2025-2026
Executive Board of Directors
Joshua Merry, California Bank & Trust
(Chair of the Board)
A creative, business-savvy sales and management professional with more than 20 years of progressive experience across the financial industry. His career spans a broad range of functions and market segments, all grounded in a commitment to excellence and community.
Since 2017, Joshua has served as the Commercial Banking Center Branch Manager at California Bank & Trust in Claremont, where he leads with strategic vision, operational acumen, and a deep passion for community engagement.
He brings extensive expertise in credit and tax analysis, business development, and team leadership. Known for his ability to drive growth, develop high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional client service, Joshua has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and the go-to banker in the region.
A graduate of the American Bankers Association’s Business of Banking program, Joshua is also a proud and active member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is deeply committed to supporting local businesses and fostering strong relationships that enhance the economic and social vitality of the Claremont community.
John Neiuber, Trinity Youth Services
(Past Chair)
John Neiuber is the President of the Board of Directors of Trinity Youth Services. Trinity is an agency of 300 employees that serves over 500 children and families daily through residential treatment services, mental health programs, a foster care agency, unaccompanied minors program, 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, and retired in 2020. 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 as a city commissioner, writing the history column for the Claremont Courier, and as a board member for six Claremont non profit organizations.
trinityys.org
Matt Zertuche, Paymintz Processing & Payroll
(Chair of the Board-Elect)
Located in Claremont, California, Matt Zertuche is deeply committed to building relationships rooted in trust and mutual success. As the founder of PAYMINTZ Processing & Payroll, Matt believes that adding value is the most powerful way to strengthen connections and empower business owners. He champions the idea that success is never achieved alone—it’s built through collaboration with teams, suppliers, partners, and the broader community.
Since relocating to Claremont in 2021, Matt has been an active and engaged member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, joining in 2022. He has proudly served as Chair of the Claremont Ambassadors and currently sits on the Chamber’s Executive Board. He is honored to be on the path toward serving as Board Chair in 2026.
With a background that spans customer service, senior living administration, and marketing, Matt brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. While his current focus is helping business owners streamline operations through simplicity and service, he draws from his diverse experience to support the Chamber and contribute to making Claremont one of the most vibrant, business-friendly communities in the region.
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.
gotosacas.com
Elisabeth Armijo, Meraki Now, Inc. (Secretary)
Elisabeth Armijo is a dynamic educator, speaker, and organizationalleader who brings over two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and staff development. With a Master’s inEducation from Pepperdine University and a background that spans classrooms, treatment centers, and executive leadership, Elisabeth partners with schools, agencies, and organizations to transform how teams engage with students and clients; especially those with exceptional needs.
Specializing in trauma-informed practices, behavior intervention, andstrengths-based instructional design, Elisabeth delivers professional development that is both research-based and deeply human. She is certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Human Resource Management, and has a proven track record of equipping professionals with practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse individuals, managing behavior with empathy, and creating inclusive environments. Elisabeth has served as a program director for a residential treatment center, a K–8 Education Specialist, and a community leader on advisory boards focused on special education and mental health. She has presented nationally and is known for her ability to connect across disciplines and roles.
Whether working with educators, nonprofit teams, or executive leadership, Elisabeth’s training fosters insight, confidence, and culture change. She helps organizations unlock the full potential of their team; so they, in turn, can bring out the best in those they serve.
merakinow.org
Board of Directors
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.
doubletreeclaremont.com
Angelica Baltazar - abCollaboratory, LLC
Angel Baltazar is the Founder and Principal of abCollaboratory, a local consulting firm dedicated to advancing community engagement, partnership development, and cross-sector collaboration. A California native raised in Walnut, she brings over three decades of experience working across health, local government, nonprofit, and tech sectors.
In addition to serving on the Claremont Chamber Board, Angel is an active board member with Partners for Better Health, IP-3, and Music Changing Lives, organizations focused on systems change. She holds a BSW from Cal Poly Pomona, an MSW from Loma Linda University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
Angel lives in Claremont with her husband David and enjoys hiking, traveling, and foodie adventures.
abcollaboratory.com
Brett Strauss, PayEntry
Brett R. Strauss, Esq. is the Vice President of HR Services for Payentry. Brett has been in payroll/HR industry since 2010 and specializes in consulting with employers to find cost effective solutions to comply with California and Federal employment regulations.
