CALCHAMBER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships
- Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships ( Environmental Policy, Housing and Land Use, Product Regulation )
Adam Regele joined the California Chamber of Commerce in April 2018 as a policy advocate specializing in environmental policy, housing and land use, and product regulation issues. He was named a senior policy advocate in April 2021 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of members. In March 2023, he was promoted to the newly created position of vice president of advocacy and strategic partnerships.
In that role, he works to expand CalChamber relationships to other businesses and associations in California and nationally as California state government continues its repeated attempts to expand oversight and regulation of the business community.
Regele was the lead negotiator for the business community in 2022 on SB 54, the circular economy law creating the nation's most complex extended producer responsibility program. He is the foremost expert on the ongoing implementation of the law.
He came to the CalChamber policy team after practicing law at an Oakland-based law firm-Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson, PLC-where he advised private and public clients on complex projects involving land use and environmental laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. His extensive environmental and waste regulatory compliance experience includes defending in litigation matters related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Before joining Meyers Nave, Regele handled state and federal environmental litigation and administrative proceedings as an associate at a Bay Area law firm that focused on environmental, natural resources, land use, labor and local government law.
He served as a federal judicial law clerk to the Honorable Edward J. Davila of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, and as a legal fellow with the Oakland City Attorney's Office prior to entering private law practice.
Regele earned a B.S. in environmental science at the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from UC Hastings College of Law, where he was symposium editor and research and development editor for the Hastings West-Northwest Journal.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
- Vice President, Communications
- Executive Team: Ann Amioka
Ann Amioka has been a communications specialist at the CalChamber since 1980.
Since 1982, she has been editor of CalChamber's legislative newsletter, Alert. She oversees editing and production of CalChamber communications and the corporate website.
Before joining the CalChamber staff as editor of the CalChamber's agricultural labor relations newsletter, Amioka was a reporter for a daily newspaper in Yolo County. She has a B.A. in history from Stanford University and an M.A. in history from California State University, Sacramento.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Member of the Board
Anne Descalzo Co-Founder Clutch (business management and resource consulting) B.A., journalism, business minor, California State University, Sacramento. Co-founded company in 2019 after more than 15 years in the financial services industry. Experience bootstrapping a company to multimillion-dollar national business and 150+ staff headcount in less than four years. Co-founder and executive producer of BOLD Speaker Series, an annual program focused on women in leadership sharing empowering stories that inspire others. CalChamber director since September 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Managing Director, Pacific Segment Head / JPMorgan Chase
- Managing Director, Pacific Segment Head / JPMorgan Chase ( Financial Services
B.B.A., finance, University of San Diego. Came to JP Morgan Chase in October 2018 to lead California commercial banking team. Role expanded to encompass West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) plus Hawaii and Alaska in June 2020. Also heads the firm's national business development team. More than 29 years of experience in financial services. Previously at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he was a global client acquisition executive across the United States and Canada. CalChamber director since January 2019.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- Member of the Board
- President
Job Titles:
- Senior Policy Advocate ( Labor and Employment, Workers' Compensation )
Ashley Hoffman joined the California Chamber of Commerce in August 2020 as a policy advocate specializing in labor and employment and workers' compensation issues. She was named a senior policy advocate starting January 1, 2024 in recognition of her efforts on behalf of members.
Before joining the CalChamber policy team, she was an associate attorney in the Sacramento office of Jackson Lewis P.C., representing employers in civil litigation and administrative matters as well as advising employers on best practices, including compliance with laws such as the California Labor Code, California Wage Orders, and the Fair Employment and Housing Act.
She previously worked as a litigation associate and a summer associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, Los Angeles, representing clients in a variety of matters including employment discrimination, consumer protection class actions, trademark disputes, immigration matters, and other issues.
She also was a law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in Memphis and a judicial extern for the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Pasadena.
Hoffman holds a B.A. with high honors in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law where she was a Michael T. Masin scholar, an editor at the UCLA Law Review, and staff member for the Women's Law Journal.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Executive Team & Policy Staff
- Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff for Policy
Ben Golombek joined the California Chamber of Commerce on January 17, 2022 as executive vice president and chief of staff for policy.
In this role, Golombek heads the CalChamber policy staff, providing strategic oversight and management of CalChamber's legislative and regulatory priorities.
Most recently, Golombek served as the West Region vice president for public affairs for AT&T, where he managed a team of 20 to create and implement legislative campaigns and media strategies to educate and influence lawmakers, regulators and consumers for eight states including California.
Golombek has previous experience serving as chief of staff to three members of the California State Assembly, including the chairs of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation, and Assembly Appropriations committees.
Prior to his State Capitol experience, Golombek worked at Los Angeles City Hall, where he served as deputy city controller, communications director for a city councilmember and deputy press secretary for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Golombek graduated from Northwestern University, has an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis, and completed the prestigious Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs.
Job Titles:
- General Counsel, Labor and Employment
Bianca Saad, a member of the CalChamber legal affairs team since April 2018, was named general counsel, labor and employment in October 2023.
