The South County
People on the move in 2023
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Selects New Board members
On January 1 , 2023 , the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new Board members . Andrea Nicolette , Executive Director for the Mt . Madonna YMCA ; Gloria Dela Merced , Chief Operating Officer for St . Louise Regional Hospital ; and Sandy Le , Director , Revenue and Group Sales for Gilroy Gardens , begin their tenure as Chamber Board members . Each bring unique skills , experience , and talents to the organization . They join an already talented and proactive Board made up of local profesionals and business owners all committed to supporting local businesses . For more information , visit : www . gilroy . org
Gilroy Downtown Business Association Names New Board members and officers
The Gilroy Downtown Business Association ( GDBA ) names new board member and officers . Certified Financial Planner Jeff Orth of Integrated Financial was named 2023 Board Chair . Medicare Specialist Michele Campbell of Michele Campbell Insurance Services is the 2023 Vice-Chair . New Board members are , Paulo Paredes , Danny Mitchell , Deanna Franklin , and Mike Sanchez .
Paulo Paredes is in law enforcement and security . He and his wife Denise opned Celestial Trading in Downtown Gilroy in June of 2021 . Paulo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board in the areas of security , web design , and business .
Dr . Pedro Avila Named President / Superintendent , Gavilan Joint Community District
In July of 2022 Dr . Pedro Avila became Gavilan ' s 8th President . Dr . Avila was previously the VP of Student Services at Santa Rosa Junior College , and has worked in the community college system for 20 years .
Avila was born in Guadalajara , Mexico . His family emigrated to the US in 1984 . From humble beginings , he went on to earn degrees in Latino Studies and Business from Fresno State University , a Masters in Business Administration from Rockhurst University , and a Certificate in Institutional Performance Assessment from Harvard ' s Higher Education Institute . He earned his Doctorate in Community College Policy from the University of Maryland .
During his 20 year tenure , Avila has served in numerous administrative roles . His early childhood experiences with poverty and housing insecurity help shape his perspectives on affordable student housing , which he championed at Santa Rosa Junior College . He and his wife Jeanette Loaiza have two daughters .
GDBA Officers and Board members : Jeff Orth , Chair , Michele Campbell , Vice Chair , Paulo Paredes , Board member . BELOW : Board members Danny Mitchell , Deanna Franklin , Mike Sanchez
Danny Mitchell is a retired CFO at Heinzen Manufacturing . He is a 63-year Gilroy resident and has been a community volunteer for decades . His past board experience includes the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , Gilroy Elks Lodge , and the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation . He served on the Gilroy General Plan Advisory Committee for 2040 , and has served in various functions at South Valley Community Church . Danny ' s financial knowledge and experience will serve the organization well .
Deanna Franklin is Senior VP and Relationship Manager at Pinnacle Bank in Gilroy . A Gilroy resident for over 20 years , Deanna has served in various volunteer capacities including Gilroy Relay for Life , Gilroy Garlic Festival Board member and past president , past president of Gilroy Rotary , Gilroy Exchange Club , to name a few . She brings proactive energy , new perspectives , and organizational skills , as well as many other abilities , to the Board .
Mike Sanchez , Publisher of gmhTODAY magazine , is a life-long Gilroy resident . He and wife Debbi are the owners Effect Media Group , and he is a licensed insurance agent at Insurology Insurance Agency . He hopes to offer support in marketing and branding , long-term strategic planning , and event managment to the organization .
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