Board of Directors

The Foster City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is comprised of business leaders dedicated to driving a vibrant local economy and supporting our city’s diverse communities

Staff & Officers:

Meet the Executive Director - Crystal Tilton

Crystal Tilton serves as the Executive Director of both the Foster City Chamber of Commerce and the Foster City Chamber Foundation. In this role, she spearheads a comprehensive calendar of community and business events, attracting significant participation and fostering innovation within the region. Her leadership and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the local business community.


Crystal's professional qualifications include a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, certification as a Kaizen Facilitator, and she is a Notary Public. Her commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her attainment of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) certification in 2024, a distinction that places her among the top professionals in her field.


Under her direction, the Foster City Chamber has launched numerous successful initiatives aimed at enhancing economic vitality, promoting local businesses, and improving community engagement. Crystal's dedication to her work and her community is reflected in her ability to build strong partnerships, advocate for local businesses, and implement innovative programs that drive positive change.


Crystal's exceptional leadership, combined with her extensive experience and certifications, positions her as a pivotal figure in the continued success and advancement of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce and the Foster City Chamber Foundation.

Meet the Board Chair - Corey Pebler

Owner

Go Local Printing


Corey Pebler is a local small business owner (Go Local Printing & Marketing) who

helps other small local businesses and nonprofits by increasing their sales and

top line revenue by promoting their business in a variety of ways. Corey believes

that the right advertising, seen at the right time, can inspire members of the

community to support local businesses/organizations and ultimately allow the

greater community to thrive.

Corey has supported dozens of Foster City/San Mateo area businesses through

online and offline marketing. He also helped the Foster City Sister City Association

Soccer Team raise funds for their trip to lnagi Japan in 2023. Currently he is

working with BAYCO Choir to assist them in their fundraising efforts in

preparation for their upcoming trip to perform at Disneyland.

Corey currently sits on the Foster City Little League Baseball board where he

manages their sponsorship and fundraising program. He also coaches youth

baseball and soccer in Foster City.

When he is not making business cards, postcards and yard signs, Corey can be

found spending quality time with his two young children or at a sporting event.

Meet the Board Vice Chair - Jordan Shenker

CEO

Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC)


Jordan Shenker serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Peninsula Jewish

Community Center (PJCC) in Foster City, California. PJCC boasts one of the

most highly diverse JCC communities in the nation. That, along with the tightknit

and beautifully diverse Jewish community in the Bay Area, makes PJCC feel

like home for Jordan.

Working in the JCC field for more than 30 years, Jordan began his career in his

hometown of Portland, Oregon, as a 4th generation Portlander. He worked at

JCCs in Portland, Houston, Texas, and he led as CEO of JCCs in Richmond,

Virginia, and Tenafly, New Jersey. Additionally, Jordan helped advance the JCC

movement as Senior Vice President of Community Services for JCC

Association of North America, overseeing consultation and executive

placement for all 175 JCCs across the continent.

A popular speaker and educator, Jordan's presented at dozens of regional and

national conferences, including the Athletic Business Conference, Athletic

Business University, JCC Association of North America Professional Conference

and Biennial, and Parks and Recreation conferences. Additionally, he taught as

a guest lecturer at the University of Richmond on the topics of professional

development, marketing, and non-profit management.

Jordan earned his undergraduate degree in Communications with a minor in

Jewish Music from Thomas Edison State College, and an MBA from the

University of Phoenix.

Jordan is married 34 years to his wife, Tracey, and they have three sons ages

32, 30 and 24. In his free time, Jordan enjoys spending time with family, he's an

avid Portland Trailblazers and NBA fan, and he regularly goes to the movies.

Meet the Board Treasurer - Nitin Madan

Co-Founder

Blokument Inc.


Nitin Madan is currently the co-founder, COO and CFO, of a Web3 startup,

Blokument Inc., where he has a ringside view of the ongoing disruption happening

in the financial world with the rise of a decentralized internet, based on

blockchain and smart-contract technology. He brings more than 20+ years of

global experience at the cutting edge of technological change with firms such as

Broadcom Inc., Swisscom AG, IBM, etc.