Since mid-November 2021, she has been developing and leading the content and training strategy for existing and emerging products and training, as well as overseeing CalChamber associate general counsel and subject matter experts.
She serves as a co-presenter for CalChamber compliance seminars and webinars.
Brenda Bass joined the California Chamber of Commerce on January 24, 2022 as a policy advocate specializing in water supply and storage issues.
She came to the CalChamber policy team from the Sacramento office of Downey Brand, where she was a senior associate. She advised public agency and private clients on environmental review requirements, as well as applying for and complying with water quality permits.
She has experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) litigation and groundwater quality issues for agricultural and water clients throughout California. She also advised clients on Clean Water Act matters, compliance with state and federal laws governing stormwater and wastewater quality, as well as assisted agricultural enterprises with rapidly changing irrigation discharge regulations.
Before joining Downey Brand, Bass practiced at a California boutique environmental firm. She also externed for a federal bankruptcy judge in Sacramento.
Bass earned a B.A. in linguistics at the University of California, Davis, and a J.D. with distinction from the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, where she was primary editor of the McGeorge Law Review.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Regional Executive for California / U.S. Bank
- Regional Executive for California / U.S. Bank ( Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chief Executive Officer and Plan President
Brian Ternan Chief Executive Officer and Plan President Health Net of California (managed care/health insurance) More than 30 years of experience as a senior health care executive and leader at some of the state's largest health care plans. Assumed current role in September 2019. Before joining Health Net, held leadership posts at Anthem Blue Cross of California and Aetna Inc. Board member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County. CalChamber director since January 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Founding Co - Owner / Hilmar Cheese Company
- Founding Co - Owner / Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chairman, Northern California
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Member of the Board
- Vice President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Full Harvest Technologies, Inc.
Full Harvest Technologies, Inc. (online platform connecting large farms to food and beverage businesses)
B.A., psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. M.B.A. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Founded Full Harvest in 2015 as a B2B online distributor for ugly and surplus produce. More than 10 years of experience in the logistics and food industries at both Fortune 100 companies (A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, Procter & Gamble) and high-growth food start-ups (Organic Avenue, Cape Classics). CalChamber director since April 2018.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Sharp HealthCare
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Sharp HealthCare ( Health Care Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / Runyon Saltzman Inc.
- President / Runyon Saltzman Inc. ( Public Relations
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the Board
Craig D. Gott President Suburban Water Systems (water and wastewater utility) B.S., civil engineering; University of Wollongong, Australia; MBA (finance), University of La Verne. Licensed professional civil engineer with multiple certifications. Joined Suburban in 2002, serving as vice president of engineering, vice president of field operations and general manager before being named president. Previously worked for Sydney Water (Australian Water Technologies) in New South Wales, Australia. CalChamber director since January 2020.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President and General Manager, Strategic Partners
Dan Schauer Senior Vice President and General Manager, Strategic Partners VSP Vision (nonprofit vision benefits and services) B.S., business administration with concentration in finance and accountancy, California State University, Sacramento. Named to current post in 2018, responsible for overseeing all aspects of corporate finance, financial risk management, capital management, treasury operations, tax planning and compliance. Joined VSP in 2001. Has held positions with responsibility for client financial services; privacy, compliance and ethics. Previous post with Oracle Corporation included responsibility for company compliance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) standards for software revenue recognition. CalChamber director since June 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / Anheuser - Busch Sales and Distribution Company
- President, U.S. Sales and Distribution / the Anheuser - Busch Sales and Distribution Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President - Remote Sensing / Lockheed Martin
David L. Sheridan Vice President - Remote Sensing Lockheed Martin (aerospace) Bachelor's in electrical engineering, Santa Clara University. Career Lockheed Martin employee with 33 years of satellite design and management experience. Before current position was vice president of the Overhead Persistent Infrared unit and program manager for the Space Based Infrared System, which provides global missile surveillance data to key government policy and decision makers. CalChamber director since July 2018.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, California Region
David Tashjian Senior Vice President, California Region Comcast (telecommunications) Has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School, Stanford University and Wharton. More than 25 years in industry. Named to current position in September 2022. Joined Comcast in 2005, starting in Delaware, Virginia; moved on to vice president of sales and marketing in Comcast's West Division in 2010, and vice president of sales strategy and operations in 2017. Previously worked for Dish Network in Chicago. CalChamber director since April 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Executive Vice President of Communications
Denise Davis, executive vice president of communications, oversees communications strategy and outreach, media relations, and manages the CalChamber's involvement in select issue advocacy and ballot measure campaigns.
Before joining the CalChamber, Davis was a senior-level communications consultant working on a number of high-profile campaigns, legal matters and policy issues. She was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's chief deputy communications director and has 14 years of experience serving three California attorneys general as a spokesperson and victim advocate. She also directed media relations for a national, nonprofit legal foundation.
Over the course of her career, Davis has worked closely with statewide officeholders, Cabinet members, major corporations and a variety of trade associations. As such, Davis has developed expertise in the areas of environmental law, land use regulation, water law, resource management, criminal justice issues, correctional law, consumer law, health care and labor relations.
