Board of Directors
About Our Board of Directors
The Chamber’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership to ensure we uphold our role as the trusted voice of the Paso Robles and Templeton business community. They guide the organization by setting annual goals, directives, and budget priorities, while overseeing their successful implementation. In addition, the Board leads policy development efforts and regularly evaluates the Chamber’s impact and effectiveness within our community. We are deeply grateful for their time, expertise, and unwavering commitment to supporting and strengthening our local business community through their service on the Board.
Melanie Greer
Melanie Greer
Melanie is a Central Coast business owner and hospitality professional specializing in vineyard rental properties, wedding venues, and guest experiences throughout the Paso Robles region. She is the owner of Stay on the Vineyard and Greer Hospitality, and co-owner of Annay & Co, where her work is rooted in creating thoughtful, elevated experiences for guests and clients alike.
She brings a strong passion for marketing to each of her ventures, with a focus on intentional storytelling, brand development, and building authentic connections that resonate with today’s travelers and clients.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Melanie is committed to supporting the continued growth of the Central Coast. She offers a practical, hands-on perspective, along with a genuine dedication to fostering collaboration between local businesses, residents, and visitors. As she always says. Cheers from the Greers 🥂
Tyson Hayward
Tyson Hayward
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Tyson Hayward has always had a passion for adventure, connection, and leadership. After attending Colorado State University in 1981, Tyson moved to California in 1985, where he has since built a successful career in finance and community engagement.
As the owner and broker of Spinnaker Financial, a position he has held since 1992, Tyson has dedicated more than three decades to helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with integrity and expertise. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to service have earned him a trusted reputation within the business community.
Beyond his professional life, Tyson is deeply involved in local initiatives. He previously served as a Chamber Ambassador in 2006 and currently sits on the Board of the Cancer Support Community in Templeton, where he contributes his time and insight to supporting individuals and families facing cancer.
An avid skier and sailor, Tyson also holds a 100-ton Captain’s License, obtained in 2011—a testament to his love for challenge and exploration.
Tyson is eager to bring his energy, creativity, and experience once again to the Chamber, helping it grow through new ideas, member engagement, and a shared sense of community.
Jennifer Loftus
Jennifer Loftus
Jennifer Loftus, a former Bearcat, is the Superintendent of the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
With an impressive 27 year career in education, Loftus has served in many roles prior to taking the helm of the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Administrative Services, Director of Teaching & Learning/Interim Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Educational Services, Adjunct Professor, and a state consultant in early childhood services.
Loftus dedicates herself to being an innovative, dedicated and highly skilled educational leader. Earning both a Masters and later a Post Masters in Educational Leadership, the Superintendent and the Chief School Business Official (CSBO), and a Bachelor of Science, Loftus’ career has extended from the East Coast to the Midwest, and now back to Paso Robles, where she calls home.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Loftus finds joy in her role as a mother to two adult children and a grandmother to six! She enjoys reading, and she and her husband can often be found hiking at any number of central coast locations, or enjoying a walk with their dogs.
Marci Miller
Marci Miller
Marci Miller grew up in San Luis Obispo, California and now lives in Templeton with her husband. Their two grown children are currently attending college and law school, and she values time spent with her entire family every chance she gets.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and went on to receive her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership.
Marci currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Radiology Associates of San Luis Obispo, where her work focuses on healthcare administration and finance. She has been with Radiology Associates of San Luis Obispo for over 22 years, serving in various roles and bringing extensive experience in operational leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management within the healthcare industry.
Outside of her professional role, Marci enjoys traveling, working on home projects, spending time outdoors on the Central Coast, and volunteering on other local boards.Â
John Donaldson
John Donaldson
John Donaldson is a seasoned real estate professional serving Paso Robles and the greater Central Coast. With a background in both residential and commercial transactions, John brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to every deal.
Known for his straightforward communication and strong understanding of local market dynamics, he works closely with clients to navigate everything from first-time purchases to complex investment and land transactions.
John is committed to supporting the local business community and values his involvement with the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce as a way to stay connected and contribute to the region’s continued growth.
Dr. James Brescia
Dr James Brescia
Dr. James Brescia is the President and Founder of the SLO Career and Technical Education Foundation and manages the Encore Center on Railroad Street in Paso Robles. Jim has served the county since 1989 as a teacher, principal, college instructor, school district superintendent, and the San Luis Obispo County Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Brescia is a longtime Rotarian, performs with Wine Country Theatre, Cuesta Concord Chorus, the Central Coast Gilbert and Sullivan Company, and serves on the Opera SLO Board of Directors. The Brescias raised two children in North County and, at one time, had four generations of family living in San Luis Obispo County.
Donica Forensich
Donica Forensich
Donica is a corporate attorney with over 25 years of experience advising clients on the full range of corporate and securities transactions. She focuses on guiding emerging growth companies through every stage of their lifecycle—from formation and early fundraising to strategic growth and successful exits. Her work includes advising on SAFE financings, preferred equity rounds, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as tackling corporate governance matters, equity administration, executive compensation, and technology transactions.
She works closely with founders, investors, and operators, and is particularly passionate about supporting first-time entrepreneurs as they build and scale their businesses. Donica’s clients span a broad range of technology-driven industries, and she is deeply committed to working with women-led and impact-driven companies.Â
Before becoming an attorney, Donica spent six years as a corporate paralegal in both large law firm and in-house environments. She then began her career as an attorney at DLA Piper, later served as in-house counsel at Sun Microsystems and Infinera Corporation, and returned to private practice in 2013 to focus on emerging companies and venture capital law where she was a partner at Paradigm Counsel LLP and Scale LLP before co-founding Sequoia Partners LLP. Donica also runs the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Startup Incubator Program and is a lecturer in Business Law in the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Ali Shannon
Ali Shannon
A proud Central Coast native, Ali Shannon has a deep appreciation for the community and lifestyle of the region. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Psychology, Ali returned to her roots and now serves as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional at Corvus Wealth Advisors.
She utilizes her background to understand the mindset behind her clients’ goals, helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security with clarity and confidence. She values building authentic relationships that go beyond numbers, ensuring her clients feel understood and empowered throughout their financial journeys.
Ali’s perspective is shaped by her lifelong love of travel, which also fuels her desire to foster the strong local connections that make the Central Coast a sought-after place to live, work, and visit. As a member of the Board of Directors, Ali is eager to contribute her professional expertise to support the local businesses and partnerships that keep the North County thriving.
Henry Elisarraraz
Henry Elisarraraz
With over two decades of experience, Henry Elisarraraz State Farm Agent has proudly served the Paso Robles community since 2002, building lasting relationships and helping individuals and families protect what matters most. An active member of the Chamber of Commerce for 23 years, Henry is committed to supporting local businesses and contributing to the continued growth and success of the community. Outside of the office, Henry enjoys spending time on the golf course, traveling to new destinations, and making meaningful memories with his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.