Claremont Chamber Board of Directors 2020-2021
Executive Board Committee
Dr. Steve Gerali, Sanctuary Coffee (Chair)
Dr. Steve Gerali is the founder and CEO of Sanctuary Coffee in Claremont. Sanctuary Coffee is a non-profit artisan Coffee house dedicated to healing social concerns and reconciling social injustices. As a former tenured professor and University Dean, Gerali along with a handful of students envisioned taking the second largest traded commodity in the world and harnessing it for good. They also dreamed of making this coffeehouse a “safe place and a sacred space” where the community could gather and relationships flourish, thus Sanctuary was born. Gerali holds two earned doctorates, is an award winning author of 10 books and has international recognition and expertise on mentoring. He and his wife live in Rancho Cucamonga nearby their children and 5 grandchildren. Gerail hopes to sit in the back of Sanctuary Coffee and write book #11 someday - ask him how that’s going!
Andrew Behnke, Doubletree by Hilton Claremont
Andrew Behnke is General Manager of the Doubletree By Hilton Claremont and also Vice President of their property management company since 2006. He has been a hospitality executive for over 24 years.
Andrew was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has lived in Georgia, Washington D.C. and Fairbanks, Alaska. He is a decorated veteran having served 9 years in the Army during the Gulf War Era and received his education from the University of Minnesota, Georgetown University and Wayland Baptist University. While in the Army he had the notable distinction of serving in the Presidential Honor Guard and Assistant to the President Escort Officer for the inauguration of President George HW Bush.
Andrew is a community and business advocate in the region and belongs to 4 different chambers of commerce. He has served two terms as Board Chair for the Claremont Chamber. Andrew is very active business advocate and has a firm belief that business has an obligation to make the community a better one for all.
His hobbies include Ice Hockey and fishing. He is married to his beautiful wife Sonja. Andrew currently resides in Upland.
Emily Moultrie, Claremont Craft Ales
Emily has called Claremont her own for 40 years (seems like 90) and has had the honor of growing up within her family’s business, Moultrie Academy of Music, Voice & Dance. When she and her husband Simon decided to open a brewery, Claremont was the only option because they knew that the City of Trees and PhDs would support Claremont Craft Ale’s dedication to community. She works to continue that ideal as a member of the Executive Board.
Bruno Windegger, Saca’s Mediterranean Cuisine (Treasurer)
A resident of Claremont for 21 years, Bruno and Nathalie acquired Saca’s Mediterranean Cuisine in 2014 with the ambition to develop and grow the Saca’s brand .Prior to working in the food industry, Bruno worked for 25 years for a large Corporation in Consumer Goods, where he headed the International Division. In that role, he built and run a global network of professional distributors, set up and managed sales, marketing and logistics centers on all 5 continents. As Head of the Corporate Marketing Division, Bruno was also responsible for protecting and growing the brand globally through advertising, social media and Public Relations.
Michael Reis, Southland Data Processing (Member at Large)
Michael is the Vice President of Sales at Southland Data Processing. He attended Saint Mary’s College of California in where he graduated with a BS in Business Administration and played goalkeeper for the university’s soccer team. Consulting businesses since 1992, Michael helps companies look for ways to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and stay compliant. In addition to his love of running (10 marathons, 10 half marathons, and an ultra race!), he also helps run Southland Data Processing’s sales and marketing departments, with proven year-over-year growth since Michael joined the team in 2008. SDP helps businesses hire, manage, and pay employees with their customized solutions and helpful support team. Currently, Michael lives in Claremont with his wife and three kids, and is an active volunteer with The Claremont Chamber of Commerce, The Haynes Family of Programs, Steven’s Hope, and Speech and Language Development Center.
Board Committee
Colin Tudor, The Claremont Colleges
Colin Tudor serves The Claremont Colleges (TCC) as Secretary to the TCC Board and Assistant Vice President of Community Relations. Colin provides executive management support and research assistance to the TCC Board of directors and Council of The Claremont Colleges. Through is community relations efforts Colin works to strengthen relationships and build partnerships within the city of Claremont, the broader Claremont community, and the local region.
Prior to joining TCCS, Colin held various roles with the City of Claremont including serving as the assistant city manager from 2012 through February of 2019. In this capacity, he was responsible for city-wide day to day operations, policy development and analysis for the city council, committees, and the city manager. Colin was directly responsible for the city’s administrative services department including personnel, city clerk, information technology, risk management, and public information. He has worked collaboratively with other regional organizations to collaborate on critical initiatives, including the Foothill Gold Line Extension, the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Commission, and the Amgen Tour of California 2011 Stage 7 Start. Colin has also worked extensively with local community groups on a variety of initiatives.
Colin grew up in Claremont and graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in philosophy and psychology. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne.
