VOICE OF BUSINESS
GREATE R COACHELLA VALLE Y CHAMBER
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY
On behalf of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, we are honored and excited to celebrate this year’s CV Next honorees — an incredible group of emerging leaders who represent the future of the Coachella Valley. Their passion, innovation, and commitment to our communities embody exactly what makes our region so special. Investing in the next generation of leadership is essential to ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for our valley, and we are proud to recognize these outstanding individuals.
As we continue to grow and evolve, the GCVCC remains committed to supporting the businesses and communities that make the Coachella Valley thrive. With more than 1,000 members across the region, our Chamber has become one of the strongest voices for business advocacy, community engagement, and regional collaboration in California.
This past year, we strengthened our legislative efforts at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for policies that support businesses and improve opportunity throughout the valley. From workforce development to small business support, we are committed to ensuring our business community has a seat at the table in every important conversation.
We are also proud of the launch of our Business & Education Resource Fairs, designed to connect job seekers, students, families, and businesses with valuable local resources and opportunities. These events bring together employers, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and service providers in one accessible setting to help strengthen workforce readiness and community connections across the Coachella Valley. Due to the strong response and community participation, these resource fairs will now expand to a quarterly, valleywide initiative.
Another major milestone this year was our inaugural State of Education event, which welcomed more than 400 attendees from across the region. The event featured presentations and updates from Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, College of the Desert, and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, all sharing initiatives focused on preparing the next generation of the regional workforce and strengthening partnerships between education and business.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to launch the firstever CV Next Campaign Management School, an innovative program designed to educate and empower future leaders interested in public service, civic engagement, and campaign strategy. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to leadership development and creating pathways for the next generation to shape the future of our region.
The future of the Coachella Valley is bright, and we are incredibly optimistic about the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our work alongside our members, community partners, and emerging leaders as we support businesses and strengthen our communities throughout the valley.
LINDSAY GRANT 2025–2026 Chair Three7Nine Enterprise Management Company
ANDREW MCDUFFIE 2026–2027 Chair Providence General Maintenance
BRANDON MARLEY
President & CEO Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
GCVCC LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
Below you can find the scorecard for each current state elected official within our region. Please note that these are based on bills and positions taken by the GCVCC Legislative Committee during the 2025 session. Abstentions are counted as a No vote.
A FEW BILLS OF NOTE FROM THIS YEAR
SB 250
Medi-Cal: Provider Directory:
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Ochoa Bogh
Support - Signed by Governor
SB 250 requires that skilled nursing facilities participating in Medi-Cal be accurately listed in the Medi-Cal provider directory. The measure addresses longstanding gaps in directory accuracy that have made it difficult for patients and families to locate in-network skilled nursing care, particularly in underserved regions. For the Coachella Valley, where access to post-acute and long-term care services is a persistent challenge, improving directory accuracy has direct implications for patient navigation and provider utilization. The bill passed with unanimous regional support and was signed by the Governor.
AB 1243
Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025
Irwin
Oppose - Died in Assembly
AB 1243 would have established the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act, creating a mechanism to hold fossil fuel companies financially liable for climaterelated damages in California. The bill would have required major oil and gas producers to contribute to a state fund based on their historical greenhouse
gas emissions, with those revenues directed toward climate resilience and disaster recovery programs. The Chamber opposed the measure due to concerns about the broad economic liability it would impose on energy producers, the potential for those costs to be passed through to consumers and businesses in the form of higher energy prices, and the significant legal uncertainty surrounding retroactive liability frameworks of this kind. The bill died in the Assembly.
SB 310
Failure to Pay Wages: Penalties
Wiener
Oppose - Failed
SB 310 would have substantially expanded the penalties imposed on employers for nonpayment of wages, layering new financial exposure on top of California’s already significant existing wage enforcement framework. The Chamber opposed the bill on the grounds that it created disproportionate liability for employers, including small businesses, even in cases of inadvertent payroll errors or goodfaith disputes. The bill failed to advance out of the Legislature and was held as a two-year bill, meaning it remains eligible to be taken up again in the 2026 session. Employers should be aware that this measure has not been abandoned and may return with amendment.
CV NEXT: THE NEXT LEADERS OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce ( GCVCC ) is proud to honor the 2026 CV Next: The Next Leaders of the Coachella Valley honorees, a group of emerging leaders helping shape the future of our region through their work, service, and commitment to community.
Created to recognize the next generation of changemakers across the Coachella Valley, CV Next celebrates individuals making a meaningful impact in business, nonprofit organizations, education, tourism, public service, and public policy. While their careers and backgrounds may differ, each honoree shares a dedication to strengthening the communities they serve and helping move the region forward.