Nitin previously served as a Board Director of Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Ltd, an

organization co-founded by leading technology companies such as Microsoft,

Google, Facebook, Cisco, Broadcom, HP, and Adaptrum, with the goal of reducing

the global 11digital divide11

• He was also elected Vice Chair of Wi-Fi 7 MTG at the WiFi

Alliance.

Nitin has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, an M.S.E.E. in

Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Utah State University, and a B.E. in

Electronics Engineering from V.J.T.I., University of Mumbai. He currently lives in

San Jose with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys cooking and pickleball and

has a deep interest in topics that touch the intersection of philosophy, politics,

economics and finance.

Meet the Board Secretary - Tim Carmona

CEO

Carmona Enterprisez


Tim Carmona has been training in Kenpo Karate with the martial artists from the

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios for the last 20 years. To further his training as a

martial artist and a business person, he continues to train at the Z-Ultimate

University of Martial Arts Professionals. He also maintains a rigorous business

training protocol through participation in various associations, including the

Business Advantage Networking Group (BANG). Tim has managed martial arts

schools for 18 years and has taken several studios from the developing level to

sustainability and success. His plan is to continue to build a network of Z-Ultimate

studios here in the Bay Area, while supporting the other locations throughout

America.

Tim is also passionate about community engagement, and sees the martial arts as

a pathway for people to grow not only as individuals, but as members of their

families and communities. To further this vision, Tim has used his time managing

Z-Ultimate's San Mateo location to develop a strong relationship with the San

Mateo Police Activities League (PAL). Through PAL, he has been able to help even

more children in San Mateo experience martial arts training for their minds,

bodies, and spirits, as well as continue his efforts to provide a connection

between the community and the Police Department. As his business grows, his

vision is to enable as many people as possible experience the benefits of martial

arts training.

Meet the Board Immediate Past Chair - Ben Yu

Vice President of Acquisitions & Development 

Steelwave


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.

Directors:

Meet Director - Jessica Russon

OWNER

Impression Promotion


Jessica Russon runs Impression Promotions, a freelance business specializing in

projects for local businesses and organizations. Her passion for multimedia stems

from her belief that photos and promotional videos can inspire community

inclusiveness and support for local entities. Jessica is pleased to be an active

member of both the Foster City Chamber of Commerce and the San Mateo Area

Chamber of Commerce.

At the San Mateo Chamber's 2023 Fall Fest, she captured special moments through

photographs and videos that showcased local businesses, musicians,

entertainment, and the joyful memories made by the community. Jessica has a

diversified professional background in marketing, sales, law, and office

management. Jessica has a reputation for maximizing business revenue through

strategic outreach and skillful project management.

When Jessica is not working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Annie,

which typically involves playing board games, supporting her entrepreneurial

dreams, and playing with their dog, Luca. Alongside her daughter, Jessica's

greatest support is her soul mate, Neil. Collaborating on

every aspect of life, they bring happiness and positivity to each other and those

around them.

During Jessica's solo time, she enjoys playing basketball, practicing yoga, and

immersing herself in videography projects. She constantly strives to improve her

skills by practicing, watching tutorials, and staying updated with the latest

technological advancements in the field.

Meet Director - Manuel "Manny" Jimenez Jr.

OWNER

Erik's Deli Cafe


Manuel owns two Erik's Deli Cafe franchises. He has been running the San Jose

branch for more than 15 years and has recently launched a new branch on Thayer

Lane in Foster City. Erik’s DeliCafe is a casual delicatessen that provides a warm atmosphere, fast and friendly service at fresh food.


Engaging with the community is a passion for Manuel; he was a board member of

the San Jose Police Foundation from 2012 to 2018.

Seeking to deepen his involvement and contribute his extensive business

experience, Manuel is interested in giving back to the small

business community.


During his leisure time, Manuel enjoys running and playing sports. He finds that

staying active helps him maintain a healthy work-life balance.


When it comes to giving back to the community, Manuel is always eager to lend a

helping hand. Whether it's sponsoring local events or participating in charity

drives, he believes in the importance of supporting those around him.


Meet Director - Joanne Wu Jennings

Director, Marketing and Business Operations 

Kids Connection


Joanne has worked in marketing and program management for over 30 years, with a proclivity for technical systems and internet management/production. She spent the majority of her career consulting with high-tech companies in Silicon Valley, working with cross-functional teams on product launches, applications development, systems migrations, private intranets, and running program management offices. She is currently employed at Kids Connection, a private school in Foster City, where she manages marketing efforts and public-facing technologies.


