The West Valley Regional Chamber Ambassadors are a dynamic group of dedicated members who serve as the welcoming arm of the Chamber. Ambassadors play a vital role in fostering connections, supporting new and existing members, and enhancing the overall Chamber experience. As key representatives of the Chamber, Ambassadors help facilitate networking opportunities, attend ribbon cuttings and special events, and serve as a resource for businesses looking to maximize their membership benefits. Their mission is to promote engagement, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the growth of the West Valley business community.
Are looking for more information about joining? Email info@westvalleyregional.org to apply today!
I'm Serina Valdez, the Marketing Manager at Good Neighbor Support Services. With a deep passion for making a positive impact, I thrive on building connections and fostering compassionate care within our community. When I'm not working, you'll often find me outdoors, hiking trails, or spending quality time with my family, who are my greatest source of inspiration. I’m dedicated to creating meaningful change and love every opportunity to lend a helping hand.
My name is Melissa Felix, and I am thrilled to serve as the Community OutreachCoordinator for Sun Health Wellness. Every day I am inspired by the vibrant fabric of our community and the incredible individuals who are dedicated to improving the well-being of those around them. My passion lies in uncovering the unique needs of our community members and forging meaningful connections to address them.
At Sun Health Wellness, I work diligently to bridge the gap between resources and those who need them most. It’s not just about advice or services; it’s about genuinely engaging with our community and understanding the diverse challenges people face. Whether it’s organizing health workshops, guiding families through wellness programs, or collaborating with local organizations, my role centers around empowering individuals to live their healthiest lives.
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While working on my Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Grand Canyon University, I began working at FirstBank as a teller and personal banker. Upon completion of my degree, I began my 6-month training as a Management Trainee and in February 2022 transitioned into a Banking Officer. Since 2022, I have focused on mortgage loans, home equity products, business loans, and commercial real estate. At First Bank, our ‘Banking for Good’ mission focuses on doing right by our customers, communities, and employees. This mission drives me to support our customers and community to help those in need, whether that be through our products or connecting them with a referral. In addition to my role at FirstBank, I serve as the treasurer on the board of Theater Works, a nonprofit community theater in Peoria that is compassionate about promoting the arts within our youth and community.
When I am not at the Bank, I enjoy going to midnight book releases with my friends, finding new trails to explore, and spending time with my family.
Trina Hautala, a proud West Valley resident for nearly 40 years, serves as the Communications and Strategic Alliances Coordinator for the Agua Fria High School District, where she is also a proud alumni. She is passionate about connecting students with opportunities and highlighting all the remarkable achievements within the district.
Karla Dimond is a native Coloradoan who spent most of her working life as a mortgage originator, helping people purchase their most treasured asset…a new home. In 2016, Karla retired from that industry and later expanded to another aspect of financial services…educating consumers how to achieve Financial Independence and reach their retirement goals.
It isn’t hard to achieve Financial Independence…there are many products and tools to help you grow your assets. The trick is to figure out what financial independence looks and feels like to you, develop a plan, and then take consistent action to fulfill the plan. Mindset plays a big part in success, but education and accountability are the foundation. Karla and her team guide their clients through the 7-step process, so they consistently see progress toward the end goal, while maintaining confidence and peace of mind along the journey. Their consultations are always free of charge.
Karla and her husband, Peter, live in Goodyear, AZ…a move they made 4 years ago to be near family. She is active in her local community and enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible. She is a licensed Life & Health Agent in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, along with Securities licenses 6 and 63.
Paco Cerda is one of the owners of Paragon Business Equipment, LLC, a family-owned business based in Goodyear, Arizona.Established in 2001, the company specializes in providing commercial level copiers, printers, and services to businesses in Maricopa County. Paragon operates with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, aiming to support businesses in achieving cost containment and operational efficiency.
In addition to his role at Paragon, Paco Cerdais active in the local business community. He serves as a board member of theSouthwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. Paco is a married father of two children and in his free time collects vinyl records, fitted baseball hats and creates music.
With over 20 years in financial services, I built my career as a financial advisor, guiding educators through retirement planning. That experience sparked a deep passion for financial literacy and inspired me to expand my impact through community engagement.
In my current role as Community Impact Specialist at Credit Union West, I’m able to bring that passion to life through partnerships with Glendale Elementary School District, GESD System of Care, Pendergast Elementary School District, ACEE, YWCA, YMCA, and JAG—delivering financial education directly to the community.
As a proud Texan and new Arizonan, I bring Southern hospitality and a deep love for community to my new home in Surprise. My natural ability to connect with others and build meaningful relationships has broadened my reach in ways I never expected.