To help share the stories behind this year’s honorees, participants were asked about their community involvement, leadership experiences, and the impact they hope to continue making across the Coachella Valley. Their responses highlight not only professional accomplishments, but also the personal passion and commitment that continue to move our region forward.
NICK ANZIANO
District Director, Office of Assemblymember Greg Wallis
As District Director for Assemblymember Greg Wallis, Nick Anziano works to connect residents with state resources and constituent support. His community involvement includes helping coordinate public safety fairs, seminars, advisory committees, and programs that celebrate community members and bring government resources closer to the people they are intended to serve.
Looking ahead, Nick hopes to continue helping the Coachella Valley by creating more accessible ways for residents to understand state issues and engage with public service. He is focused on expanding community-centered programs and building partnerships that connect people with useful resources, responsive government, and practical support.
AMY BLAISDELL
Chief Communications Officer, City of Palm Springs
Amy Blaisdell has a long record of civic and community leadership in the Coachella Valley. She is a Past President of Women Leaders Forum Coachella Valley, Chair of the new CV PIO Task Force, and a member of the Leadership Coachella Valley Alumni Council. She was also honored with a top statewide award for her crisis communications response following the 2025 Palm Springs fertility clinic terrorist bombing.
Through her role as Chair of the CV PIO Task Force, Amy hopes to continue strengthening the valley’s communications network. The task force brings together local public information officers to share best practices and build collective capacity to serve communities with trusted, timely, and accurate information, especially during emergencies when clear communication matters most.
ROBERTA CRNCIC
Recreation and Community Services Director, City of Desert Hot Springs
Throughout her career, Roberta Crncic has been dedicated to developing meaningful programs for youth, families, and seniors. Her work has included leading community events that bring residents together, build connections, and enhance quality of life in Desert Hot Springs and the broader Coachella Valley.
Going forward, Roberta hopes to continue bringing people together through programs, community events, and opportunities that support youth, seniors, and overall community wellness. Her goal is to help create a stronger, more connected community while making a lasting impact through inclusive and accessible services.
AMY CUEN-MCDUFFIE
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Fourth District
Amy Cuen-McDuffie has called the Coachella Valley home for nearly a decade and credits the region as the place where she began building her own family. She is honored to serve on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley and About Families Inc., organizations that align with her commitment to supporting families and creating opportunities for residents throughout the region.
Looking ahead, Amy hopes to continue advocating for housing opportunities that help families build long-term stability and create pathways to homeownership. She is also passionate about improving access to childcare, doula services, and postpartum resources, ensuring young families throughout the Coachella Valley have the support they need to thrive.
WILL DEAN Director of Communications & Marketing, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
Will Dean has been fortunate to center community service not only in his career, but also through his personal interests and commitments. His service history includes board involvement with a theater company, an HIV/AIDS service organization, and Brothers of the Desert, reflecting a commitment to community, culture, health, and belonging.
In addition to his ongoing work with Brothers of the Desert, which supports Black gay men and allies, Will plans to continue uplifting and magnifying the culture and contributions of Coachella Valley residents. His hope is to support work that enriches the community as a whole and helps ensure more voices and stories are seen, valued, and celebrated.
AARON ESPINOSA Director of Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
A lifelong Coachella Valley resident, Aaron Espinosa has dedicated his career to expanding access to education, culture, and the arts. Through his work, he has helped connect the community with world-class programming while contributing to the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Aaron hopes to deepen community connections and continue growing access to education and the arts across the Coachella Valley. He is committed to ensuring that world-class programming remains available for generations to come, helping residents and visitors alike experience the valley as a place of learning, creativity, and cultural opportunity.
ALISON HENDRIX
Vice President & Director of Sales
Entravision Palm Springs | NBC & Univision
Beyond her professional role, Alison Hendrix serves on the GCVCC Regional Board of Directors and the La Quinta Chamber Board. She was recognized as La Quinta’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year and also enjoys volunteering with Scouting America alongside her family, serving both Pack and Troop 1701.
Alison’s passion is working with businesses as an extension of their marketing teams, helping them develop strategic plans that increase their market footprint. She hopes to continue building strong partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley and finding ways to take that collaboration and synergy to the next level.
ERIN HYLAND
Director of Development, Recruitment, & Community Engagement, READ WITH ME VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Erin Hyland is the Immediate Past President of Leadership Coachella Valley and a two-time Chair of the Parks and Community Events Commission for the City of Cathedral City, where she is now in her fifth year as a commissioner. She is also a 106time dog foster mom for local animal rescues, a nonprofit event emcee, and a P.R.O. volunteer.
