Board of Directors
The Foster City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is comprised of business leaders who are dedicated to driving a vibrant local economy and supporting our city’s diverse communities
Angie Krackeler
IBM
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Angie Krackeler
Angie leads a team of developer evangelists working with Startups, Venture Capital firms, Incubators and Business Partners, to inspire, and enable them to adopt IBM’s Cloud solutions. Her focus is on developing demos, use cases, and solutions using Watson cognitive computing, the Internet of Things, Mobile, Big Data, Watson Analytics and Cloud. Prior to joining the IBM Cloud Ecosystem team, Angie was Senior Planning & Delivery Manager for IBM Innovation Center Silicon Valley, working across all IBM Development Relations business units to create an integrated business partner experience at our events and technical engagements.
Angie has held various leadership positions in software development, IBM Global Services, IBM Sales & Marketing and hardware development. Roles including Senior Network Services Manager, Worldwide Cloud Lab Operations Manager, Delivery Project Executive, Consulting, Technical and Sales.
Angie joined Foster City Chamber of Commerce board of director in 2016. Angie has been working closely with the Chamber to develop and host various community projects to help increase the interests and skills of the younger generations.
Angie has a MSEE from Syracuse University.
Aviral Gupta
Whim Local
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Aviral Gupta
Aviral is a Technology business professional with over 20 years experience leading international teams and building new businesses at Amazon, LinkedIn, Ernst & Young and multiple start-ups. Aviral is super passionate about building communities and enabling commerce. He is a builder at heart who likes to hustle and make things happen! Over the course of his career, Aviral has had the luxury of directly leading roles working very closely with Engineers, Product, Legal, Tax, Accounting, Payments, Sales, Account Management, Services and Customer Service. Aviral comes from a small business family and understands what it takes to run a business and wear multiple hats. Merging his professional background and community mindset, Aviral founded and launched www.whimlocal.com ~ an online marketplace to discover unique specials from local small businesses,
build community, and promote shopping locally. Aviral is a life-long learner and went to Stanford Product management continuing studies to methodologically launch Whim Local. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems & Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in System Engineering & Tech Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University.
Sonja Tappan
San Mateo Foster City Education Foundation
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Sonja Tappan
Sonja Tappan is a Foster City native who currently lives and works in San Mateo. After leaving Foster City to attend U.C.L.A. (B.A History) she traveled extensively before living in the Netherlands for 5 years. In the Netherlands she worked in the family business where she learned business acumen and to speak Dutch. Upon her return to the U.S, she worked at Genentech, Inc holding various leadership positions in the pharmaceutical manufacturing department during her 8 year tenure. Her time in manufacturing ignited her passion for improving processes and systems.
After Genentech, Inc., Sonja took the lead role in a local non-profit as their Director of Administration. Her passion for helping others, developing processes, and improving systems that lead to sustainable solutions flourished when many local nonprofit and for-profit partnerships were realized. As a Business Operations Manager for a local startup specializing in high end connected home devices, she was instrumental in ensuring the company had the essential systems, equipment, people and processes to run effectively and scale the business. She fondly reminisces of her time as a founding employee and the dedication and hard work it takes to build a successful company.
Sonja Tappan is currently the Operations Manager at Bould Design and Executive Director for the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation. As a board member Sonja is excited serve the community by enhancing the relationships between the city, community members, and its businesses with a focus on young adults.
Michael Beattie
Visa
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Michael Beattie
Michael Beattie is a Facilities Manager with 25+ years’ experience delivering and maintaining leading edge work environments. He is currently the Director of West Coast Facility Services at Visa’s global headquarters in Foster City, overseeing over a million square feet of office space.
He has spent the last 20 years developing the corporate furniture and art program, while supporting other Visa offices around the world. He has managed all the various teams that comprise Corporate Services, including janitorial, space planning, food service, mailroom services, and moves.
Prior to Visa, Michael was a Project Manager for Pivot Interiors, focusing on furniture projects for Gap Inc.’s Bay Area headquarters in San Bruno and San Francisco. He led a team of site coordinators and installers while managing all furniture related projects.
Michael has a Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University. He lives in San Francisco with his husband and their rescue dog Rex. He is an avid gardener and amateur mixologist.
