(May 8, 2025 — Marina, CA) — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, joining a team of regional leaders committed to driving positive change in the Monterey Bay region.
Installed during MBEP’s April 28 Board Meeting are Hartnell College Superintendent/President Michael Gutierrez, San Benito County Interim County Administrative Officer Henie Ring, UC Santa Cruz Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Mark Delos Reyes Davis, and Salinas City Manager René Mendez.
“Our incoming board members bring with them a wealth of experience and energy to further MBEP’s mission of improving the economic health and quality of life in the region,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President and CEO Tahra Goraya. “As MBEP celebrates its 10th year of championing regional leadership, we look forward to working together to lead our organization into the future.”
Current board member Krista Snelling, President and CEO of West Coast Community Bank, was installed as incoming MBEP Board Chair; Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, as Board Vice Chair; Tom Moran, President/CEO of Goodwill Central Coast, as Treasurer; and Benjamin Ow, President of Ow Commercial, as Board Secretary.
“I am honored to serve alongside MBEP’s incredible board and leadership team to continue the important work of fostering regional collaboration and inclusive economic growth across Monterey Bay,” said Krista Snelling, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Coast Community Bank. “Together, we will continue advancing innovative solutions that strengthen our communities and create sustainable economic opportunities for all.
”The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership acknowledges the outgoing board members and officers who have helped shape MBEP’s visionary work in uplifting the Monterey Bay region during the past three years: Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker, Cabrillo College Superintendent/President Matt Wetstein, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor and past MBEP Board Chair Cynthia Larive, and Pacific Valley Bank President and Chief Operating Officer Sandi Eason.
UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive, outgoing Board Chair, said she’s been impressed by MBEP’s ability to drive positive change in the region. “This organization is uniquely positioned to function as a catalyst in addressing some of our region’s most pressing challenges, leading our region to a brighter future. I’m so proud of what we’ve managed to accomplish. It’s been an honor to serve as Board Chair.”
Newly installed to MBEP’s board of directors are:
Michael Gutierrez, Hartnell College Superintendent/President, came to Hartnell College on July 1, 2022, from the Los Rios College District, where he served as the president of Sacramento City College since 2017. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles in the Texas system of higher education. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for vocational education, workforce development, and economic development.Gutierrez earned a bachelor’s degree in history and Latin American studies from Princeton University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, and is completing a doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands in educational leadership.
Mark Delos Reyes Davis is Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UC Santa Cruz and President of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation. He leads the university’s external engagement efforts to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, advance the campus’s reputation, and raise philanthropic support.Davis has spent more than 25 years in higher education administration with responsibility for driving a wide range of initiatives. He previously served as senior adviser to two university presidents and has overseen international relations, enrollment management, and campaign planning. Prior to joining UC Santa Cruz in 2020, he served as the associate vice president for university advancement and campaign director at Carnegie Mellon University and held senior roles at Rice University.He holds a master’s degree in international relations from Tsinghua University (Beijing) and a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University.
René Mendez, Salinas City Manager, has over 30 years of state and local government experience. Prior to his appointment as City Manager of Salinas in May 2024, he served as City Manager of Watsonville for two years and Gonzales for 17 years. He is a founding member of many regional efforts, including Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, for which he served as its first co-chair; Monterey Bay Community Power Agency, where he was the first Chair of the Operations Board; the countywide task force that established the Salinas Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency; and the Male Institute for Leadership and Education (MILE) at Hartnell College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Stanislaus, and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.
Henie Ring, Interim County Administrative Officer, San Benito County, was hired in April 2022 as the county’s human resources manager. In May 2023, she was promoted to Deputy County Administrative Officer and was appointed Acting/Interim County Administrative Officer in May 2024. She has extensive experience overseeing all human resources operations for San Benito County, including department reorganizations and negotiating multi-year labor contracts. She successfully negotiated risk mediation and liability settlements and is very familiar with county operations and the inner workings of the administrative office.To read more about MBEP’s board and read their bios, click here. ( https://mbep.biz/about-us )
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.