Going forward, Erin hopes to continue raising awareness of the county animal shelter overcrowding crisis and the need for mandatory spay and neuter efforts, low-cost clinics, and stronger protections for animals. She also wants to keep educating others about how fun and rewarding fostering can be, encouraging more residents to become part of the solution.
DAVID
ISEN
Chief Executive Officer, Locale Concierge | Co-Founder, Desert Rodeo
David Isen is an entrepreneur and community leader based in the Coachella Valley with experience across hospitality, tourism, sustainability, and event development. He serves as CEO of Locale Concierge and Co-Founder of Desert Rodeo, bringing together business development, visitor experience, and community engagement through his work.
David hopes to continue creating projects and partnerships that positively impact the Coachella Valley through hospitality, tourism, sustainability, and community engagement. His goal is to help bring new economic opportunities and nationally recognized events to the region while supporting initiatives that elevate the valley and benefit the broader community.
FILM AWARDS
Thursday, January 7, 2027 Tables • Seats • Passes On Sale August 1 Festival January 7-18 760-969-7533 | psfilmfest.org
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Nachhattar Singh Chandi
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Harold Matzner in Memoriam
VICE CHAIRS
David Baron
Aftab Dada
Catharine Reed
Scott White
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeffrey Bernstein
Stephen Breimer
James Bruner
Sid Craig
Michael Ditoro
Jaci Fitzsimonds
Eric Garner
Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns
Wendy Hope-Heckmann
Carol Kaplan
Garry Kief
Mary Ann LaBahn
Peggy Sue Lane
Jenny Lavey
Leslie McGrath
Kevin McGuire
Donna MacMillan
Peter Mahler
Katherine Malkin
Tristan Milanovich
Lee Morcus
Patrick Mundt
David Permut
Marie E. Pinizzotto M.D., MBA
John Pinkney
Nathan Ross
Jan Salta
Jordan Schnitzer
Linda Shirvanian
Dominique Shwe
Ellen Sneider
Ryann Whalen
HONORARY CHAIRS
Mayor Naomi Soto
Jeff Grubbe, Chairman, ACBCI
Richard M. Milanovich in Memoriam
The Palm Springs International Film Society is a nonprofit organization that produces the Palm Springs International Film Awards & Festival (PSIFF) every January, and ShortFest in June. In addition to curating the best in international cinema, PSIFF has come to be known as the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards®. The Oscar®-qualifying ShortFest is the largest short film festival and market in North America. Our festivals, and year-round education and community programs encompass promoting film to an ever-widening audience as a powerful medium that inspires creativity, encourages introspection and compels exploration. The Film Society aims for a leadership role in providing an extensive forum for multicultural exchange in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Sponsorship opportunities available
Past Honorees
Sentimental Value Cast
Leonardo Dicaprio
Kate Hudson
Timothée Chalamet
Michael B. Jordan
Miley Cyrus
MATT LOKAY
Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A La Quinta
Matt Lokay is actively involved in the Rotary Club of La Quinta, where he focuses on giving back and supporting local initiatives. Through Chick-fil-A La Quinta, he and his team also regularly support school fundraisers that help create opportunities for the next generation.
Matt is committed to investing in people and developing team members into future leaders who can make an impact in the Coachella Valley. He also believes strongly in supporting youth and education, creating opportunities that help the next generation grow, lead, and contribute to the community.
EMMANEUL MARTINEZ
Assistant Director of Energy and External Affairs, Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Emmaneul Martinez describes himself as a committed and community-minded individual who believes in giving back and staying engaged locally. He actively supports community efforts by contributing his time, voice, and energy to initiatives that strengthen local connections and encourage positive change.
Emmaneul hopes to continue working on regional challenges that make the Coachella Valley a better place to live, work, and play. He also hopes to continue coaching youth baseball and making a positive impact on young people who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
ANDREW MCDUFFIE
Vice President, Operations & Strategy, Providence General Maintenance
Andrew McDuffie has proudly called the Coachella Valley home for nearly a decade, where he and his wife are raising their family and preparing to welcome a daughter. During that time, he has dedicated himself to serving the community through leadership roles with United Way of the Desert, the Riverside County Workforce Development Board, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, and the finance committee for Friends of the Desert Mountains. He also cofounded CV Trailblazers, an initiative designed to connect local leaders with the next generation of entrepreneurs. Most recently, he has had the honor of co-chairing CV Giving Day, helping raise more than $1 million to support local nonprofit organizations.
Andrew’s goal is to give back to the community that has given so much to him and his family. Through his background in commercial banking and his current work operating a small business, he remains passionate about supporting local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping develop the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen the Coachella Valley for years to come.