Davis graduated from the University of California, Davis, receiving a B.A. in communications.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- General Manager, Los Angeles Region / Toyota
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / Wilcox, Miller & Nelson
- President / Wilcox, Miller & Nelson ( Executive Search / Human Capital Management )
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Executive Officer and Founder / Lucas Public Affairs
- Chief Executive Officer and Founder / Lucas Public Affairs ( Public Relations
B.A., journalism, University of Southern California. Before forming Lucas Public Affairs in 2006, served as deputy chief of staff for strategic planning and initiatives for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and chief of staff to First Lady Maria Shriver. Previously was global and public affairs practice leader for international public relations firm Porter Novelli after it acquired Nelson Communications Group, where she was president and CEO for several years. Also served as deputy press secretary for Governor George Deukmejian; deputy treasurer for Tom Hayes; and California press secretary for the 1988 presidential campaign of then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. 2021 CalChamber chair and member of Executive Committee. CalChamber director since August 2012.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Affairs
- Executive Team: Drew Savage
- Vice President, Corporate Relations
Drew Savage was named vice president of corporate relations at the beginning of 2001. The position is dedicated to enhancing the CalChamber's profile with major corporations.
Savage came to CalChamber in 1990 as a membership specialist following three years in a similar position at the Illinois Chamber. He was named manager of the CalChamber's membership sales team in October 1994. After taking on additional responsibilities for working with the state's growth industries and developing relationships with larger companies, Savage was promoted to vice president of membership in late 1999.
He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Managing Shareholder
Eric N. Robinson Managing Shareholder Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard (law firm) B.S., Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism; J.D., University of California, Davis. Joined Kronick Moskovitz in 2000. In current role, represents public and private sector clients in the fields of natural resources and environmental law, including providing counsel on water rights and supplies, and environmental compliance for development projects under local, state and federal laws. Began law career in 1997. CalChamber director since February 2024.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / SJW Group
Eric W. Thornburg President and Chief Executive Officer SJW Group and San Jose Water (investor-owned water and wastewater utility) B.A., Cornell University. M.B.A., Indiana Wesleyan University. Before taking current position in November 2017, served as president and CEO of Connecticut Water Service (since 2006) and chairman of the board of the water service (since 2007). Also previously served as president of Missouri-American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works Corporation, and Central Region vice president-external affairs for American Water Works Corporation. CalChamber director since April 2018.
Graduate, University of Colorado; M.B.A., Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College. Began career in real estate industries group at Wells Fargo Bank before joining Evans Hotels in 1984 as chief financial officer. Named president and chief executive officer in March 2012. Now serves as executive chairwoman. 2019 CalChamber chair. CalChamber director since March 2012.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Fiona Hutton & Associates
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Fiona Hutton & Associates ( Communications and Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President / Majestic Realty Company
- Senior Vice President / Majestic Realty Company ( Real Estate Services
Fran Inman Senior Vice President Majestic Realty Company (real estate services) Bachelor's, M.B.A., finance, California State University, Fullerton. More than two decades with Majestic Realty. Oversees government relations work for the company and serves as founding president of the Majestic Realty Foundation. Member of California Transportation Commission and National Freight Advisory Committee to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. CalChamber director since April 2023.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Committee
B.A. from Cornell University; J.D., Yale University Law School. Was in private practice in Washington, D.C., and since 1977 has held positions in communications, including White House Office of Telecommunications Policy, Federal Communications Commission, cable television and computer information services at Times-Mirror Company and McClatchy Newspapers, and a variety of entrepreneurial ventures. Crossings TV founded in 2005. CalChamber third vice chair and member of Executive Committee. CalChamber director since January 2000.
Job Titles:
- Executive Chairwoman
- Executive Chairwoman of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations
Greg Ruffoni Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations bp (energy/oil and gas) Bachelor's degree in business administration, San Jose State University. More than 25 years in retail and convenience industry. In various roles has overseen direct operations of stores, cultivated franchise business partnerships, developed direction of store operations and merchandising, led teams responsible for optimizing profitability across regions and states, and worked cross functionally in organizations to define new strategic direction for operations and support teams for convenience companies in North America. Named to current role in April 2022 to focus on investment into convenience as part of bp's global Reimagining Energy initiative. Leads the visioning and strategic direction for growth through increasing collaborative business partnerships and strengthening franchise relationships nationwide. CalChamber director since November 2022.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Board
- Policy Officer
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Tejon Ranch Company
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Tejon Ranch Company / past Chair
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Finance
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Executive Team: Gretel Tortolani
Gretel Tortolani joined the CalChamber in April 2022 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. She leads CalChamber's membership and employment compliance business, which includes employment compliance products, such as required state, federal and local employment posters and pamphlets; sexual harassment prevention training; reference guides; compliance seminars and webinars; and an online employee handbook creator.
Immediately before joining the CalChamber team, Tortolani was chief financial officer at Otis McAllister, Inc., an Oakland-based international food distribution company.
She previously served as chief financial officer and vice president of human resources at Operation Dignity, Inc., an Emeryville nonprofit providing housing and supportive services to veterans and the homeless.