Brett is a graduate of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona and earned his J.D. from the University of La Verne College of Law. He is also a proud member of the Labor & Employment Section of the State Bar of California.
Brett also serves on the Board of the West Inland Empire Employer Advisory Council and as the Assistant Regional Commissioner for Claremont AYSO. He and his wife Julie reside in Claremont, CA with their two children; Scarlett and Jameson.
payentry.com
Colin Tudor, The Claremont Colleges
Colin Tudor serves The Claremont Colleges (TCC) as Secretary to the Board and Assistant Vice President of Community Relations, supporting TCC's Board and fostering partnerships within Claremont and the surrounding region.
Previously, Colin served as Claremont’s Assistant City Manager (2012–2019), overseeing daily operations, policy development, and the city’s administrative services, including personnel, IT, and public information. He collaborated on major initiatives such as the Foothill Gold Line Extension and the Amgen Tour of California.
A Claremont native, Colin holds a B.A. in philosophy and psychology from Claremont McKenna College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne.
claremont.edu
Corey Calaycay, Mayor, City of Claremont
Corey Calaycay is serving his sixth term on the Claremont City Council (2024–2028) and previously held three one-year terms as Mayor (2018–2019, 2015–2016, 2009–2010). Born in Chicago, his family moved to Claremont, where he has lived for 50 years. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a Business Administration degree, Corey first ran for City Council in 1990 at age 19, successfully winning a seat in 2005 after multiple attempts.
Active in the community, Corey has served on various committees, including the County of Los Angeles Local Suppression of Drug Abuse in Schools Advisory Committee, City of Claremont Library Task Force, and as Past-President of the Claremont Educational Foundation and Friends of the Claremont Public Library. He has over a decade of experience in the California State Legislature, serving constituents in over 30 communities.
Currently, Corey chairs the Los Angeles County Public Library Commission and the Pomona Valley Transit Authority Board. He also serves on the Foothill Transit Governing & Executive Boards, San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District Board, and Clean Power Alliance of Southern California Board.
ci.claremont.ca.us
Dr. Jim Elsasser, Superintendent of Schools and Secretary to the Board of Education of the Claremont Unified School District (CUSD)
Dr. Elsasser joined the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District as superintendent in January 2021 and returned to Claremont Unified School District in July 2022, where his leadership previously drove strategic initiatives, community partnerships, and professional development, earning the District significant recognition. In 2017, he was named Region 15 Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators for his visionary, student-centered leadership.
An active member of professional organizations such as ERDI, NCERT, ACSA, and the Southern California Superintendents organization, Dr. Elsasser also serves on the Dean’s Superintendents’ Advisory Group at USC’s Rossier School of Education.
He resides in Anaheim with his wife, Lori, and enjoys traveling and spending time with their adult children: Corey (and his wife Emma), Brooke, and Nicholas.
Kristen Andersen Daley, Vice President for Admissions and Advancement of Claremont Graduate University
Kristen Andersen Daley serves as Vice President for Admissions and Advancement at Claremont Graduate University, where she leads enrollment, fundraising, alumni, marketing, and communications. A proud Claremont native, she has over two decades of experience in higher education and the non-profit sector in the U.S., with time spent in the U.K., including roles with Cal Poly Pomona, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Teach For America. She began her career in the non-profit sector at Claremont’s own Foothill AIDS Project. Kristen holds a B.S. in communications from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s in public administration from USC.
Pat Herrero CEO/Co- Founder of Financially EPIC Education | Property | Income | Community
Pat is a long time resident of Claremont and is dedicated to investing in the community. She volunteered as a school nurse at the former Children's School at Claremont McKenna College. She has also participated in numerous fundraising committees, and served as parent liaison for The Webb Schools’ Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology.
Pat and her daughters invest in real estate, executing strategies such as Creative Acquisition, Notes, Buy & Hold, and New Builds, infusing meaningful and lasting value across neighborhoods in Southern California, Hawaii, and the East Coast.