BRYAN NEWMAN
Owner, Pedego Electric Bikes La Quinta; Dr. Bike 760; Casa Mendoza LLC; La Quinta Landing LLC
Bryan Newman is a proud supporter of several education and community-focused organizations and initiatives, including Desert Sands Unified School District, CSU San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, the First Tee Golf Foundation, and CV Link through CVAG. His community involvement reflects a commitment to supporting students, recreation, transportation, and quality-of-life efforts across the valley.
Looking ahead, Bryan plans to grow his operating businesses—Pedego Electric Bikes La Quinta, Dr. Bike 760 Mobile Bike Repair, and Casa Mendoza LLC vacation rentals—to better accommodate and serve more customers. He is also excited to break ground on the La Quinta Landing development in 2027, expanding his investment in the community’s future.
ROBERTO RAMOS College of the Desert Student
Roberto Ramos’ community involvement is rooted in supporting students at College of the Desert. Through student government, the Dreamer Resource Center, Basic Needs, and College Corps, he has helped connect students to resources, support systems, and leadership opportunities.
Roberto hopes to help the Coachella Valley community by using his education and lived experience to connect students and families with resources, advocate for those who feel unheard, and support others in reaching opportunities they may not have known were available. His leadership is grounded in access, representation, and helping others move forward.
JERREMY SAGE
Senior Account Manager, JNS Next
Jerremy Sage has spent the last 10 years at JNS Next supporting tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and local businesses across the valley. He has also been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert and serves as Chair of the Indian Wells Business District.
Going forward, Jerremy wants to help connect people, businesses, and communities across the Coachella Valley while supporting local growth. His goal is to help keep the valley a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
SEAN SMITH
Director of Economic Development, Visit Greater Palm Springs
Over the past 20-plus years as a resident of Greater Palm Springs, Sean Smith has contributed to a broad range of community initiatives. He has also served on boards and committees dedicated to strengthening the region, bringing his experience in public administration and economic development to work that benefits the broader community.
Sean hopes to continue leveraging his experience in local and regional public administration to help create new opportunities that improve quality of life for residents throughout the Coachella Valley. He is especially focused on supporting efforts that benefit underserved communities and help ensure growth creates meaningful opportunities across the region.
ALISSA VATTER
Vice President, National Business Development, Fidelity National Title
Alissa Vatter is deeply rooted in community service throughout the Coachella Valley, with a heart for faithbased outreach, service, and relationship-building. Her involvement includes serving as a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity, volunteering regularly in WellSpring Women’s Ministry at WellSpring Church, The Narrow Door, Hands of Mercy Ministry, and supporting efforts to end food insecurity in the East Valley through Sacred Heart School. She is also a former founder and president of LionHeart Owen and Joyfully Grieving, an outreach member, a proud alumna of Leadership Coachella Valley’s 2019–2021 class, founder of the unofficial CV BirdDogs, and a loving wife, baseball boy mom, and dog mom.
Looking ahead, Alissa hopes to continue serving the Coachella Valley by strengthening faith-based outreach, supporting housing access, and fostering partnerships that uplift families and neighborhoods. Through her work with Fidelity Builder Services, Habitat for Humanity, and local ministries, her goal is to help create sustainable communities by connecting people, resources, and purpose. She is passionate about mentoring, relationship-driven leadership, and advancing initiatives that address food insecurity, housing needs, and long-term community growth while leading with faith, integrity, and service.
ASHLEY YANEZ
Chief of Staff, Office of Assemblyman
Jeff Gonzalez
Ashley Yanez was born and raised in Indio, attended La Quinta High School, and is a proud alumna of College of the Desert. Serving as Chief of Staff for her hometown district has been one of the greatest honors of her life and has deepened her commitment to public service and community engagement.
Ashley hopes to continue bringing the Coachella Valley’s perspective to the State Capitol and helping ensure the region grows thoughtfully while preserving the character and community that make it so special. Her work reflects a commitment to representation, local voices, and thoughtful progress for the valley she calls home.
The GCVCC congratulates each of the 2026 CV Next honorees for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to making the Coachella Valley a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.
FRANCINNI ZABATA
Director of Community Engagement & Educational Foundation, Desert Sands Unified School District
A career opportunity in television originally brought Francinni Zabata to the Coachella Valley, where she developed a passion for storytelling, communication, and community connection that ultimately led her into education. She began her education career as a public information officer at Coachella Valley Unified School District before returning to the desert to serve as Director of Community Engagement and the Desert Sands Educational Foundation at Desert Sands Unified School District.
Francinni is passionate about connecting people, resources, and organizations to support students and families throughout the Coachella Valley. A recent graduate of Leadership Coachella Valley, she also serves on the planning committee for Desert Sands Unified School District’s Women in LeadHERship initiative. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue strengthening partnerships between schools, businesses, and community leaders to expand opportunities for future generations.
