Your Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of 13 Directors who are elected by members to 2-year terms, responsible for setting Chula Vista Civic Association policies and overseeing the association's budget that supports benefits, services and activities for members and Chula Vista business owners, property owners, and residents.
The Board governs on behalf of the members and assures appropriate organizational performance, which includes fulfilling the mission of the organization, determining its future direction, and assuring the organization's fiscal health.
Ed Herrera, President & CEO
Ed Herrera was selected by the Board of Directors as President & CEO in 2008. Mr. Herrera is a Chula Vista Small Business Owner and Community Leader. He serves as a Mayor/City Council appointed Co-Chair and Commissioner for the City of Chula Vista. First appointed as a City Commissioner and Chair at the age of 16, Mr. Herrera has devoted his life to public service. Mr. Herrera currently serves as Vice President of the Southwest Chula Vista Civic Association, Board Member of the Chula Vista Taxpayers Association, Committee Member on the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Public Policy Committees. When not serving as a "Taxpayer Watchdog" Mr. Herrera serves as Secretary on Supervisory Committee Member for internationally San Diego headquartered USA Federal Credit Union, overseeing the financial operations of the credit union.
Recently, Mr. Herrera stood up for struggling Chula Vista families, jobs, and businesses against Chula Vista politicians' Proposition "A": an irresponsible sales tax hike that would have increased the Chula Vista Sales tax to almost 10%, which was defeated by a 67% landslide, as NO on Proposition A Campaign Chair/Treasurer. He is also an alumnus of the City of Chula Vista's Citizen Leadership academy and the Chula Vista Police Citizens Academy. Mr. Herrera regularly attends Eastlake Community Church.
Russ Hall, Senior Vice President
Russ Hall was selected by the Board of Directors as Senior Vice President in 2009. Mr. Hall has a record of 20 years of service as a community leader in Chula Vista. Mr. Hall is a Former Chair of the City of Chula Vista Planning Commission, Former Chair Economic Development Commission, and a current member of the Growth Management Oversight Commission.
Mr. Hall is a graduate of San Diego State University and is a Special Education Technician in the Sweetwater Union High School District. Mr. Hall has coached youth sports for over 10 years. He resides with his wife Michelle, both long standing members of the First United Methodist Church.
Joon Han, Vice President of Business Development
Joon Han was selected by the Board of Directors as Vice President of Business Development in 2009. Mr. Han has been developing leaders for over 19 years and implementing strategic systems thinking since '96. He has served industry-leading organizations ranging from Fortune 20 (Lockheed Martin), world-class universities (Stanford Department of Medicine, UCSD, Chapman University, USD, KindExcellence Institute), innovative internet retail (Shoe Metro), international collegiate leadership groups (IVCF/IFES, CCC), top-notch tech (Bytes Solutions, Delicious Design), regional non-profits (Union of Pan Asian Communities, San Diego Asian Film Festival, Mabuhay Alliance) and even the restaurant and small business just down your street. This unique cross-section of industry experience allows him to bring an innovative and time-tested perspective to every results-driven client solution. He is a sought after speaker and has been challenging and inspiring groups since '90. In the end, what gives Mr. Han an absolute rush is helping leaders grow from being busy to very effective.
He is also the author of the upcoming book, Get Ahead by Giving Back and the creator and lead instructor of The Magic Biz Box™, the in-demand, on-demand course for small business leaders. Mr. Han also contributes pertinent business articles for various publications and radio.
Christopher Altbaum, CFO
Christopher Altbaum was selected by the Board of Directors as CFO in 2009. Mr. Altbaum operates Coin Mart Jewelry, a family run business in the City of Chula Vista founded in 1955. He has lived and worked in the City of Chula Vista for his entire life, attending San Diego State University as well as the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. Mr. Altbaum is a Graduate Gemologist with certificates held in Diamond Grading, and Gemology among others. He is a member of various civic and charity organizations. His family have been members of Lions International, Altrusa, Kiwanis International, and Rotary.
Board Members
- Alicia McGinnis
- Penny Vaughn
- Camille Cowlishaw
- Gary Tillman
- Timothy Barnes
- Derrick Dudley
- Isabelle Espino
- George Little
- Janette Barrazas
- Brittney Sullivan
Special Committees
Hon. Jaime Mercado, Chairman on the Committee on Education
Jaime Mercado was appointed as Chair of Chula Vista Civic Association Committee on Education in 2009. Mr. Mercado was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1955, his family moved to San Ysidro where he attended local schools, including Sunset Elementary, Southwest Junior and Mar Vista High. Upon completing the tenth grade, he had to drop out of Mar Vista High School to get a job to help support his family. After working several jobs, including washing cars and picking tomatoes, he realized the value of an education. While working full time, he returned to school in the evening at Mar Vista Adult School.
Inspired and motivated by a teacher, Mr. Burke Mills, who took an interest in him, he completed the 11th and 12th grades in six months. More importantly, he found a new direction and mission in life: to become a teacher and join Mr. Mills in helping students realize their full potential in life. He earned an A.A. from Southwestern College then attended San Diego State University where he earned a B.A., an M.A., a teaching credential, and a school administration credential.
In 1986, he returned to MVHS where he had the unique pleasure of working with Mr. Mills and two of his former teachers, as their principal.
During the thirty-two years that he has worked in the Sweetwater Union High School District, he has served as a teacher aide, a teacher, an assistant principal, and principal in various schools including Southwest Junior, Southwest High, Montgomery Junior, MVHS, Palomar High, National City Junior, and National City Adult School. Mr. Mercado was elected to the Sweetwater School Board of Trustees in 2004 and served one term
He resides with his wife of thirty-eight years, Anita and has two daughters: Marla and Tanya.
Hon. James "Jim" Doud Sr., Chairman on the Committee on Water Policy
James "Jim" Doud was appointed as Chair of the Chula Vista Civic Association Committee on Water Policy in 2009. Mr. Doud's highest priority is keeping our region's water safe, reliable and affordable. Mr. Doud is a former President and Member of the Board of Directors for the South Bay Irrigation District ( Sweetwater Authority). Mr. Doud is a retired ROHR Senior Engineer and currently serves as member of the City of Chula Vista Growth Management Oversight Commission, and the Taxpayer Representative - Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee for the South Bay Union School District.
