Chamber Welcomes 2020-2021 Board of Directors The Chamber, Visitors Bureau and Economic Development Commission are led by a unified Board of Directors, made up of senior executives from member companies and partner organizations. The Board provides strategic and policy guidance to ensure the Chamber’s program of work serves the best interest of our members and the Santa Maria Valley community. The Chamber is pleased to announce these recently approved members of our 2020-2021 Board of Directors, who have been endorsed by current Chamber leadership and approved by Chamber membership. A full list of the 2020-2021 Board of Directors, including returning members and the Executive Committee, can be found on page 6.
consulting to the company’s clients. Sandra is a member of the California Lawyer and American Bar Associations.
Karen Fothergill Principal, Andre Morris & Buttary Karen Gjerdrum Fothergill is a principal at the law firm of Andre, Morris & Buttery and practices law in its Business and Real Estate Transactions Practice group. Karen was born and raised in Santa Maria, California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. In September 2005, Karen returned home to Santa Maria to start her legal career. Andre, Morris & Buttery named her a principal of the firm in January 2014. Karen has served on the boards of the Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center and is a member of the Women’s Fund. Karen and her husband Ryan are happy to be back in her hometown raising their two children.
Sandra Dickerson ESQ. CEO/HR Director, Your People Professionals Sandra began her human resources career with Your People Professionals in 1987, working initially for the founder of the company and as CEO since purchasing YPP in 1997. As of April 1, 2014, she is also CEO of HR Your Way, based in Pleasanton, California. As CEO, Sandra has specialized in managing the company’s services, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and adherence to best practices, and in general business management, including all corporate and legal affairs. Her staff is responsible for strategic human resource management and consulting for a wide variety of clients and industries throughout California. Services include: full HR Edgar Gascon outsourcing; total compensation system Hacienda Realty (2nd term Chamber evaluation and design; talent acquisition Board Member) system design and implementation; Edgar Gascon, a born & raised Santa manager/executive coaching; performance management; policy development; risk Maria native, recently returned to his management; and wage & hour compliance. hometown after 8 years of being in school In addition, she provides general business & working in corporate America. Coming Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | July 2020
home with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Edgar began a full time career in Real Estate at Hacienda Realty. Since coming back to home, Edgar has quickly gotten involved in the community; leading the development of Santa Maria Connect! – a networking group for young professionals & Toastmaster’s Valle de Santa Maria – the Central Coast’s first Spanish Toastmaster’s group. In addition, he serves on various boards such as the Santa Maria Association of Realtors, Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. Edgar is strongly supported by his lovely wife – Yessenia & their 18 month old son Giancarlo. Between his community involvement & spending time with his wife, Edgar enjoys golfing, reading, and traveling.
Butch Lopez Treasurer / Project Manager, V Lopez & Sons (2nd term Chamber Board Member) Born and raised in the beautiful Santa Maria Valley, Butch enjoys the people, places and events the community has to offer. Butch loves working the family construction business with his Father and Brother. He is blessed with a family of 5, and they love movies, camping, traveling, sports and anything fun! Butch feels blessed to grow up in the Santa Maria Valley and connecting with all the locals in the community. He enjoys being on the Chamber Board and getting involved with our Community. Butch believes the Chamber has a great presence here in Santa Maria and with our neighbors, and feels the Chamber champions businesses in the Santa Maria Valley as we should all do.
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