Staff
About Rachel:
As President & CEO, Rachel oversees the implementation of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan which includes Economic Development, Workforce Development, Business Support/Education, Business Advocacy, and Marketing/Placemaking. Rachel has a degree in Business Administration from National University and prior to her Chamber work, spent 20 years in municipal government.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys entertaining friends and family. She also is known to make up her own lyrics to songs.
About Kent:
Having been with the Chamber for 15 years, I have progressed from an unpaid intern to my current position as the Member and Community Engagement Director. I support and lead the organization of annual and monthly Chamber events, including the Vista Strawberry Festival, Vista Christmas Parade, State of the Community, Meet the Leaders, Heroes of Vista, Rising Star Program, Business Mixers, and other events. I also oversee the coordination and delivery of the quarterly Vista Magazine, assist other Chamber team members when needed, and serve as the Chamber's eyes and ears in the community.
As a caregiver for an aging parent, my free time is limited. However, I have a deep love for music and boast the largest collection of anyone I know, with eclectic tastes ranging from Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, and even Mozart, Beethoven, and musical theater show tunes (Sondheim is my favorite). I also enjoy reading biographies and working hard in my garden to keep it in top shape.
I grew up in Riverside, CA, where I was raised with strong core values, determination, and self-discipline. My teachers instilled in me the importance of working hard, never giving up, giving my best every day, caring about others, and cherishing strong, loving friendships.
About Erika:
As the Operations Manager for the Chamber, I oversee various aspects of the organization, including finance, HR, and office procedures. Additionally, I manage County grants and paperwork for the Velocity Internship Program.
I am a proud Vista native, having graduated from Vista High School in 2004. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Women's Studies from Cal State San Marcos in 2010 and completed Paralegal and Advanced Paralegal certifications from the same institution's Extended Learning program in 2020.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the movies and taking long walks. A fun fact about me is that I am obsessed with tigers; they are my favorite animal, and my dream is to own one someday.
About Alma:
As the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, I manage our social media pages and weekly newsletter. I also work alongside Kent in promoting events and providing general assistance. I lead our Latino Business Outreach Committee, focusing on engaging the Latino/Hispanic population in Vista. Additionally, I assist with the Spanish translation of our Vista Magazine and its delivery to local businesses.
I graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 2021 with a Bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources, and started working at the Vista Chamber the week after graduating.
In my free time, I enjoy crocheting bags, accessories, and plushies for my friends and family.
About Karen:
As the Workforce Development Coordinator at the Chamber, I help run the Velocity Summer Internship Program, where high school juniors gain hands-on work experience with local businesses while getting paid. I also help schedule ribbon cuttings for our members and other various administrative tasks in the office.
I studied Business Office Administration at UEI College.
In my free time, I enjoy creating dance content on TikTok and singing at my church.