About the Chamber

Sha’Ron Berry is an accomplished executive services professional with over a decade of experience supporting senior leadership and managing organizational operations at the South Bay Workforce Investment Board. Currently serving as Executive Services Manager, Sha’Ron has a proven track record in board governance, strategic communications, event planning, and executive-level coordination. She is known for her ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, build strong stakeholder relationships, and lead teams with integrity and professionalism. In addition to her workforce development experience, Sha’Ron has Chamber experience, having served as the Executive Director’s alternate on the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Marist College with a degree in Business Finance and a minor in Accounting, she also serves as Chairperson and Board Member for Neighborhood Youth Achievers, reflecting her commitment to youth empowerment and community service.

Pat is the former Director of Operations and Check Airman Advance Air Charters, LLC, and currently is the Chief Pilot and Check Airman for Star Helicopter. Pat is also the co-owner of Beach Cities Aviation Academy. Pat began his flying career at the Hawthorne Airport in 1963 and obtained a Commercial Pilot certificate in 1966. He entered the US Army in April 1968 and served in Vietnam as a helicopter gunship pilot. Throughout his military career, Pat served in many staff and command assignments including Command of Libby Army Airfield in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He retired his military career as a Major and a Fixed and Rotary Wing Master Aviator in 1987.

Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma and a Masters of Science degree in Systems Management for University of Southern California’ School of Saften and Systems Management. Pat and his wife Kathleen live in Hawthorne and have three adult children and two grandchildren all living in the Los Angeles area.

Aimee Cruz is the Co-Founder of REICOR, Inc., a Hawthorne-based consulting firm specializing in change management, leadership development, and strategic workforce transformation. With over two decades of HR and talent leadership experience—including with Fortune 30 organizations—Aimee delivers practical, people-centered solutions that drive business growth and cultural resilience.

As Co-Chair of Member Engagement for the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, Aimee serves as a strategic resource for professional development, helping members build leadership capacity, strengthen teams, and navigate change with confidence. She actively fosters meaningful connections among local businesses, creating opportunities to collaborate, learn, and thrive together.

Aimee is a certified SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and practitioner of Change Cycle, True Colors, and Continuous Excellence methodologies. She’s also a proud parent of two children attending schools in the Wiseburn District, which deepens her commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community where businesses and families flourish. To explore HR services or schedule time to connect, visit reicorinc.com/hrservices.

Patricia Donaldson is the first Woman Business Owner in enterprise security in the State of California operating Active Security Solutions, Inc. for 38 years. The opportunities, challenges and changes of operating a small business led Patricia to becoming more involved in City, County and State business issues by becoming the leader of The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce.

Patricia Donaldson is just as active in her personal life as her professional life. In addition to her auspicious service projects through the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, Hope Is Helping Foundation and as Executive Board Member of the South Bay Area Chambers of Commerce where she advises our California elected officials on issues that affect the Bay communities, Patricia counsels and mentors women that have suffered domestic abuse.

Patricia’s commitment to family is profound. Married to a retired police detective that is also a trainer in public safety for a healthy community, Patricia completes her life by taking a major role in each of her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren’s lives. She is an active a regular member of West Angeles Church of God & Christ in Los Angeles.

Patricia is a believer in a full and engaging life with a marked commitment to business growth and personal service.

Pastor Greg Guich is a deeply respected spiritual leader and community connector whose work spans decades of service and compassion. As Pastor of Centinela Bible Church in Hawthorne, he leads with a mission to manifest God’s boundless, transforming love through inclusive worship, practical aid, and heartfelt mentorship. His early service as a missionary in the Philippines and member of Pulpit Supply shaped his lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Pastor Greg frequently travels internationally to provide essential resources – such as eyeglasses and medical support – to underserved communities. Locally, he serves as President of the Hawthorne Lawndale Ministerial Association, convening monthly gatherings of civic and faith leaders to foster unity and collaboration. Known for offering invocations at council meetings and being a trusted confidant to city officials and business owners, Pastor Greg brings warmth, wisdom, and integrity to every relationship. He lives in Hawthorne with his wife Hannah and continues to be a guiding presence for those seeking faith, connection, and community impact.

Shirley Matlock Hoffmann is a seasoned communications professional and longtime Hawthorne resident whose career reflects a deep commitment to public service and community engagement. With over 12 years as Principal PR Representative for LAWA/LAX, Shirley led impactful programs including the LAX Flight Simulation, Youth Mentoring for at-risk youth, and the beloved Santa Fly-In. She also played a key role in the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s historic landing and reception. Her leadership extends across multiple Chamber Boards—including Hawthorne, El Segundo, and South Bay—where she championed business visibility and civic collaboration. Shirley’s media background includes roles at KCET TV as Associate Director and Broadcast Operations Director, and at KBIG Radio as Producer and ghostwriter for public affairs programming. Her service with the Southern California Broadcaster’s Association further highlights her dedication to amplifying community voices. Chamber members benefit from Shirley’s legacy of creative outreach, strategic partnerships, and unwavering support for local businesses.