Phillip Pierce
Zoox
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Phil Pierce
Phillip Pierce is a Senior Public Policy Manager at Zoox, where he leads city policy strategy for the all-electric, autonomous vehicle company. Prior to joining Zoox, he managed public affairs and government relations for the SFMTA, working on many of San Francisco's largest transportation planning and construction projects. He is a passionate urbanist and environmentalist, having run multiple political campaigns and worked with advocacy organizations focused on making cities more sustainable and equitable. On weekends, you will find him taking long bike rides and exploring the Bay Area.
Dan Demers
Hillbarn Theatre
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Dan Demers
Dan Demers, a San Mateo native, is the Executive Artistic Director at Hillbarn Theatre. He has been working locally for more than 15 years in educational theatre, directing and acting all over the Bay Area. His diverse background in business management, graphic design, creative direction, coupled with his out- of-the-box thinking, brings a unique perspective to this award-winning theatre company. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Direction, Dan strives to change and grow the theatre to ensure that Hillbarn continues to be a beacon of the arts on the Peninsula.
The Foster City Chamber of Commerce is a pivotal part of the city and the community. Running Hillbarn Theatre and working in the non-profit world allows Dan to look at things very differently and he is excited to bring that unique outlook to the Board of Directors and apply his talents to work on behalf of the Chamber.
Dr Joan Rosas
Educator
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Joan Rosas
Dr. Joan Rosas has dedicated over 30 years to students, parents and staff in the field of education. She has served as a bilingual elementary school teacher, middle school teacher and an administrator. In 1993 Dr. Rosas opened Fiesta Gardens International School, a K-5 magnet program, in the San Mateo – Foster City School District. In 2011, Dr. Rosas joined the San Mateo County Office of Education as the Associate Superintendent of Student Services and in 2015 she became the Superintendent of the San Mateo - Foster City School. While having retired last July, Joan continues with her mission to support all students in reaching their academic and personal goals.
Dr. Rosas earned her doctorate from the University of San Francisco in Organizational Leadership. She served on the Association of California School Administrators Boards both locally and at the state level. She is a Rotarian and will be seated on the Board for the San Mateo Club in July. She has received the Latino Community Education Award, Pupil Personnel Administrator of the Year from the Association of California School Administrators and PTA Founders Day Awards. She was recognized by Josh Becker and Kevin Mullin at her retirement.
Joanne Bohigian
whaddyathink
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Joanne Bohigian
Joanne is a business development, market planning and strategy professional with over 20 years leading for-profit and nonprofit organizations to develop and execute strategic plans for growth, foster and build strategic alliances, lead business and cultural change, promote volunteer and partnership involvement and raise funds to support organization mission, vision and values. She has a reputation for sound business acumen as well as creative go-to-market insight and effective management of initiatives in both start-up organizations and Fortune 500 companies as well as nonprofit and municipal entities. Joanne brings proven ability to maximize the growth and profitability of an organization from her experiences serving such global companies as Microsoft, Gilead Sciences, SAP, IBM, and others. She is a graduate of the University of San Francisco (Bachelor of Science, Business Administration), McLaren College of Business and earned the distinction of being the youngest graduate of the Executive MBA Program at Golden Gate University, earning her Master of Business Administration.
Al DeGroot
Gilead
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Al DeGroot
Al heads the Facilities Management & Operations Team within the CEF Organization at Gilead Sciences. In his role, he provides strategic direction and oversight covering 3.7M sf at 56 locations across Asia, EMEA, Latin America and North America. His scope includes: Physical Site Operations, Service & Amenity Management, Maintenance, Utility Operation, Commissioning & Laboratory Operations.
Al joined Gilead in 2013 and is based at the Corporate Headquarter site in Foster City, California. He has 34 years of BioTech Industry experience in leading Facilities & Plant Engineering functions within Corporate, GxP/GMP Manufacturing & Research/Development Environments.
Constantinos Vorrises
Century 21
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Constantinos Vorrises
As a long time Foster City resident, Costa has been involved with the community in many different aspects. As a real estate professional with Century 21 Real Estate Alliance for 14 years, selling/leasing both residential and commercial has afforded him the opportunity to connect with many local business owners. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University, Costa also worked at Brewer Island Elementary School for 17 years as a tutor and has a strong connection to the school district and families in the community. As an entrepreneur, with a strong passion for creating artwork and t-shirts, Costa knows the commitment and time it takes to pursue your goals. Being a realtor and an artist has presented opportunities with many people from different backgrounds and cultures. Driven by the concept of creating more opportunities to assist local business owners, make more connections, and develop new relationships in the local community, Costa is a long time member of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce. With the current economic environment brought on by the pandemic, Costa is committed to becoming more involved with the FC Chamber and enhancing the quality of life for all in Foster City and the surrounding area.