I lead with heart, and my signature goodbye—“See you in the community!”—is more than just a farewell. It’s a reflection of my commitment to show up, connect, and make a difference where it matters most.
Melissa Krueger serves as the Municipal Manager for RepublicServices in the Phoenix Metro area, where she acts as a trusted advisor and liaison between Republic Services and the municipalities they serve. With a strong focus on customer service and operational excellence, Melissa oversees municipal partnerships in Buckeye, Anthem, and Fountain Hills, as well as the recycling contract for the City of Scottsdale.
Melissa brings deep expertise in contract management, municipal relations, and internal operations alignment to ensure RepublicServices delivers simple, sustainable waste solutions with efficiency and integrity. She is known for her responsiveness, follow-through, and ability to foster strong, collaborative relationships with city staff, mayors, and council members alike.
She was recently accepted into Leadership West Class 32, an opportunity she’s excited to leverage to deepen her understanding of WestValley infrastructure and regional leadership. Melissa also serves on the Executive Board of Directors for Keep Phoenix Beautiful, a nonprofit committed to sustainability through tree planting, recycling events, and the stewardship of two community gardens.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa is passionate about health and wellness. A former group fitness instructor, she enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, skiing, and relaxing on the beach with a good book. She is a proud single mother of two: Bella, a student at ASU, and Kyle, who is entering his senior year of high school. They are her greatest joy and the inspiration behind her hard work and dedication.
Dual Director of Sales for SpringHill Suites Goodyear and Tru by Hilton Goodyear, bringing over 35 years of hospitality industry experience to her role. With a strong track record in sales leadership, relationship-building, and community engagement, I have been a key part of these Goodyear properties on and off since 2020.
In addition to her hotel leadership role, I proudly serve as an Ambassador and the Company Chairman of the Tourism & Hospitality Committee with the West Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, where I helps champion local tourism and business collaboration throughout the region.
Originally from Akron, Ohio, my husband and I relocated from San Antonio, Texas to Phoenix in 2018, along with their beloved dogs. With deep ties to Goodyear—her father-in-law worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company—it’s no surprise that she feels right at home in the West Valley. As lifelong fans of Northeast Ohio sports teams, Melissa and her family have found the perfect blend of community and opportunity in their new desert home.
A passionate connector and collaborator, Melissa is an open networker on LinkedIn and always eager to share ideas, build partnerships, and support the local business ecosystem.
Let’s connect, mkim@hcw.us.
Melissa Foreman is the owner of Desert Starr Designs, a full-service graphic design, printing and promotional products company established in the year 2000. DESIGN: logo design, art for social media, print design and more. PRINT: business cards, banners, realtor signs...whether DSD creates the art, or it's provided camera ready, definitely take advantage of the printing service. PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS: apparel, drinkware, wellness & safety products...there are thousands of items to choose from, and DSD can help.
Melissa has a long history in the West Valley and has been a chamber member since 2000, both while it was known as the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as the newly named West Valley Regional Chamber.
CJ Belmont is the State Director of Momba Home Care Arizona and owner of Celestial Seal Co., a mobile notary business with a cosmic twist. She's a Goodyear Chamber Ambassador committed to empowering under-represented communities and connecting locals with compassionate, high-quality services. Whether she's helping families navigate ALTCS or signing on dotted lines, CJ brings professional polish, vibrant energy, and a heart for service to everything she does.
Melissa has a long history in the West Valley and has been a chamber member since 2000, both while it was known as the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as the newly named West Valley Regional Chamber.
Heather O’Dowd is a dedicated Account Executive at Waste Management (WM), serving the Four Corners Market across Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. In her role, Heather acts as a direct liaison for WM customers, ensuring they receive exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a personalized experience tailored to their needs. With a deep-rooted passion for supporting local businesses and cultivating meaningful relationships, Heather brings authenticity and care to every client interaction. Known for her responsiveness, transparency, and attention to detail, she’s a trusted partner who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver results. Heather also plays a key leadership role in WM’s Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), an Employee Resource Group that champions the company’s “People First” value. Through WEN, she helps organize impactful events that celebrate and elevate the voices of women across WM’s 61,000-strong workforce.
Outside of work, Heather leads an active lifestyle centered around health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Whether she’s attending daily fitness classes, hiking with her dogs, or traveling to the beach or the Colorado mountains, she embraces every opportunity to recharge and explore. She’s a proud mother of three adult children—Tyler in Phoenix, Dylan in Wyoming, and Jayme in Denver—and has been happily married to Shawn for eleven years. Together, they enjoy cheering on Arizona sports teams whenever they can.