Kelly Magee joined SpaceX in July 2007 as a Marketing Coordinator, and then was promoted to a Sales Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator; her duties are running the online SpaceX Employee/Public Store”. Prior to SpaceX, Kelly worked for over 10 years in the Healthcare Industry, at Keenan & Associates. Her job duties ranged from working on medical/dental claims, creating PowerPoint presentations, creating healthcare flyers, working on Accumulation Program for Part-time and Limited Services Employees (APPLE) retirement packages.Kelly received Hawthorne’s 2012 Ned Chaffee Memorial Award as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.

Arc. Ike Mbelu is the Principal of Icon & Ikon Inc., bringing over three decades of
international and local expertise in planning, urban design, and architectural
services.

Previously, he served as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Califco. Earlier in his career, he was President and CEO of Icon
Planning and Design Studios, Vice President and Principal Architect of New City
Development Group, Inc., and a member of its Board of Directors.

Mr. Mbelu has also contributed significantly to public service. He completed a seven-year tenure as Commissioner of Planning, City of Hawthorne, and served for eleven

years as Chairman of the Architectural Review Board, City of Compton. In addition,
he is a past President of the City of Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, California,
USA.

He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Urban & Regional
Planning from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. He is a licensed
Architect in the State of California, accredited by the National Council of
Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and a licensed General Contractor with
the California Contractors State License Board.

With a proven record of leadership in both the private and public sectors, Mr. Mbelu continues to shape the future of urban development, architectural innovation, and
sustainable design through his role at Icon & Ikon Inc.

Jose Pereda is the Vice President Branch Manager for WaFd Bank at the El Segundo location in Los Angeles. Pereda is a 15-year financial services veteran who began his career as a teller and rose up the ranks to be a customer representative, business advocate, and assistant manager. For the past 12 years, Pereda has served as a branch manager, leading over 6 different branch locations across the Los Angeles market including Carson, Torrance, Hawthorne, Culver City, Westchester, to his location now at El Segundo.

Being connected to the community is important to Pereda, and he serves on the Hawthorne Chamber of commerce, the Hawthorne Kiwanis club, and the Latino business association (LSBA) of Cal State University Dominguez Hills.

While WaFd is new to California, they are well seasoned in delivering quality personal banking solutions with the individual touch you would expect from a small-town bank but offers the robust professional solutions businesses are looking for. At WaFd Bank, we believe banking should be a catalyst for building stronger communities.

On the community side, we work alongside our Foundation to invest in what matters: housing, education, food security, and small business growth. Our values — integrity, accountability, and care — guide everything we do. We’re proud to stand alongside local organizations creating meaningful changes, because real success isn’t just measured in dollars – it’s measured in lives improved.

Connie Turner is a highly successful Government Affairs Representative with over 28 years of experience at a major electric utility. She is a specialist at building and strengthening relationships with local governmental officials, ratepayers and stakeholders. Connie has specialized knowledge of strategic program planning and implementation, management, resource allocation, personnel supervision and performance evaluation, legislative advocacy, public relations, marketing/marketing support, project management and problem solving. She is an energetic leader and mentor. Connie easily builds team cohesion and inspires individuals to strive towards a higher position of increased responsibility. Connie’s position in the Company affords her the resources to meet external community needs and to educate and provide recommendations on local policy issues. Connie currently manages 27 Cities and you can find her supporting many of the organizations within her Cities. Connie believes in making a difference, not just with corporate donations and sponsorships, but with her personal hands on involvement. She has cooked and served hot dogs for the past five years at the Gardena Chamber annual backpack school supply giveaway. Connie has helped paint schools in Compton, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and mentoring young members of the NAACP Long Beach Chapter. She volunteers with the Andy Street Project and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Connie ensures the organizations that are making an impact in the community, receives the financially support needed to continue serving disadvantage communities. These are some of the organizations that Connie is dedicated to supporting: Respected for her ability to understand complex issues, develop and maintain diverse coalitions and leading highly publicized and multi-million dollar investment projects forward. She plays a key role in several high-profile South Bay reliability projects including the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, NFL Rams and Chargers Los Angeles Stadium in Hollywood Park Inglewood, Clippers NBA Arena in Inglewood and Metro Crenshaw/LAX Project – Inglewood