Originally from New York, Joanne holds a degree in Business Administration from Boston University and an MBA from San Francisco State University. While her career has focused on business efficiency and organizational change, her true passion lies in helping others. Across the years, her volunteerism has spanned many different organizations and capacities. Whether through helping in the development department or as a child watch monitor with the Support Network for Battered Women, training and becoming a CASA of San Mateo County, as a volunteer with the small animals at the Peninsula Humane Society, or as a half-marathon walk team coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, Joanne recognizes the importance of supporting those in need.


Joanne also sits on the Board of Directors of Caminar, a San Mateo based non-profit focused on providing behavioral health services to those most vulnerable in our community. She is also excited to serve our community with the Foster City Rotary Club.


During her free time, you'll find Joanne running around town with her teenage daughter.  You'll also find her at the gym, weightlifting or in spin class, running, enjoying time with friends, and volunteering!

Meet Director - Gina Semi

PUBLIC POLICY ASSOCIATE

Zoox


Gina is a Public Policy Associate with Zoox, headquartered in Foster City. A Bay

Area native based in San Francisco, she brings two decades of expertise in land

use and community planning, communications, campaign management, media

and public relations, fundraising, and community outreach and engagement.

Prior to joining Zoox she was the Communications Manager for the San Francisco

Planning Department, served as COVI 0-19 Communications and Outreach

Strategist for San Francisco's COVID Command, staffed several elected officials

including Jackie Speier, Carole Migden, and Dennis Herrera, managed public

education efforts for Recology San Mateo County, and led community relations

efforts for the Bay Meadows Phase II project in San Mateo.

Meet Director - Ravi Shankar Ramesh

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MANAGER

NVIDIA


Ravi Shankar Ramesh is currently a Sr. Software Engineering Manager leading

Autonomous Vehicle (AV) software teams at NVIDIA.

Prior to joining NVIDIA, he managed and led the Autonomous Software teams at

Zoox, and has hands on experience in Embedded software and Firmware

development at leading companies like Lyft, Microsoft and Qualcomm and has

contributed to technology innovation in the field of autonomous vehicles, cellular

communications, loT (Internet of Things) to name a few.

He has Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern

California (M.S) and in Embedded Systems from the University of California, San

Diego (M.A.S). He is very passionate about technology and all the different ways it

can benefit the community at large.

Meet Director - Lucerne Tsang

Executive Director

Gilead


Lucerne Tsang is an Executive Director at Gilead Sciences and has been with the company for 7 years. She currently leads the Operations Strategy & Portfolio Management function for Corporate Operations, which also includes Master Planning, External Partnerships, and Data & Analytics.


Prior to her current role with Corporate Operations, she was a Finance Director, support Gilead’s Corporate and G&A functions. Before joining Gilead, Lucerne has held various finance leadership roles with increasing responsibilities in life sciences, banking, and retail industries – her longest tenure at Thermo Fisher Scientific.  Lucerne has a BA in International Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. 


Lucerne is a Bay Area native and has previously lived in Foster City for 10 years. She currently resides in Millbrae with her husband and 3 children. She can be found on the weekends cheering for her children at their sports events and playing tennis. 


Meet Director - Tosh Dutt

CEO & Founder

Electriflow Finance


Tosh Dutt is a serial founder and entrepreneur that has raised over $20M in equity

from VC's and $100M in project finance and is building his second startup,

Electriflow Finance.

He is a seasoned ideator and efficient operator. He is the founder former CEO of

ChargeNet Stations, a public fast charging network developer that is building fast

charging stations in quick serve restaurants and has agreements with Taco Bell,

Burger King, KFC, and their largest franchisees and others to build hundreds of

distributed energy resource enabled fast charging stations in their parking lots.

His subject matter expertise in Distributed Energy Resources and EV Charging

derives from my work developing large Megawatt and Megawatt hour utility and

large commercial and industrial scale renewable energy projects, microgrids,

structured finance, and senior management background in the Cleantech space

over the past 15 years.

He has successfully built and scaled startups and new business units for large

energy companies such as Enel X, Johnson Controls Inc., Honeywell, and others.

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