Pat connects individuals to comprehensive, innovative and relevant real estate investing education with a focus on financial literacy to carry out her passion to empower others to reach their full potential. She is honored to serve on the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.
Sati McLafferty, Live Oak Estate Planning
Sati McLafferty is the founder of Live Oak Estate Planning, a Claremont-based law firm dedicated to helping families plan for the future with clarity and compassion. A licensed California attorney, Sati focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and probate, with a special passion for supporting families with children who have special needs.
As a mom of two young kids—including one with special needs—Sati understands firsthand how important it is to have a plan in place that protects the people you love. Her approach is down-to-earth, educational, and always centered on her clients’ unique values and goals.
Sati grew up in Claremont and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape her. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara, a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from UC Irvine, and her J.D. from Vermont Law School in 2012. She’s actively involved in the special needs community and passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Shirley Garrison, Maison Garrison
Graduated with a major in business and languages in Leuven, Belgium. First generation immigrant and proud business owner in Claremont, CA.
Fashion has always been a passion since childhood, traveling throughout Europe going to all the fashion shows from major fashion houses. Now bringing the best European styles to our own village here in Claremont, CA.
Stacey Caponigro, Smart Property Services
Stacey Caponigro is a proud Claremont-area local who values community, connection, and service. After starting her career in banking, she eventually joined her family’s property management and real estate business in 2012. She now manages Smart Property Services, Inc., where the focus is on supporting property owners and tenants with care, responsiveness, and integrity.
Stacey holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology from the University of La Verne and is a licensed Realtor. Her favorite part of the job is building lasting relationships and being a trusted resource for both clients and neighbors.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her involved in local boards and committees, exploring new biking or hiking trails, or planning her next travel adventure. She believes in showing up, pitching in, and doing what she can to help Claremont continue to thrive
Ambassadors
Ambassador Committee Chair
Matt Zertuche - Paymintz Processing & Payroll
Angelica Baltazar - abCollaboratory, LLC
John Howland - Retired Lawyer
Pat Herrero - Financially EPIC
Sadie Gribbon - Ontario International Airport
Sal Falcon - EcoLab
Chamber Staff & Office
Kathleen Fariss, CEO
Kathleen Fariss is an ICF-certified coach with a passion for facilitating personal and professional growth. She graduated with a B.S. in Organizational Management and an M.S. in Leadership and Management, both with a focus on Organizational Development from the University of La Verne in Southern California, and brings over 30 years of invaluable experience as a change agent and fundraising expert.
Kathleen has a proven track record in leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational growth. She has coached executives, led transformative workshops, and served as a strategic advisor for numerous organizations.
Over the course of her career, she has impacted multiple industries within Southern California, including higher education, local government, entertainment, and more. She has held positions within the Claremont community at Claremont Graduate University and the Drucker School of Management, as well as partnered with multiple local businesses in the Claremont area and beyond.
Shannon Soran, Director of Events & Marketing
Shannon holds a BA in Graphic Design and a Marketing minor from the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA. With over eight years of experience in design, marketing, and event coordination, Shannon has had the opportunity to consult for a variety of clients across Southern California, including country clubs, medical professionals, and small businesses.
Outside of work, Shannon has a deep passion for community-building and creativity. They spent four years teaching comedy improv to children, where they helped foster confidence and joy. Shannon has also performed improv comedy in Los Angeles.
Shannon has designed board games focused on creating social spaces for neurodiverse children and adults, aiming to promote critical thinking and meaningful connections. At the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Shannon is grateful to contribute to projects that make a positive impact on the Claremont community
Natalia Estrada, Office Manager
Natalia is a dynamic, forward-thinking business professional with over 7 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Natalia on an ongoing basis helps fundraise & garner donations for several non-profits, i.e., Starts With One Today, The Precious Dreams Foundations, Lotus House Women’s Shelter, and organizations who aim to assist women, men, teens and children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Miami counties. She brings a passion for building relationships to the Chamber and her love for Southern California outdoors. Natalia attended Barry University in Miami Shores, where she received formal training in Business Management and Marketing.