Cindy Rainey, Claremont Sunrise Rotary (Chair of the Ambassador Committee)
Cindy Rainey is a Real Estate Professional with Reliance Real Estate Services in Rancho Cucamonga. As a graduate of University of La Verne, she received a Masters in Leadership and Management. Cindy began a career in the mortgage industry in 1996. That was a 17 year lesson and experience in mortgage finance. With the skills and understanding of mortgage lending, first time home buyer budgeting, and client education, she began a career in Real Estate. Cindy moved to Claremont 14 years ago and began a journey into this great community. Cindy found Claremont Sunrise Rotary and became a member in 2005. This organization quickly became a passion and a part of her life. Claremont Sunrise Rotary has accomplished goals, set standards, and helped people both locally and internationally. Cindy is also on the Board of Directors for the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. It is a great honor to be a part of this community and participate in progress and solutions.
Ehmandah Ramsey, She Stories
Ehmandah Ramsey is the Founder of She Stories – 501c3, based out of Claremont. She is a driven, passionate, and charismatic force who is fueled by the success of those around her. With a long history of grooming spiritual growth and self-love in her community, Ehmandah has been successful at igniting motivation and inspiration. She’s been able to use her experience as a spiritual care provider at a residential treatment facility serving youth with trauma, behavioral, and conduct disorders. Ehmandah is also a Board Member of Homes of Promise/The Village Pomona, Co-Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Chino Hills, and Director of Startup Grind X – Claremont Chapter. She’s a life coach in her community, helping people of all walks of life ignite their spark and seize their full potential.
Floy Biggs, Aging Next
Floy Biggs, Aging Next formerly Community Senior Services has more than 40 years of experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, managing senior and long-term care programs. Serving as CEO of Community Senior Services since 2006, Floy is well-respected and integrated into the regional senior services community. She is a licensed skilled nursing facility administrator and earned both an undergraduate degree in gerontology and a Masters in health administration from USC. In addition to her agency leadership, Floy is actively engaged in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Claremont Committee on Aging, Parktree Community Health Center and the leadership Team for Village Movement California which is working to transform the experience of aging across California. Floy has a wonderful husband, three awesome kids and two grandchildren! She is excited to be back on the Chamber Board and she looks forward to sharing her expertise and passion for our aging community.
Dr. James Elsasser, Claremont Unified School District
James has been serving as superintendent of the Claremont Unified School District since July 1, 2012. Dr. Elsasser has worked in public education for 25 years. Previously, he served as assistant superintendent of human resources for Anaheim City School District, and director of classified personnel and special projects for Los Alamitos Unified School District. He was also principal of Oak Middle School in Los Alamitos Unified School District, and assistant principal of East Middle School in Downey Unified School District. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Elsasser was named the Association of California School Administrators Region XV 2017 Superintendent of the Year. During his tenure as principal, his school was recognized as a California Distinguished School (2001 and 2005) and a National Blue Ribbon School (2002). Dr. Elsasser is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Education Research Development Institute, National Center for Education Research and technology, the Dean’s Superintendents’ Advisory Group for the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, the Association of California School Administrators and the Rotary Club of Claremont.
John Neiuber, Trinity Youth Services
John Neiuber is the Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Youth Services. He leads an agency of 350 employees that serves over 500 children and families daily through residential treatment services, mental health programs, a foster care agency and adoption services. John earned his BA and MA degrees from CSUSB. He is a veteran and received the Army Commendation Medal. John was a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district office administrator in the public schools, and a management and leadership consultant to public agencies and private industry. He is the former CEO of Advanced Education Services, establishing and operating nonpublic and charter schools. He became the COO of Trinity in 2002 and CEO in 2005. John was recognized by the Center for Entrepreneurship as the winner of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016. He is an active volunteer in his community, serving on city and county commissions, and currently focuses his efforts on historic preservation and the arts.
Jonathan Brunasso, Powur Consultant
Jonathan Brunasso is a Solar Consultant with Powur as well as a Realtor with EXP Realty. Jonathan grew up in Claremont attending local schools since 1985 and as a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, he received a Bachelors Degree in 2007 as well as a Masters in Business Administration in 2011. Jonathan began a career in sales and management in 2003, has been involved buying/selling real estate since 2012 and has been involved in the solar energy industry since 2015. Jonathan loves to call Claremont his home being an active member of the community and always supporting the great events and activities that Claremont has to offer. Jonathan has been involved with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce for many years and took active role as the Chair of the Emerging Leaders (2018-2019) to ensure its continued success within the chamber.
Rob Oliva, Stay Gold Barbershop
Rob Oliva is the owner of Stay Gold Barbershops. Stay Gold Barbershop-Claremont has been a member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce since 2018. Rob has spent the last 15 years servicing his dedicated clients in the three Stay Gold Barbershop locations throughout Southern California, living his passion for barbering that was instilled in him from early youth by his paternal great-grandfather, also a barber. Supporting and servicing various organizations keeps Rob connected to our local communities.
Stacey Caponigro, Smart Property Services Inc.