As chief financial officer and controller for the consultancy agency she started, GTCFO2Go LLC, she provided chief financial officer services, financial analyses and advice to early-stage startups and later- stage companies.
Tortolani also served as corporate controller at Mi Pueblo Food Center, a San Jose-based Hispanic grocery chain with 19 stores across California; as chief financial officer and vice president of human resources at Best Express Foods, Inc., a Hayward food manufacturing plant selling a variety of snack foods; and as chief financial officer for the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA, a San Francisco Bay Area service organization operating seven branches and 27 child care centers.
She serves on the board of directors for Operation Dignity, Inc., Summer Search Bay Area, and B8 Theatre Company.
Tortolani earned a B.A. in management at St. Mary's College of California and is fluent in English and Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Human Resources
- Executive Team: Hilda Watson
- Human Resources
Hilda Watson joined the CalChamber team in November 2014 as a senior human resources generalist, moving up to positions of increasing responsibility in the HR Department. As vice president of human resources, Watson oversees all aspects of CalChamber staff management, including recruitment strategy, policy administration, employee relations, benefits, compensation, organizational development, training and office services.
She acts as the CalChamber safety officer, establishing emergency response and training procedures, as well as handling workers' compensation investigations and reporting. She also provides input on CalChamber HR compliance products and training.
Watson came to the CalChamber from Pacific Coast Companies, Inc., a Rancho Cordova company that provides a range of business services to the Pacific Coast Building Products family of companies and their customers. At Pacific Coast, Watson managed the payroll team and administered benefits, including managing leaves of absence, for eight years. Before her time at Pacific Coast, she was an HR administrative assistant at e-VentExe, a Roseville-based human resources consulting firm.
She holds a B.S. in business administration from California State University, Sacramento; the certified professional credential (SHRM-CP) from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); and her PHR from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Partner / Latham & Watkins
Job Titles:
- Law Subject Matter Expert / Legal Writer and Editor
James W. Ward joined the CalChamber in June 2019 as an employment law subject matter expert/legal writer and editor. In that position, he enhances the ongoing efforts of the CalChamber legal affairs team to explain for nonlawyers how statutes, regulations and court cases affect California businesses and employers.
Ward came to the CalChamber following his time as an associate attorney at Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard of Sacramento. At Kronick, he provided advice and counsel to public and private employers on labor and employment matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-and-hour issues, employee leave, reasonable accommodations, employee discipline, and employer policies and handbooks. Ward also represented public and private employers in litigation at the trial and appellate court levels.
During law school, Ward served as a judicial extern to Associate Justice Ronald B. Robie of the California 3rd District Court of Appeal. During his time at the court, Ward analyzed trial court records, appellate briefs, recommended dispositions and drafted judicial opinions for Justice Robie.
Preceding his focus on the law, Ward was a professional musician and recording engineer, serving as music director at Warehouse Ministries, and a general partner at Spyhunter Records, both in Sacramento.
Ward holds a B.A. in humanities, magna cum laude, and an M.A. in history from California State University, Sacramento. He earned his J.D. with great distinction from the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, where he was staff editor of the Pacific McGeorge Global Business and Development Law Journal, and served on the Moot Court Honors Board.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Executive Vice President, Group President and Chief Operating Officer, Care Delivery / Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, Global Market and Community Innovation / United Airlines
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chief Operating Officer / Green Diamond Resource Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / PRIDE Industries
PRIDE Industries (business outsourcing solutions/employer of people with disabilities)
B.S., business administration, California State University, Sacramento; M.B.A. Drexel University. Joined PRIDE in 2008; named vice president of finance in 2014, chief financial officer in 2016, president in 2018 and now holds CEO responsibilities as well. More than 22 years of domestic and international experience in accounting and finance, including positions at Oracle Corporation, Ernst & Young, and Arthur Andersen. CalChamber director since January 2019.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- President
- Executive Team
- President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Chamber of Commerce
Barrera is well-known for her success rate with the CalChamber's annual list of job killer legislation, efforts to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and leadership working with employers on critical issues, including most recently those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, she advises the business compliance activities of the CalChamber on interpreting changes in employment law.
She led CalChamber advocacy on labor and employment and taxation from September 2010 through the end of 2017. As senior policy advocate in 2017, Barrera worked with the executive vice president in developing policy strategy. She was named senior vice president, policy, for 2018 and promoted to executive vice president on January 1, 2019.
From May 2003 until joining the CalChamber staff, she worked at a statewide law firm that specializes in labor/employment defense, now Carothers, DiSane & Freudenberger, LLP. She represented employers in both state and federal court on a variety of issues, including wage and hour disputes, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, and wrongful termination.
She also advised both small and large businesses on compliance issues, presented seminars on various employment-related topics, and regularly authored articles in human resources publications.
Barrera earned a B.A. in English from California State University, Bakersfield, and a J.D. with high honors from California Western School of Law
Jennifer Barrera took over as president and chief executive officer of the California Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2021.
She has been part of the CalChamber team since 2010 and stepped into the top position after serving as CalChamber executive vice president, overseeing the development and implementation of policy and strategy for the organization, as well as representing the CalChamber on legal reform issues.
