball league! I am grateful to serve a community where I was born and raised.

Milda is the September 2021 Volunteer of the Month

Robert Appel

Robert Appel

Rob is an educator working to connect Monterey County students to college and career opportunities as a K12 Pathway Coordinator for Monterey Peninsula College and Mission Trails Regional Occupation Program (MTROP). He believes in the transformative power of education for all students and is an advocate for work based learning experiences. In addition to his current job with MPC and MTROP, he has worked in educational technology and has taught middle school, high school and college students.

ROB is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for APRIL, 2021

Nick Del Pozzo

Nick Del Pozzo

Nick Del Pozzo was born and raised in Carmel, CA, graduating from Carmel High School and then Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, he launched his career by joining the Wholesale Beverage Industry as a Chain Sales Account Representative within a high-profile California market spanning from San Francisco to Napa.

After the birth of his first daughter, Tianna, Nick and his wife, Michelle, moved back to the Monterey Peninsula where he has enjoyed working in the Monterey County Tourism and Hospitality Industry for more than 20 years. Nick has held management positions ranging from Sales Manager to Associate Director of Sales at a variety of properties and resorts.

Nick has been married to his wife, Michelle, for over 24 years and share two beautiful daughters, Tianna and Ashlen. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family and doing a variety of activities from camping, boating, fishing, and traveling, of course (when time permits).

Nick joined the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee to volunteer and help the Chamber further accomplish its mission to serve the community within we work and live.

NICK is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for JUNE, 2021

Ernesto Altamirano

Ernesto Altamirano

Ernesto Altamirano Bio:

Originally from Mexico City, Ernesto has called the Monterey Peninsula home since 2005. Raised in a bicultural household, his Texan mother instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community by volunteering and being of service. After graduating with Honors from Latin America's top business school, Tec de Monterrey, he pursued a career in media in Monterey, then launched the bilingual media site "Latino Edge". He also co-founded the local non-profit "Art Essential", which provided free art and wellness workshops to underserved minorities. He currently works for the City of Seaside as their Communications and Community Engagement Specialist.

Ernesto is our Volunteer of the Month for October 2021.

Chris Donnelly

Chris Donnelly

February 2021 Volunteer of the Month

Executive Director -Monterey Workforce Development Board at County of Monterey

Bachelor of Science – BS, Recreation Administration

CHRISTOPHER is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for FEBRUARY, 2021

Liz Williams

Liz Williams

Member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee as a realtor with KW Real estate.

Liz is originally from the Mountain View area.

Liz is our VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for August 2021.

“The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is about the voice of business and has always been the voice of business on the Monterey Peninsula. We need to make sure the Chamber and its voice on government affairs and community relations is ever present. As a member of the Chamber since the 1980s I believe in the mission of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the legacy of its beneficial contributions to our community.”
David Armanasco, President
Armanasco Public Relations, Monterey
Member Since 1985
David Armanasco, President
“Since 1982, MBS has been a part of our local community and we are proud to be a long time member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Monterey Bay Area is a small but thriving business community and we love how the Chamber keeps us all connected through lunches, award dinners and information sharing. I encourage local businesses and even non-profit organizations to consider Chamber membership when they're looking to be a vibrant and successful component of our community.”
Kellie Murphy, President
MBS Business Systems, Salinas
Member Since 2004
Kellie Murphy, President
“While The Carmel Foundation is over 70 years old, I've only been back in the area for 6 months, so being a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been a great way to get reoriented, meet new people, learn about current issues, and who is doing what to make our region a better place to live, work and play. I also find the Business Roundtable Recaps in the chamber's newsletter are really useful and well done. Overall being a member has been a wonderful resource and I am pleased to recommend the chamber.”
Megan Whilden, Director of Development
The Carmel Foundation, Carmel
Megan Whilden, Director of Development
“Being a member of the Monterey Chamber for 10 years now provides opportunity for Disaster Kleenup Specialists to meet new business contacts, exchange ideas, strengthen existing relationships, and enhance our brand with members. Each individual chamber event has its own attraction to attendees and sponsors which provides a lot of diversity. The best way to get the most out of your membership is by showing up. We love being part of the Chamber and the support it brings to our community!”
Megan Merz, Business Development Coordinator
Disaster Kleenup Specialists, Sand City
Member Since 2011
Megan Merz, Business Development Coordinator
“I have been a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce since 2014, and highly recommend joining this peninsula-wide Chamber to other businesses. During the pandemic, they really stepped up to secure grant funding for some of our most vulnerable businesses, regardless if they were members. The Chamber also provides great networking and marketing opportunities, which is very helpful, especially for new business owners.”
Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director
Arts Council for Monterey County, Seaside
Member Since 2014
Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director
“We are proud to be members of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for many reasons. First and foremost, the weekly Business Roundtable calls are a great resource. Being connected to the local economy and having the weekly insights and updates as to what is happening across the various industries is super essential today in business. We also love the recognition programs and the connectivity that it builds among common businesses and across different industries. We are proud to recommend the Chamber to local businesses.”
Scott Julian, President
Lewis Builders, Carmel
Member Since 2017
Scott Julian, President
“Starting with the Monterey Chamber back in 1991, The Professional Women's Network has enjoyed the remarkable individuals and the networking is extremely valuable. The chambers mission aligns with our non-profit as it provides resources and support to area businesses, markets the strength of the region, and provides a voice to be heard. We are pleased with the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce as a partner in developing the future of our City!”
Theresa Ream, President
The Professional Women's Network
Member Since 1991
Theresa Ream, President
“Graniterock has been a proud member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for over 40 years! The social aspect of chamber membership has always been a highlight and in today's rapidly changing world the networking, support and resources afforded our company have been invaluable. I would urge any business in the area to join the chamber and as with any organization, the more involved you are, the more you will get out of it.”
Keith Severson, Director of Marketing and Community Involvement
Graniterock, Seaside
Member Since 1978
Keith Severson, Director of Marketing and Community Involvement