Stacey began her career in the banking industry as a teller and quickly rose through the ranks holding a variety of positions including management of an office in the Inland Empire. A native of Southern California, her passion for real estate began at a young age observing her parents invest in real estate. In 2012, Stacey pursued her dream and joined her parents at their property management and real estate company, Smart Property Services, Inc. She brings a new perspective to the business, enjoys assisting clients with maintaining profitable investments, keeping a close eye on the real estate market, rehabbing properties, providing quick responses, and maintaining the highest quality of service. Further, Stacey is always current on new laws and changes in the real estate and property management industries through continuing education, and application of her knowledge. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of La Verne, is a licensed Realtor with the Citrus Valley Board of Realtors (CVAR), and a certified property manager through the California Apartment Association of the Greater Inland Empire (AAGIE). In addition to her career she also enjoys networking, volunteering in the community as well as traveling the world.
Vincent Arenas, US Bank (Emerging Leaders Committee Chair)
Vincent Arenas, US Bank (Emerging Leaders Committee Chair) grew up in Diamond Bar,
CA and earned his Bachelor’s degree in business finance from Cal Poly Pomona. He has over 14 years of banking and finance experience. Since January 2017, Vince has worked as a business banking specialist for US Bank in Claremont. His mission is to help small business owners achieve their financial goals through educating business owners while building trust and long-lasting relationships. Mr. Arenas has been a Claremont Chamber member for 2 years and has been actively involved in the Emerging Leaders Group as well as serving an Ambassador for the Claremont Chamber. He now lives in Claremont with his wife Tami and 3 dogs and his baby boy.
Larry Schroeder, Mayor, City of Claremont
Mayor Larry Schroeder is serving his third term on the Claremont City Council (March 2017 - November 2020). He previously served on the Claremont Community Services Commission, to which he was appointed to in 2007. From 1988-2007, he was Finance Director for the cities of Glendora and Lakewood. From 1997-2007 Larry held the positions of Treasurer, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and Member of the Claims Committee for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
From 2004-2009, Larry taught a course in public budgeting at the University of La Verne. He has also taught at Cal Poly Pomona. Larry holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Public Administration, and a doctorate degree in Public Administration.
Mayor Schroeder serves as the Council representative to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Chamber of Commerce Government Relations and Economic Development Committee, Independent Cities Association, and Committee on Aging. He also serves as an alternate on the Metro Gold Line JPA Board and Los Angeles County Sanitation District #21.
Chamber Team
Randy Lopez, Executive Director
Randy Lopez, Executive Director was the recent chair of the Chamber Board before taking over his current role as ED. Prior to that he was the Founder and "Chief Instigator" of The Jake Agency, an innovative full-service brand agency. Known as a creative thinker and brand visionary, he has held marketing executive leadership roles in brands such as TGI Friday’s, Arnold Palmer Golf Management, VP of Marketing for both Buca di Beppo and Del Taco. Additionally, he has developed brand strategies and led the advertising account teams for such clients as Toshiba Medical, Tommy Bahama, Robbins Bros., Coco's, Acapulco Restaurants, and Wolfgang Puck. As a brand and marketing strategist, Randy still speaks to national and local group audiences on brand building and best practices. A 20+ year Stage 4 Cancer survivor, he is also a board member of the Colon Cancer Coalition based in Minneapolis and has appeared as a national spokesperson for cancer awareness. Randy is a founding board member of Ophelia’s Jump as well a current member of the CTEC Hospitality/Culinary Advisory Committee.
Laura Beatty, Office Coordinator
Laura joined the Chamber staff in 2017 initially to help with Village Venture. She enjoyed the environment and welcomed the opportunity to join the team, providing her background and skills in accounting. Laura helps members with their accounts and an array of issues. She assists with Chamber events throughout the year, such as luncheons, ribbon cuttings and Business over Breakfast. Also wearing the hat of Claremont Visitor Center “greeter,” she can help inform and educate out of town visitors on all that is Claremont, calling on her background as a 20-year city resident. Outside of the Chamber, Laura is a long-time volunteer with organizations supporting older adults, animal welfare and the environment.
Evelyn Mendoza, Event Coordinator
Evelyn joined the Chamber Staff in 2017 to assist with Village Venture. She enjoys coordinating events and Village Venture. Her focus at the Chamber is events, graphic design, social media marketing, advertising, website management, and assisting Claremont Chamber Members. She enjoys being creative, teaching members how to get the most of their Chamber Membership, and connecting members to each other.
Chamber Office
205 Yale Avenue, Claremont CA 91711
Phone: (909) 624-1681
Fax: (909) 624-6629
E-Mail: contact@claremontchamber.org
Hours
Open by Appointment Only
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
The Board of Directors is the policy-forming branch of the Chamber. Board members approve the budget and direct the Chamber’s general activities. Ultimately the Board must assume the responsibility for seeing that policies are carried out. There is tremendous importance placed on the development of a strong team effort among all those involved in the Chamber leadership.