Barrera is well-known for her success rate with the CalChamber's annual list of job killer legislation, efforts to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and leadership working with employers on critical issues, including most recently those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, she advises the business compliance activities of the CalChamber on interpreting changes in employment law.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Kern Energy
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chief Executive Officer / Word & Brown General Agency ( Developer / Distributor of Health Benefit / Insurance Plans )
Word & Brown General Agency (developer/distributor of health benefit/insurance plans)
B.B.A., California State University, Fullerton; Registered Health Underwriter (RHU). Stepped up to current position in December 2021 after serving as president since April 2013. Previously was executive vice president of operations for General Agency. Began career as a renewal specialist with California Choice, then worked in sales and claims and benefits administration, then broker services, earning several promotions before moving to the company's operations and management unit. CalChamber director since January 2020.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Board
Jill C. Anderson Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Southern California Edison (electric utility) B.S., mechanical engineering, Boston University; M.B.A., New York University. In current position leads many of the company's operations groups - including transmission and distribution, power generation, customer service, engineering, safety and operational services. Previously served Southern California Edison (SCE) as senior vice president of customer service and senior vice president of strategic planning and power supply. Before joining SCE was executive vice president and chief commercial officer at the New York Power Authority. Also led global process improvement projects for Hess Corporation. Began career at Consolidated Edison Company of New York. CalChamber director since February 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Lead Regional President, Pacific North Region / Wells Fargo Bank
- Lead Regional President, Pacific North Region / Wells Fargo Bank ( Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Vice President, Global Tax, Incentives & International Financial Reporting / the Walt Disney Company
B.Com. (accountancy and business administration), University of Canterbury. LL.B., University of Canterbury Law School. LL.M. (with distinction), Georgetown University Law Center. CPA and Chartered Accountant. As a senior vice president for finance, Stowell is responsible for all domestic and international tax, global incentives and international financial reporting and controllership. Began career with Deloitte (in Auckland, Los Angeles and Washington DC). Before joining Disney, held executive positions with Delphi Automotive LLP (subsequently Delphi Automotive PLC now Aptiv PLC), and Avery Dennison Corporation, where he was regional counsel for Asia Pacific and Latin America, European tax counsel (based in Switzerland), and director of tax planning and then vice president of taxes (based in Pasadena). CalChamber second vice chair and member of Executive Committee. CalChamber director since January 2017.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Automobile Club of Southern California
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Automobile Club of Southern California ( Insurance / Member Services )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Sacramento Managing Principal / Deloitte LLP
- Sacramento Managing Principal / Deloitte LLP ( Accounting / Professional Services )
John Petrovich Sacramento Managing Principal Deloitte LLP (accounting/professional services) B.S., computer science, Purdue University. More than 35 years of experience in the design and implementation of technology solutions across a variety of disciplines. Joined Deloitte in January 2007 as a senior manager, named a principal in August 2011 and Sacramento managing principal in November 2022. Previously served at CSG Government Solutions as a principal from July 1986 and senior principal from May 1998 until joining Deloitte. CalChamber director since January 2024.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President of Business Operations
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Greater Northern California Operations Leader / Antea Group
- Greater Northern California Operations Leader / Antea Group ( Engineering / Environmental Services
B.S., environmental toxicology, University of California, Davis. Leads team of engineers, scientists, geologists, and environmental, health and safety regulatory experts. Before joining Antea Group, spent 23 years at super computer manufacturer Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI), based in Silicon Valley, where she was global director of environmental, health and safety, and interim corporate security manager. CalChamber director since September 2018.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Partner / Ernst & Young LLP ( Accounting / Professional Services )
- Partner / Ernst & Young LLP / past Chair
Job Titles:
- Executive Team: Karen Mendoza
- Senior Vice President, Business Services
Karen Mendoza, part of the CalChamber team since 2013, was named senior vice president of business services in October 2023, having served as vice president of business services since April 2019. She is responsible for planning and overseeing the daily administrative, operational and technological functions of the departments within the Business Services Division.
Mendoza's role also involves optimizing the organization's operating capabilities and employing strategies to grow revenue, expand market share, deliver the best customer experience possible, maximize customer/member satisfaction, and drive innovation. The Business Services Division works to enhance the short- and long-term profitability and growth of CalChamber business revenue by providing products and solutions designed to help businesses comply with California's complex employment laws.
Before joining the CalChamber, Mendoza was a senior-level project manager, specializing in large-scale technology projects that delivered innovative solutions to customers while growing revenue share for companies. She has worked in the private sector in a variety of industries, including health care, mortgage, and banking.
Mendoza holds a B.S. in business management from the University of San Francisco, where she graduated with high honors, and an M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. She earned a certificate from the UC Davis Executive Leadership Program in 2019.
