Corona Chamber Officers
Board Chair 2024
Dr. Anthony Pirritano
Integrated Medical Center of Corona - CompAccess
(951) 737-1252
Dr. Anthony Pirritano grew up in Corona, attended UC Riverside and Cal Poly, Pomona receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1992. He was Valedictorian and received the awards of Clinical Excellence and the prestigious Presidents award - the only graduate to receive all three awards. He was then elected as the youngest member of the Board of Regents at LA College of Chiropractic. In 1992, Dr. Pirritano took over what is now Integrated Medical Center of Corona, which has been serving the Inland Empire for over 60 years.
Chair Elect
Chad Miller
Agiliti
(800) 854-6295
Chad Miller recently sold his business, where he was the Founder and President/CEO of Industrus, Inc., a contract manufacturing and consulting company offering engineering, research and development, and more. Previously, he was Director of Contract Manufacturing at American National Manufacturing, which was acquired by Sizewise Manufacturing in 2021, and Agiliti in 2022. Having grown up in a family manufacturing business since the 1970s, Chad has been exposed to manufacturing, industrial materials, and fabrics literally all of his life.
At a young age Chad worked alongside his parents, Craig and Evedean, and older brother, Craig Jr., in all aspects of the business over the past 35 years.
Chad has won numerous awards, including the Corona Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Quarter in 2013, Runner up for The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award (2016), and recognition by the California State Senate, California State Assembly, and from the City of Corona.
In addition to Chad’s successes for the company, Chad is also an inventor and has filed two patents. He has expertise in assisting his customers in the filing of their own patents to protect their products as well.
Chad currently serves on the Legislative Action Committee for the Corona Chamber of Commerce and has served since its inception over 10 years ago. He also serves on the Industrial Fabrics Association’s Exhibitor Advisory Committee.
Chad is married and has 2 stepdaughters and a son with his wife, Janette.
Vice Chair
Kathy Armstrong
Do It American Mfg Company, LLC
(951) 254-9204
For the past 16 years, Kathy (Katayon) Armstrong has been a partner at Do It American Manufacturing Company, LLC (DIA), a manufacturing company primarily supplying various products to public utilities. She currently serves as the CEO. With a passion for creating meaningful jobs and improving U.S. manufacturing, Kathy believes everyone has the potential to be a leader if given the chance and proper training.
As a graduate of the Corona Chamber’s 2019-2020 Executive Leadership Roundtable, she raised funds to expand services provided to active military who pass through the Bob Hope USO at March Air Reserve Base by upgrading the kitchen facility, Wi-Fi, and office space.
Kathy was nominated as Businesswoman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners Inland Empire Chapter in 2020. She was also one of the keynote speakers at the Riverside County Women’s Leadership Conference in 2021 and the chair of the conference in 2022 and 2023. She is proud to be an executive board member for the Corona Chamber Foundation and the Corona Chamber of Commerce. She believes that building a stronger community will benefit everyone and encourages more productivity and independence.
Kathy has worked in various male-dominated industries, including academia, information technology, semiconductor, and medical devices. She studied computer science and graphics as an undergrad and holds an MBA from Cal State Fullerton.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jon Armstrong, and their two teenagers.
Treasurer
Ruth Jaffe, RN, MSN
Kaiser Permanente
(951) 602-4034
Ruth Jaffe works for Kaiser Permanente as the Area Operations Leader for the Riverside Service Area. In this role, she has a direct impact in supporting the work that Physicians, Providers, Nursing Staff, and Ancillary departments perform on a daily basis. The ultimate goal being providing excellent patient centered care to their members and the communities they serve! She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern California and has a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is the oldest of six children and an immigrant from El Salvador. Ruth is very proud of her heritage and her family accomplishments; She enjoys inspiring young adults to pursue professional education and being positive and enthusiastic in everything they do! Ruth has lived in Corona since 2008, is married to Jason and has two children, Jaela (age 12) and Tessa (age 11).
Palbinder Badesha
Express Employment Professionals
(951) 272-6946
Palbinder Badesha is the Riverside-Corona franchisee for Express Employment Professionals, an international full-service staffing company. She opened in 2006 and since then, her team has been able to find jobs for over 15,000 people with local businesses, increasing sales by 60 percent since 2009.
Palbinder moved to Corona in 2002 from England, where she worked for 17 years in local government and the non-profit charitable sector. Palbinder’s first job out of university was establishing a refuge for women fleeing domestic violence. She later went on to develop policies and projects to support homeless women. In her last position, Palbinder led a team which focused on building sustainable communities by ensuring that local people and businesses were partners in tackling high unemployment and urban deprivation. Palbinder was drawn to the employment field because she wanted a business which helped people and businesses succeed!