George Fanourgiakis
Penelope's Coffee & Tea
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Joanne Bohigian
George Fanourgiakis, a Foster City native, born and raised, is one of the Co-Founders of Penelope’s Coffee & Tea, Sandwich Monkey, and a franchise owner in Nick the Greek and President of Techni, LLC. George has a diverse background in managing small businesses, retail construction, as well as the ability to think out of the box. Within the last several years, George has worked on many projects and concepts from start to finish bringing new ideas to the market place. George currently holds many US and International patents on these various concepts.
Being a part of small business community of Foster City and working closely with The Foster City Chamber of Commerce throughout the years has been a pivotal part of growing his businesses and bridging connections with city and the community. George is very excited to bring his unique outlook to the Board of Directors and apply his talents within the chamber.
Farzine Parelwalla
US Bank
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Farzine Parelwalla
Farzine Parelwalla is currently the Branch Manager at U.S. Bank in Foster City. She has more than 20 years of experience in banking operations and managing financial teams with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, consistently achieving and exceeding revenue targets. As leader of the branch, Farzine is responsible for planning and executing customer market share growth, including building relationships and collaborating with partners. Her time in the banking industry has allowed her to demonstrate mastery at delivering exceptional customer, strengthening relationships, and proactively identifying ways to add value for customers.
Farzine regularly participates in local market and community activities to promote growth and culture and encourages her team members to utilize their volunteer time and engage with the community. Part of her role as branch manager is to be out in the community to visit existing business owners and help them achieve both their business and financial goals. She is also responsible for acquiring new business relationships to enhance sales and profitability by participating in networking events which have resulted in increasing her customer base. During these difficult times, Farzine helped to promote local businesses in order to both improve their growth by providing financial advice and assist them with the Payment Protection Program. Farzine has also received several awards and recognitions during her banking career, including the annual Star of Excellence award.
Farzine obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Bombay. She is married with two teenage daughters. In her free time, Farzine loves to cook, listen to music, and spend time with her husband, her daughters and her adorable Labrador Toby.
Yazmin Mora
OnePiece Work
Term expires:
March 31, 2023
Constantinos Vorrises
As a long time Foster City resident, Costa has been involved with the community in many different aspects. As a real estate professional with Century 21 Real Estate Alliance for 14 years, selling/leasing both residential and commercial has afforded him the opportunity to connect with many local business owners. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University, Costa also worked at Brewer Island Elementary School for 17 years as a tutor and has a strong connection to the school district and families in the community. As an entrepreneur, with a strong passion for creating artwork and t-shirts, Costa knows the commitment and time it takes to pursue your goals. Being a realtor and an artist has presented opportunities with many people from different backgrounds and cultures. Driven by the concept of creating more opportunities to assist local business owners, make more connections, and develop new relationships in the local community, Costa is a long time member of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce. With the current economic environment brought on by the pandemic, Costa is committed to becoming more involved with the FC Chamber and enhancing the quality of life for all in Foster City and the surrounding area.
Ben Yu
SteelWave
Term expires:
March 31, 2024
Ben Yu
SteelWave is an owner developer of properties which has had operations in Foster City for 30 years. Ben is responsible for Northern California acquisitions and development activities for SteelWave. Prior to joining SteelWave in 2018, Ben was Vice President of Acquisitions & Development at the Irvine Company, the largest property owner developer in California. In that capacity, he was responsible for acquisitions and development of office and residential projects in Northern California with over $3.6 billion in project cost, including the 3.8 million square foot Santa Clara Square mixed-use project and the 1.5 million square foot Pathline office project in Sunnyvale. Ben also worked at Forest City, where he was responsible for the entitlement, planning and development of the 5M and Pier 70 projects in San Francisco with a total of over 5 million SF of mixed-use development.
Ben’s experience also includes 12 years in the venture capital and investment banking industries where he was an investor in early-stage technology and clean technology companies. Ben previously served on the Boards of the Yerba Buena Community Benefits District, South of Market Early Education Center, SF 5th & Mission Garage.
Ben has an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California.
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