Matt Ainley, CEO, 4Creeks, Inc

He was born and raised in Visalia, California, where he attended Mineral King, Elbow Creek, Valley Oak, and Golden West High School. After graduating, he attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where he played baseball and majored in Engineering/Physics.

Following college, he married Janelle, and this year they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Together they have three children: Reese (married to Ethan Alipaz), Linden, and Luke. Reese is completing her Architecture degree in Hawaii this year. Linden is studying Art Education at Point Loma University, and Luke is a sophomore at CVC.

In 2008, he and three partners founded 4Creeks, an engineering and surveying company. Over the years, 4Creeks has grown into a full-service Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Surveying, and Construction firm. Now entering its 18th year of business, the company has been a source of both professional fulfillment and community impact.

He has also been involved in several other entrepreneurial ventures, including the Caskey Warehouse, The Darling Hotel and Elderwood Restaurant, various farming enterprises, apartment complexes, magazines, and outsourcing services. In addition, he serves on multiple boards, including the Visalia Country Club board and the American Council of Engineering Companies Life-Health Trust based in Houston, Texas.

He and his family feel deeply blessed to play a role in building the future of their community. He remains committed to creating sustainable, high-paying jobs, fostering pride in the Central Valley, and being a positive force for impact both locally and around the world.

Greg Amend, Founder & Owner, Component Coffee

Greg Amend is the founder and owner of Component Coffee. He leads the company’s coffee direction across roastery production, café operations, wholesale, branding, and marketing.

With 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, he has developed a deep passion for the scientific process of roasting and brewing coffee. He also values coffee’s role in local communities and recognizes its impact on the global supply chain.

Greg believes businesses have a responsibility to support ethical sourcing practices. He is committed to improving the well-being of every person involved, from producer to consumer.

Jonathan Anderson, Owner, Component Coffee

Jonathan Anderson is Owner of Component Coffee, where he leads cafe operations, team development, and facilities management across multiple locations. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in operations and business growth, he has built high-performing teams rooted in exceptional service and hospitality. Jonathan is passionate about creating meaningful connections through coffee and community.

Stacy Heaton, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, California Dairies, Inc.

With extensive experience in communications and public relations, Stacy Heaton serves as VP of Communications & Public Relations for CDI. She drives impactful communication strategies across all channels, including media relations, crisis communications, public relations, and digital platforms. A dedicated community and industry leader, Stacy holds board positions with the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, Dairy Council of California, Family Services of California, Visalia Economic Development Corporation, and Helping One Woman. She also serves on the steering committee for the Leadership Visalia program, a program of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

Jordan Mulrooney, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Success

Jordan Mulrooney is a distinguished REALTOR® proudly associated with RE/MAX Success in Visalia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management. In addition to being a REALTOR®, he is a licensed broker and a highly credentialed professional. His designations include Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist®, Accredited Buyer’s Representative®, e-PRO®, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Real Estate Negotiation Expert, and Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource®. He is committed to continuing education and staying at the forefront of industry trends. This ensures his clients benefit from the most current and relevant insights.

A Visalia native for nearly three decades, Jordan’s expertise extends beyond residential transactions. He also specializes in commercial and investment real estate throughout Tulare, Kings, Kern, and Fresno Counties. While he occasionally explores opportunities in other California markets, his primary focus remains in Visalia.

Jordan’s success is supported by his wife, Kelsey, whose encouragement fuels his passion for real estate. Together, they share their home with their two dogs, Roxie and Oliver.

Through Jordan Mulrooney Real Estate at RE/MAX Success, he serves as a premier real estate strategist in Visalia. He brings a fresh perspective to the industry by integrating modern communication tools and maintaining a strong social media presence. His approach helps redefine standards of service and client engagement.

Jordan is actively involved in community organizations, including the Visalia Breakfast Lion’s Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His involvement reflects his commitment to community preservation and engagement. He received “The Spirit of RE/MAX” award in 2018 and 2020. He is dedicated to serving his clients with knowledge, integrity, and professionalism.

Sabrina Pendergast, Owner, Orangetheory

Owner. Coach. Leader.
Sabrina Pendergast is an Orangetheory Fitness owner who turned a passion for movement into a lifelong career. From entry-level roles to studio ownership, she’s committed to building stronger people, teams, and communities through fitness.

Tosha Pequeño, Senior Branch Manager, Valley Strong Credit Union

Tosha Pequeño has worked for Valley Strong Credit Union for more than 21 years, beginning her career with the High School Branch Program at Ridgeview High School in 2004. In July 2020, Tosha and her daughter, Cypris, relocated to Visalia from Bakersfield after she accepted a promotion to Senior Branch Manager to help lead the opening of Valley Strong’s branches in Tulare and Kings County. In this role, Tosha’s primary focus is community outreach and developing strong local roots to foster mutual prosperity.

An intuitive leader, Tosha completed the Bakersfield Leadership Program in 2020. She is deeply involved in the community, serving on several advisory committees and boards. Tosha is the Board Chair for Visalia Partners in Education, Secretary of the Visalia Education Foundation, and serves on the Executive Board of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

Tosha has a strong passion for financial literacy and enjoys educating members, employees, and young people about their financial potential. She has served as a guest speaker at various employment fairs and in classrooms of all ages, presenting on budgeting and how to establish and maintain healthy credit habits.

Tosha excelled in higher education at the University of La Verne, where she was inducted into Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Society, and graduated magna cum laude in 2013.

Tosha is also embracing her newest and most cherished role as a first-time grandmother to her granddaughter, Brielle.

Jena Rodriquez, President & CEO, Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Jena Rodriguez is the CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the organization’s efforts to support more than 650 members, foster economic growth, and strengthen the local business community. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, she is deeply rooted in the region and passionate about seeing it thrive.

A graduate of California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), Jena brings a strong background in public relations, communications, and customer service to her role. Over the past seven years, she has advanced within the Chamber from Impressions Coordinator to Operations and now CEO, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the organization and the Chamber industry from the inside out. She is committed to building meaningful relationships, championing local businesses, and developing future leaders who will continue shaping Visalia’s success.

Dedi Somavia, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Tulare County Office of Education

Dedi Somavia serves as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources for Tulare County Office of Education. In her current role, she oversees the human resources department which includes recruitment, selection and assignments for all personnel, risk management, leaves, benefits and credentials. Dedi believes strongly in growing our young leaders through education and giving back to the community in which she was raised.

 Dedi has devoted her life to being an educator. Prior to coming to TCOE, Dedi worked for Visalia Unified School District for 21 years in a variety of roles which included: Assistant Superintendent, HRD; Administrator, HRD; Elementary School Principal; Assistant Principal; curriculum coach and elementary school teacher. Dedi holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education, a Reading Specialist credential, a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching credential and an Administrative Services credential from CSU, Fresno.  Dedi was raised in Visalia and returned home shortly after getting married to start a family in the city she loves. She is married to her husband, Bryan and together they have two beautiful daughters, Sydney and Shelby.

Dedi is a member of the Leadership Visalia Steering Committee, board committee member for the College of Sequoias Local Heroes Fund and serves as board president for Visalia Police Activities League (PAL).