She is passionate about giving back to her community and is active in the following organizations: Asian Business Association, Business Resource Connection and Corona-Norco United Way. Palbinder was a 2008 finalist in the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award and recipient of the Inland Empire Asian Business Association Entrepreneur Award in 2012. She received the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award from the IMPACT Foundation. Palbinder is married to Baljeet Aujla, and they are parents to Jeevan, 18, and Amarpreet, 24.
Immediate Past Chair
Dean Seif
CARSTAR Allstar Collision
(951) 279-9161
Dean Seif is the owner and president of CARSTAR Allstar Collision. Dean is a firm believer in the Chamber principles and an advocate for local businesses and the Chamber. Dean has served in various roles on the Chamber Executive Committee including Chairman of the Board in 2015, Vice-Chair, Board Treasurer, and Chair of the Legislative Action Committee (LAC).
Dean is a member of the Corona Rotary Club currently serving as the club president. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Corona Regional Medical Center where he served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors in 2021 and 2022. Dean also serves on the board of the Corona Chamber Foundation, Corona Life Services, and is a past member of the board of the Corona-Norco United Way,
Dean's professional experience includes over 25 years in aerospace and hi-tech industries, where he held positions as a flight engineer on Boeing 727 and Airbus A-300, director of quality and manufacturing, consultant and trainer in quality improvement and manufacturing techniques and processes.
Dean was an adjunct professor at California State University Los Angeles, DeVry University, and Riverside Community College, where he taught engineering and statistics. Dean has a B.S. in aerospace engineering technology and a M.S. in technology management. He is a graduate of the Six Sigma program from University of Tennessee, Quality Trainer Certificate from Juran Institute for Quality, and an ISO-9001 Lead Assessor.
Dean was recognized as the 2019 Citizen of the Year by Corona Chamber of Commerce, he was the recipient of the CalChamber “Small Business Advocate of the Year” in 2017, Corona Chamber’s “Small Business of the Year” in 2013, the "Chairman's Award" in 2011, and "Award of Excellence in Service" in 2010.
Dean and his wife Shannon have three children and four grandchildren.
CEO/President
Bobby Spiegel
Corona Chamber of Commerce
(951) 737-3350
bobby@mychamber.org
Serving as CEO and President for the Corona Chamber of Commerce since May of 2001, Bobby Spiegel is responsible for all staff and operations of the day to day business conducted at the Chamber. Tasks are divided among professional paid staff, who administer a full service operation, from membership resources, database, website, social media, events, programs and seminars. Bobby is the spokesperson for the Chamber. The Corona Chamber services the business community stretching throughout the Corona region – best identified by geographic boundaries (though any business can be a member of this Chamber), from Ontario Airport, to the southern portion on I-15 at Indian Truck Trail, next to Lake Elsinore. The Corona region encompasses communities within the western Riverside County including Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and parts of Riverside. A small but growing portion of businesses are filtering in from the Chino and Chino Hills area.
Board of Directors
David Brambila
Creative Marketing
(951) 531-8331
David Brambila is a 30-year resident and Corona business owner. David served honorably in the Marine Corps from 1993-2001 and graduated Cal Poly Pomona School of Business in 2003.
David is the President of Creative Marketing, a local marketing company that helps organizations tell their stories through print and promotional items. He is also a real estate broker for Brambila Properties.
When he is not busy running multiple business, he is busy volunteering in our community. David serves on many local boards including Corona Cinco de Mayo Committee, American Legion Post 742 in Corona, District 21 American Legion and Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. David was awarded the 2018 Corona Chamber of Commerce Making a Difference Award for his volunteerism and for making a difference in our community.
Jason Baltimore
Best Best & Krieger
(951) 826-8359
Jason Baltimore is a partner and member of Best Best & Krieger’s Municipal Law Practice Group. A 22-year U.S. Navy veteran, Jason calls on his extensive experience with the Federal government to help clients manage the interplay of their legal matters with government policies, laws, and regulations.
Jason served as the General Counsel for the Architect of the Capitol for over 10 years, an unique agency responsible for maintaining and preserving nearly 40 legislative branch historic facilities on Capitol Hill (including the U.S. Capitol and its visitor center, six House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court, three Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Gardens, Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and other facilities on behalf of Congress). He guided a 16-person team who advised the agency and the Congressional community on a full spectrum of legal issues involving contracts and procurement, real estate, legislation, labor and employment, ethics, environmental law, budgetary, national security, and emergency response and preparedness of the Capitol complex matters. Jason notably spearheaded the response to requests for information (including damage estimates and camera footage) related to the events of January 6, 2021, from Congress, the Department of Justice, House Select Committee, and other law enforcement agencies.
A veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and the Iraqi military campaigns, Jason received the Bronze Star Medal and 25 additional unit/campaign awards and ribbons.
Sam Buenrostro, Ed.D.
Corona-Norco Unified School District
(951) 736-5154
Dr. Sam Buenrostro is the Superintendent for the Corona-Norco Unified School District. Sam has been a resident of Corona for over 30 years. He obtained his Bachelors from Chapman University, his Masters from Cal State San Bernardino, and his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of LaVerne. Sam is married to Sandra, a Corona High graduate. They have three children: Eric, Luis, and Samantha.
Sam was the principal of Centennial High School for 8 years. Prior to that Sam was an assistant principal at Centennial High School in Corona and Ramona High School in Riverside. Sam was also a teacher and head coach at Santa Ana High, Riverside Poly, and John W. North. In 1991, Sam led Santa Ana High school to a CIF championship and national recognition. During Sam’s tenure, Centennial High School received numerous accolades including: numerous CIF Championships, Riverside County Model of Excellence, National PLC School, named one of Americas Best High Schools, a California Golden Bell, and the 2009 Corona-Norco and Riverside County Principal of the Year.
Dr. Buenrostro places high importance on community, service, and healthy living. Over the years Sam has provided service as a member of Kiwanis, Rotary International, Lions Club International, Boy Scouts of America, and a coach and referee. Sam is passionate about living life with a purpose, the power of people, and about making a difference.
Grace Clark
Grace Clark CPA
(951) 399-2675
Grace S. Clark has been married for over forty years, is a mother of three and a grandmother of six. In 2002 she returned to college, graduating in 2005 with a Business degree in Accounting. She was awarded the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2009. Grace spent eleven years working for a mid-sized CPA firm in the Inland Empire specializing in tax and business accounting. In 2017 she chose to use her skills and knowledge to open her own CPA firm in Corona, CA. It was a good decision resulting in excellent growth year over year.
Grace is a Past President of the Inland Empire Chapter of the California Society of CPA’s. She has served on the state Board for the California Society of CPA’s and represented the Inland Empire Chapter with the California Association of CPA’s. She serves as a board member for multiple non-profit organizations and does volunteer work at her church. Grace is a proud member of the Corona Chamber of Commerce.
Grace’s passion is to teach financial literacy and encourage young people to enter the profession of Accounting.
Marta Cortez
Eduardo's Mexican Restaurant
(951) 340-3722
Marta is a native of Corona, California, whose parents emigrated from Mexico City. She attended Riverside Community College and graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After graduation, Marta's brother encouraged her to get involved in the restaurant business, which led to the opening of Eduardo's Mexican Restaurant in Corona. The restaurant has been highly regarded in the community for 27 years and is known for its authentic dishes made with family recipes. In addition to running the restaurant, Marta is involved in various community organizations, including the Corona Chamber of Commerce, the Corona History Association, the Corona-Norco Family YMCA, and the Cinco de Mayo Committee, which raises funds for scholarships. Marta is passionate about serving others and giving back to the community.
John DiGerolamo, CIC
DFI Preferred Insurance Services
+1 (800)-350-1198
John DiGerolamo, carries on a family legacy of over 40 years, at DFI Insurance, in Norco. He is a National Alliance, Certified Insurance Counselor, and he loves serving his employees, clients and community both personally and professionally. As current CEO, John is licensed in 13 states and has helped lead in the development and management of over $50,000,000., in premium, while serving on various Agency Advisory Councils, both locally and nationally. “We care about the people we serve and we are honored and determined to do our part to support and maintain a thriving and generous community.”
John and his wife Jennifer, are happily married, 41 years, and reside in Woodcrest. They have 4 children, 2 children in love, and 5 grandchildren.
Tim Gramling, LP.D.
California Baptist University
(951) 552-8324
Tim Gramling, LP.D., FACHE, is the Dean of the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business at California Baptist University. He leads a team of faculty and staff to support over 1600 students seeking bachelor’s to doctorate degrees on campus and online, including business administration and leadership. He has established a track record of enrollment growth and community engagement. He also founded the school’s Center for Business Excellence, an off-campus site providing public training and certifications.
Gramling has served on the executive board of Metro North Chamber of Commerce in Westminster, Colorado. He also was an Associate Planning Commissioner for El Paso County, Colorado, and Commissioner with the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority of Kansas City, Missouri.