Job Titles:
- CFO, Jewel Box Platinum, Inc
Job Titles:
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Kern Energy
B.A., history, magna cum laude, University of San Diego; J.D., University of San Diego School of Law, Order of the Coif. Joined Kern in 2011 as vice president with emphasis on legal and government affairs. Named president in March 2018. Previously served as an attorney with Best Best & Krieger LLP, working out of the San Diego office with the litigation, municipal and special districts practice groups. Member of CalChamber Executive Committee. CalChamber director since July 2019.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President, Development
- Vice President, Development / NextEra Energy Resources LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President, Southern California Division
Kevin Curry President, Southern California Division Albertsons Companies (food and drug retailer) Bachelor's degree in accounting, California State University, Los Angeles; Graduate, USC Food Industry Management Program; M.B.A., University of Southern California. Named president of Southern California Division of Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in 2020. Began grocery career in 1978 as a courtesy clerk with Alpha Beta Stores in Southern California. Started working as a staff accountant after graduating from Cal State Los Angeles, moving on to operations, sales and marketing. Then held various roles with Alpha Beta and Lucky Stores in Southern California, Northern California and Salt Lake City. Joined Raley's in 2000 as vice president, nonperishable sales and marketing and senior vice president, sales and marketing. Joined Safeway in 2005, holding vice president roles on marketing teams for both the NorCal Division and the Corporate Office. Rejoined Raley's in 2012 as senior vice president of sales, merchandising, distribution before returning to Albertsons Companies as grocery sales manager with the NorCal Division. Moved back to Southern California in July 2018 as vice president and general manager of the Pavilions banner stores. CalChamber director since September 2021.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / West Valley Construction Company, Inc.
Kevin P. Kelly President and Chief Executive Officer West Valley Construction Company, Inc. (underground utility contractor) B.S., business management, California State University, Chico. More than 30 years in underground construction industry. Joined West Valley in 1978, serving as project manager, division manager, vice president of operations and senior vice president before becoming president and CEO. CalChamber director since May 2015.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President, U.S. West Region / Prologis
- President, U.S. West Region / Prologis ( Logistics Real Estate
Kim Snyder President, U.S. West Region Prologis (logistics real estate) B.S., Arizona State University, summa cum laude; M.B.A., Harvard Business School. More than three decades in industrial real estate. Since taking current post in April 2017 has been responsible for all activities in Prologis' West Region, including development, acquisitions and operations. Served as managing director and senior vice president at AMB Property Corporation from 2005 until its merger with Prologis in 2011. Previous stints as president and CEO of Paragon Capital Corporation; managing director for Insignia-ESG's Western region development operation; and partner at Los Angeles-Based Investment Building Group. CalChamber director since February 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Partner / Nielsen
Kurt Oneto Partner Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP (law firm) B.A., political science, Phi Beta Kappa, University of California, Berkeley; M.A., government, California State University, Sacramento; J.D. UCLA School of Law. Leads Nielsen Merksamer government law section and is a member of its management committee. Specializes in statewide ballot measures and has served as counsel and legal strategist to ballot measure campaigns in California and more than a half-dozen other states. Serves on executive committee of State Law Resources, Inc., an international network of independent law firms. Before joining Nielsen Merksamer, worked for the California District Attorneys Association and interned for the California State Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. CalChamber director since January 2023.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Partner / Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto
Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto Architects + Engineers (architecture, structural engineering and interior design)
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Greif & Co.
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Greif & Co. ( Investment Banking
The California Foundation for Commerce and Education is affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce and serves as a "think tank" for the California business community. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the California business climate and private enterprise
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Executive Officer and Founder / Lucas Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / at & T
Marc Blakeman President AT&T California (telecommunications) B.A. in political science, Northwestern University; certification, corporate community relations, John Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College. Effective October 1, 2022, named to lead AT&T legislative, philanthropic and social engagement activities across California, and assist with new technology deployment and infrastructure investment. A 25-year veteran of AT&T and its predecessor companies. Recently served as AT&T's president for mid-Atlantic states in external and legislative affairs. Began career in 1997 with AT&T, then Ameritech, in Chicago, Illinois. Went on to become regional vice president of external affairs in Illinois before joining AT&T California as vice president of external affairs in 2011. CalChamber director since October 2022.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / McWong International, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President, Bank of America Central Valley / Bank of America
- President, Bank of America Central Valley / Bank of America ( Financial Services
Mark A. Riley President, Bank of America Central Valley Bank of America (financial services) B.S., M.B.A. Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno. University of Washington, Pacific Coast Banking School. More than three decades in banking industry, starting as a customer service representative at Bank of America, Fresno and culminating with current position in December 2013. Career includes roles as loan officer, financial analyst, credit administrator, commercial loan officer and senior executive positions responsible for commercial, digital and investment banking services with Bank of America and other Fresno area financial institutions. CalChamber director since May 2021.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / California Water Service Group
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Executive Vice President, Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
- President / Southern California Gas Company
- President / Southern California Gas Company / Second Vice Chair
Maryam S. Brown President Southern California Gas Company (energy utility) B.S., mechanical engineering, and J.D. (Order of the Coif), Louisiana State University. Named president of Southern California Gas at the start of 2019. Joined Sempra Energy in 2016 as vice president of federal government affairs. Previously served as senior energy and environment counsel for the Office of the Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, and energy chief counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Began career in 1996 as maintenance engineer for Amoco Oil Company, then served as a corporate attorney in San Francisco office of international law firm Pillsbury Winthrop; manager of public policy/strategic planning for ConocoPhillips; and policy counsel to the U.S. Senate Republic Policy Committee. CalChamber first vice chair and member of Executive Committee. CalChamber director since March 2019.
