About the Chamber

Head of security at Wedgewood. David has been with the Chamber for 15 years.

Retired/LAX

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.

Patrick T. Carey is a professional pilot who served 20 years in the military as a dual rated Master Army Aviator. Pat grew up in Hawthorne, CA attending St. Joseph Elementary School, Serra High School, and 2 years of college at El Camino College. His family lived on York Street just three blocks from Hawthorne Airport, where he learned to fly from Jean Parker Rose at Rose Aviation. Jean gave Pat his first flying job.

Interestingly, Pat and three of his altar boy friends from St Joseph’s ended up in Army Flight School at the same time and served in Viet Nam as combat helicopter pilots in 1968/69. Pat and Steve Curtin both returned to Hawthorne and after retiring from the Army in 1987 worked for Northrop Aircraft Company. Eventually both retired from North Gruman ani moved on to other jobs in Aviation.

It was while working at Northrop flight department as the Aviation Safety Manager Pat became very involved Hawthorne Air Faire. Pat also became very involved in Hawthrone politics following the attempt to close the airport by developers who got a ballot measure attempting to close the airport. Measure A was defeated. That was the year Pat joined the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and began his 12 years as a member of the Hawthorne Planning Commission, which he is happy to be a member.

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

Kelly Magee brings a strong blend of corporate experience and community dedication to the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce. Since joining SpaceX in 2007, Kelly has advanced from Marketing Coordinator to Sales Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator, where she manages the company’s online store for employees and the public. Her professional background also includes over a decade in the healthcare industry at Keenan & Associates, where she supported claims processing, communications, and retirement benefit programs for part-time and limited-service employees. A longtime advocate for Hawthorne’s business community, Kelly was honored with the Chamber’s 2012 Ned Chaffee Memorial Award as Volunteer of the Year. Her commitment to service and connection makes her a valuable resource for Chamber members, especially in areas of member engagement, promotional strategy, and community outreach. Kelly’s collaborative spirit and deep local roots help foster a thriving network where businesses grow together.

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.

Jerry Flory was born in Glendale, California, and has proudly called Hawthorne and the South Bay home since 1954. A dedicated community leader, Jerry is an active member of the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, Hawthorne Parks and Recreation, and the Hawthorne Kiwanis Club.

For 45 years, he has owned and operated Sports-N-Action in Hawthorne, serving the community with passion and commitment. Jerry’s greatest love, however, is Little League Baseball and Softball. For over 50 years, he has been deeply involved in local youth sports, serving as the District 37 Administrator for 39 years, where he oversees Little League operations and mentors leaders to ensure every child learns teamwork, citizenship, and has fun.

A former professional men’s fastpitch softball player, Jerry was honored with induction into the Softball Hall of Fame in 1999.

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.

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.

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.

Moe Awadallah brings a dynamic blend of business leadership and civic engagement to the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce. As Vice President of the Chamber and CEO of South Bay LLC, Moe leads a team of over 40 employees in delivering efficient logistics solutions across California. His strategic approach has driven operational innovation, revenue growth, and market expansion. Beyond business, Moe is deeply committed to community service—he currently serves as President of the Kiwanis Club of Hawthorne, Treasurer of the Hawthorne Presidents Council, and President of the Muslim Democratic Club of Southern California. His civic efforts include organizing senior luncheons, school scholarships, and essential services for local families. Moe’s dedication to empowering Hawthorne’s residents and businesses is further reflected in his leadership of a statewide political PAC and his candidacy for City Council. Chamber members benefit from his collaborative spirit, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Hawthorne.