Click here to read Tim's full bio.
Sam Itani
Itani Design Concepts
(661) 549-5886
Barb Goodrich-Welk
Vulcan Materials
(951) 768-2641
Barb Goodrich-Welk is the Manager of Community and Government Affairs for Vulcan Materials Company's Western Division. She has been with Vulcan for 10 years and her advocacy efforts center on prioritizing robust and sustainable infrastructure. Her territory covers California, Arizona and New Mexico and she spends her time visiting any of over 100 facilities in those three states interfacing with local, state, and federal legislators as well as her passion, communicating and working with resident neighbors.
Monica Green, Ed.D.
Norco College
(951) 372-7016
Monica Green, Ed.D., serves as the Norco College president. Prior to this role, Green led Riverside City College as the vice president of Planning and Development. Prior to RCC, she served as the dean and later vice president of the Norco College Student Services division from 2009 – 2018.
Green believes in paying it forward and is active in local, regional, and statewide efforts. She serves as past-president of Soroptimist International of Corona where she advocates for the educational advancement of women and girls locally and internationally. Green also provided program leadership to the local Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Leadership Roundtable and serves on the Corona History Association Executive Board.
Barry E. Knight
BEK Impact Corp.
(951) 378-2848
Barry E. Knight is the founder and CEO of BEK Impact Company, a leadership and social impact consulting firm. The company specializes in coaching and training leaders on how to get their teams aligned with the right systems and behaviors that drive greater impact and change for their organization and community.
As a minister and servant leader, he has coached hundreds of executive leaders and teams in the US and internationally. He has trained and advised more than 15 county government agencies and has been the keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies and dozens of other organizations. He frequently speaks and writes on subjects such as vision clarity, leadership and team impact, faith, and racial equity.
Barry and his wife Sacheen are the proud parents of two sons, B.J. (16) and Charles Edward (13), and one daughter, Sydnei Erica (8).
Carly Lee
Troy Lee Designs
+1 (800) 239-6566
Carly Lee is a passionate leader at Troy Lee Designs. Since the age of 16, Carly has worked in almost every department of the company. In her current role, Carly works on collaborations with other brands, helps activation with special events, and is a liaison between Founder, Troy Lee and prominent athletes/persons globally. She has a natural ability to bring people together, work in a fast-paced environment, which has resulted in many forming long term relationships, both professionally and personally. Carly‘s networking abilities have opened doors for new opportunities and projects for Troy Lee Designs. Carly was born and raised in Corona where she attended Corona High School. She pursued a further education at the University of Mississippi and later at California Baptist University.
Carly may spend her days at Troy Lee Designs, but it’s the ongoing opportunities of strategizing with special organizations in supporting their missions & values to reach their goals that gets her up in the morning. When she’s not working, Carly is an avid traveler, runner, mountain biker, and loves spending time with her family. Most weekends are spent at the racetrack where she has grown up watching her father, brother, and many others race.
Kim Mabon
Creative By Design
(951) 226-5617
Kim Mabon has been working as creative professional for over 30 years. During that time she has worked with a variety of advertising agencies, publishing companies and businesses of all types. She has received over 75 awards from various organizations for her creative works including several Gold & Silver Awards from Association Trends as well as multiple Maggie Awards from the Western Publication Association. Mabon serves as Board Chair for the Corona Chamber of Commerce, Board Member for Giving 365 and as treasurer for the Tuesday morning STARS networking group.
Mabon is the founder and CEO of Creative by Design, a full-service agency that helps their customers improve their bottom line with high-quality, consistent and effective graphic & web design as well as print & promotional products. She is also a published author, Adobe Creative Trainer and Public Speaker.
Art Marquez
So CAL Gas Company
Art Marquez, Public Affairs Manager at SoCalGas, is dedicated to building positive relationships with the communities SoCalGas serves. With extensive experience in public affairs, Art collaborates effectively with colleagues and partners to support the company's mission of safe, reliable energy solutions. Leading outreach efforts across Southern California, he focuses on safety programs, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance, reinforcing SoCalGas's commitment to energy efficiency and community engagement.
Jeff Miller
Jeff Miller Insurance Agency
(951) 738-8500
Jeff has been a licensed insurance agent and broker for 36 years, servicing his customers’ personal and commercial insurance needs.
In 1995 through 2000 Jeff served as a Commissioner for the Corona Parks Commission. In 2000, he was elected to the Corona City Council, where his legislative priorities were to keep the economy growing, the budget balanced, the community safe, and reduce regional traffic. Jeff served as Corona's Mayor in 2004 and 2008. He served as Chairman of the Riverside County Republican Party from 2006 to 2008.