Job Titles:
- Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President, Rolling Stock / Siemens
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- President
Michael Lizárraga President and Chief Executive Officer TELACU (community development) B.S. in business administration, University of Southern California. Joined TELACU in January 1990, managing the company's commercial and residential real estate portfolio. Appointed president of TELACU Industries in 1995 and named president of parent company TELACU in 2007. Also serves as president of TELACU Education Foundation. CalChamber director since July 2013.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Vice President / City National Bank
- Executive Vice President / City National Bank ( Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / University of California
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Interim President and Chief Executive Officer / CSAA Insurance Group
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President, Space Missions Systems
Michelle Parker, Ph.D. Vice President, Space Missions Systems Boeing Defense, Space & Security (aerospace and defense) Bachelor's, mechanical engineering, Lehigh University; master's and doctorate, mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, University of Pennsylvania. Several decades leading high-profile space programs with more than 25 years in positions of increasing responsibility within Boeing. Currently responsible for program execution, strategic direction and profit and loss for portfolio that includes government and commercial satellites, space systems architecture, national security space programs, ground systems, and subsidiaries Millennium Space Systems and Spectrolab. Began career in Thermophysics Department of Boeing Satellite Systems in 1995. CalChamber director since August 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Office Managing Partner / KPMG LLP
- Office Managing Partner / KPMG LLP ( Accounting / Professional Services )
Michelle Wroan Office Managing Partner KPMG LLP (accounting/professional services) B.S., University of California at Los Angeles. Certified public accountant in California and New York (inactive status). Also hub leader for KPMG's Pacific Southwest region leading more than 1,500 professionals in providing audit, tax and advisory services to KPMG clients. Audit partner with nearly 30-year tenure at firm serving clients from the emerging growth stage to mature public companies. Also worked in KPMG Department of Professional Practice, helping KPMG professionals and their clients address and resolving complex accounting, reporting and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission-related issues. Helped found Los Angeles chapter of KPMG Executive Leadership Institute for Women. Serves as executive board member of KPMG Network of Women. CalChamber director since November 2022.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President, Americas Products West / Chevron Corporation
Mike Vomund Vice President, Americas Products West Chevron Corporation (energy) Bachelor's, civil engineering, University of California, Davis; J.D., Golden Gate University. Responsible for Chevron refineries and associated fuels marketing activities in Western United States. Previously oversaw fuels distribution and transportation operations across the Americas, including fuel distribution from Canada to Colombia via terminal, trucking and rail. Joined Chevron in 1988, holding engineering, marketing, environmental and safety, operations and corporate positions of increasing responsibility in North America and Africa. CalChamber director since March 2019.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Monica Lal President and Chief Executive Officer Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (business association) B.A., history, Reed College. Joined Monterey Peninsula Chamber as membership development manager in April 2019, taking over as president and CEO in August 2021. Culinary career over two decades preceding shift to association management included posts as chef/estate manager at lodges and resorts in the Carmel Valley. CalChamber director since January 2024.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- President
Nicholas Adcock President and Chief Executive Officer Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce (business association) B.A., political science and government, University of California, Riverside. Graduate, Greater Riverside Chambers Leadership Riverside, and Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Academy program. Joined Greater Riverside Chambers in 2009 as community development coordinator, rising to positions as communications and marketing manager and governmental affairs manager before becoming vice president in 2013 and president and CEO in 2022. Fourth generation Riverside resident. CalChamber director since January 2024.
Job Titles:
- Policy Center: Nick Ortiz, Vice President, Small Business Advocacy
- Vice President, Small Business Advocacy
The CalChamber Small Business Policy Center was created in October 2023 to focus on mobilizing the power of small businesses in grassroots advocacy at the State Capitol. The center works with the Local Chamber Relations Department, which offers chamber executives a resource they can call to get information on a wide variety of local chamber management issues.
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, West Zone Leader / Allstate Insurance Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chief Operating Officer / Countryside Corporation ( Construction, Real Estate Development, Franchise Operator )
Countryside Corporation (construction, real estate development, franchise operator)
B.S., biology, M.S., health care administration, California State University, Bakersfield. Co-owner with family of Countryside Corporation, which consists of a construction and real estate development division and operates various franchises (including Subway, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut) in Kern and Tulare counties. First Sikh woman to be elected to a city council seat (Arvin). Member of CSU Board of Trustees. Co-founder of Bakersfield Sikh Women's Association. CalChamber director since April 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President and General Manager / Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Division
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Director / Anesthesia Service Medical Group
Robert E. Hertzka, M.D. Director Anesthesia Service Medical Group (medical services) A.B., biology, University of California, Los Angeles. M.D., University of California, San Diego. Attending anesthesiologist posts and educational positions in field since 1985. Former California Medical Association president. Also active with regional and national medical associations. CalChamber director since September 2003.