In 2008 he was elected to the California State Assembly, being the first Corona resident to serve in the CA legislature in over 100 years. Jeff served on the Assembly Higher Education Committee as well as the Insurance, Housing and Community Development, and Transportation Committees. In addition, he served as Vice Chair of the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. In his first term, Miller sat on the Appropriations, Transportation, Education, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committees while also serving as the caucus' Elections Chair. Jeff received Legislator of the Year awards from numerous organizations in 2009, 2010, and 2011, as well as the YMCA's Ira D. Calvert Distinguished Service Award in 2011.
Click here to read Jeff's full bio.
Linda Pearson
Southwest Healthcare - Corona Regional Medical Center
(951) 736-6296
Cisco Perez
Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen
(951) 735-8888
Originally from Orange County, Cisco established his entrepreneurial spirit in 2011 by venturing out to Corona and opening Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen with his Father, Francisco. Cisco gained his first restaurant experience as a Host at Mimi's Cafe beginning in his teenage years and has now accrued almost 15 years of experience in the foodservice industry. He prides himself in the unique modern Mexican flavors and dining experience Luna has to offer. Dedicated to excellent service, Cisco strives to create a welcoming atmosphere to every guest that walks through the door. Over the last 11 years, Luna has carved out a special home in Corona because of its extraordinary & loyal customers. Connecting with guests and establishing rich relationships with long-time community members eventually led Cisco to call Corona home where he is now raising two young daughters with his wife, Sharon. Inspired by the rich relationships he’s formed through Luna, he recognizes the importance of finding ways to invest and enrich his community. He values every opportunity to build relationships and support other small business owners. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his family, playing soccer, snowboarding, and taking care of his two prized Xoloitzcuintli dogs.
Lily Quiroa
Waste Management
(951) 609-6341
Lily has over 25 years’ experience in Government Affairs, focused on community engagement. Currently, Lily serves as Waste Management’s Regional Manager for the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Regions where she oversees the Public Sector Services team responsible for managing municipal waste contracts. Lily and her team are recognized for putting the customer first. Prior to joining the Public Sector Services division, Lily was part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing recycling facilities and landfill projects.
Before joining Waste Management, Lily worked as the Public Affairs Regional Manager for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), New Facilities Division. There, she helped with the construction of over 160 new schools in the Los Angeles area. In that capacity, she managed and expanded the LAUSD’s efforts to build public trust and confidence around land use and environmental issues that arose during new facility development.
Lily graduated from the University of Southern California, where she completed a double major in political science and sociology and a minor in pre-law.
John Weyhgandt
Western States Financial & Investments
(951) 371-7608
Living Your Purpose with Confidence.
Our desire is that all of our clients know or find their purpose in life and take assertive action to live out that purpose, and we are here to help. Western States Financial celebrates 25 years in helping our clients live with financial peace of mind. John Weyhgandt is an independent fiduciary and registered investment advisor. He has been creating portfolios and financial plans that allow clients to focus on what’s important in life: Faith, Family and Purpose.
John has been married to his lovely wife Marlene for 25 years and has one daughter, Courtney. John has lived in town since 1974. His hobbies include reading, BBQing and traveling.
Our Products and Services Offered: Financial Coaching, 401(k)s, IRAs, Life Insurance, Tax-Free Retirement, Annuities, Disability Insurance, Keyman Policies, Estate Planning, Medicare, Social Security planning and much more. We are “At Your Service”.
Liaison for NAVSEA
Corry Shedd
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division
(951) 393-5124
Corry J. Shedd serves as Chief of Staff for Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, where he supports the Commander and Technical Director in leading more than 4,100 Sailors, Navy civilian and contractor personnel in Corona Division's critical mission "to provide transparency to warfighting readiness through data analytics and assessment, engineering the Fleet’s Live-Virtual-Constructive training environment, and assuring the accuracy of measurements".
Prior to joining Corona Division as a civilian, Shedd served for 30 years as an active duty and reserve Navy Surface Warfare Officer, retiring in 2018 at the rank of Captain (O6). His last active duty assignment was as Executive Officer of Corona Division.
During his military career, Shedd served in a wide range of assignments that included leadership tours as Deputy Commander for Naval Special Warfare Operational Support Group; Chief Staff officer at Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN; and Chief of Staff for Naval Special Warfare Group THREE. He also completed a number of operational deployments and assignments, including duty in Afghanistan with the NATO International Security Assistance Force missions (ISAF IX and X), and other assignments in Egypt, Korea, Thailand and afloat operations.
Click here to read Corry's full bio.