Job Titles:
- Senior Policy Advocate ( Education, Legal Reform and Protection, Workplace Safety, Tourism, Unemployment Insurance, Immigration )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- West Region Vice President and Associate General Counsel / Verizon
Job Titles:
- West Region Vice President and Associate General Counsel / Verizon
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Professional Basketball Team )
Bachelor's in accounting, Villanova University. Oversees day-to-day operations of Sacramento Kings, as well as the organization's real estate business holdings, including the Sacramento downtown shopping and entertainment district. Previously served as the company's executive vice president of business operations and chief financial officer. Before joining the Kings, spent two years as finance director for Anaheim Sports, Inc., and two years as manager of financial reporting for the San Francisco Giants (MLB). Before starting his career in professional sports, spent five years with public accounting firm PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP in San Francisco. CalChamber director since September 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / OUTSOURCE Consulting Services, Inc.
Sandra O. Floyd President and Chief Executive Officer OUTSOURCE Consulting Services, Inc. (human capital management) B.S. in organizational behavior, University of San Francisco. Graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management programs in entrepreneurial studies and advanced management. Founded OUTSOURCE in 1994. Recognized by San Francisco Business Times in 2019 as one of "100 Influential Bay Area Business Women." CalChamber director since July 2010.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer / Aera Energy
Sergio De Castro Senior Vice President, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer Aera Energy LLC (oil and gas production) Bachelor's, industrial engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; M.B.A., George Mason University. Financial career covers more than 20 years on four continents. Joined ExxonMobil in 1994 at Bogota, Colombia, working in audit, controller's and treasurer's departments. Later served as financial officer in locations including Chile, Great Britain, Angola and United States. Named CFO and senior vice president at Aera (jointly owned by Shell and ExxonMobil) in 2017. CalChamber director since October 2019.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Corporate Affairs Officer / the Wonderful Company
- Chief Corporate Affairs Officer / the Wonderful Company / President and Chief Executive Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Managing Partner, Southwest Market / PricewaterhouseCoopers ( Accounting / Professional Services )
- Southwest Managing Partner / PricewaterhouseCoopers
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chief Executive Officer, California Market / UnitedHealthcare
- Chief Executive Officer, California Market / UnitedHealthcare ( Health Care Services
Steve Cain Chief Executive Officer, California Market UnitedHealthcare (health care services) B.A., sports management, Bowling Green State University. More than 20 years of industry leadership, sales and marketing expertise and executive management. Numerous market leadership roles since joining UnitedHealthcare in 2007. In current role facilitates market-wide growth strategies across provider systems, consultants, distribution, sales, marketing and alliances. CalChamber director since September 2021.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer / Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Systems Integrated
Job Titles:
- International Trade
- Vice President, International Affairs
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Partner / Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer / Cannery Row Company ( Real Estate Development
Ted J. Balestreri
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Cannery Row Company (real estate development/hospitality)
Lewis Hotel Management School, Washington, D.C. Owns and operates commercial buildings in Monterey and Central California, including the Sardine Factory Restaurant and the Inns of Monterey hotels. Member, World Travel & Tourism Council. Former member, California Travel & Tourism Commission, 1985-2007. CalChamber director since October 2003.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, Commercial Markets
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President, Finance
Tom Hutchinson Vice President, Finance Google (information technology) B.A., economics, University of California, Los Angeles; J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Certified Public Accountant. Member of American Bar Association. More than 30 years of experience advising on and managing tax issues for technology companies in Silicon Valley. Joined Google in 2003 and became head of tax a few years later. Began tax career with Arthur Andersen's San Jose and San Francisco offices. After seven years with Arthur Andersen, spent five years working for two Silicon Valley technology companies, focused primarily on international tax issues. CalChamber director since January 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Affairs / East West Bank
- Senior Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Affairs / East West Bank ( Financial Services
Brady Van Engelen joined the California Chamber of Commerce in November 2022 as a policy advocate specializing in energy issues. He also leads CalChamber advocacy on climate change, environmental regulation and transportation matters.
Before joining the CalChamber policy team, Van Engelen served as a senior policy manager at Bloom Energy, representing the company before the California Legislature and California Public Utilities Commission.
He previously was a gubernatorial appointee to the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and served as special assistant to the state oil and gas supervisor. Van Engelen also was defense legislative assistant to then-U.S. Senator John Kerry and prior to working on Capitol Hill, worked in policy and advocacy roles at Veterans For America.
Van Engelen served in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2005, and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He earned a master's degree in government from Johns Hopkins University, and has an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis.
Job Titles:
- Law Subject Matter Expert
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Area Vice President, Western Market Area / State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- Area Vice President, Western Market Area / State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company ( Insurance
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the Board
Warren Meyer President Vista Recreation (concession operator and renovator, public recreation lands) Mechanical engineering degree, Princeton University; M.B.A., Harvard Business School. Since 2003 in current role with Vista Recreation (formerly Recreation Resource Management). Before Vista, held senior marketing and planning roles at AlliedSignal, Honeywell, and Emerson Electric. Earlier was a senior engagement manager for McKinsey & Company and a project engineer for Exxon. CalChamber director since February 2022.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer / Del Monte Foods