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We are thrilled to introduce our multi-talented team.

Dedicated is not a strong enough word to describe these individuals. If you have had the pleasure of meeting this team, you know exactly what we mean. Each person in this dynamic group has made the personal commitment and sacrifice to grow our business community. Being involved in our Chamber is more than just a job.

 

We believe that our work is strengthening our community in positive ways. We see the evidence as our advocacy efforts come to fruition in the local businesses community. Engaging and connecting with our members fuels our work drive. We are a collaborative team, so if you pay us a visit, expect to hear laughter and experience our office camaraderie as we work together to move Paso Robles & Templeton forward.

Gina Fitzpatrick, President/CEO

Gina is our Chamber’s bold innovator and leader. She ensures that all aspects of the Chamber maintain the quality and heart-focus of our core values. Her methodology, strategic partnerships and perseverance have proven to be an effective leadership platform for the Chamber. Previously, Gina served as the Vice President/Branch Manager at Heritage Oaks Bank in Paso Robles for nine years.

Gina firmly believes that if you have the opportunity to serve, you should. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for North County Economic Foundation, is Chairwoman on the Downtown Parking Advisory Commission and occasionally serves as a Pioneer Day guest judge. 

As a 5th generation SLO County native, Gina has spent her career working to make a stronger community for future generations. Together with her husband they are cattle producers and enjoy traveling and family time at the ranch as they watch their young daughter learn and love their way of life.

Contact Gina directly: gina@pasorobleschamber.com

Jenna Hidinger, Chief of Staff

Born and raised in San Luis Obispo County, Jenna has a deep passion for the Central Coast and our unique culture. So much so, that she decided to attend Cal Poly where she graduated with an Agriculture Business degree.

Prior to joining the team at the Chamber, Jenna spent the early years of her career on the philanthropy team of an agriculturally based company. When she isn't working, she and her husband are raising identical twin boys and loving their fur family - which one day may grow to become an animal sanctuary for those animals needing extra love!

Jenna’s background in operations, leadership, and nonprofits, along with her roots in the Paso Robles & Templeton business community makes her the perfect Chief of Staff for this dynamic Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce.

 

Contact Jenna directly: Jenna@pasorobleschamber.com

Shanay Brown, Events Coordinator

Shanay has a sparkling personality and the gift of connecting with people instantly. She has a way of finding common ground with everyone she meets. Beyond this, she is an exquisite events coordinator.

Through her work at the Chamber, Shanay is known for her strong dedication. In fact, her family company just celebrated its 15th anniversary as a Chamber member! Shanay possesses a vast knowledge in multiple aspects of the Chamber. She previously participated on our Membership, Women in Business and Ambassador Committees, respectively. She even served as our Ambassador Committee Chair for several years!

Shanay has a passion for travel and Disney and combined both loves in 2017-18, when she and her husband visited all 12 Disney parks within 12 months! She has an insatiable love of learning new skills and tackling challenging problems. Shanay is currently teaching herself to play the drums and has recently completed an RV road trip to see the last 11 states and can finally say she has visited all 50!

Contact Shanay directly: events@pasorobleschamber.com

Debbie Bonafede, Visitor Services

Debbie Bonafede is a native Californian, born and raised in Southern California, with seven siblings who live throughout the state. In 1989 Debbie’s parents moved from Southern California to Paso Robles. Debbie fell in love with Paso Robles and has been a resident since 2007.

Debbie’s hospitality and health care career spans over thirty-five years. She joined Marriott International in 1986. Over the years Debbie has managed hotels and assisted living communities along with holding several regional positions throughout the country.

Debbie thoroughly enjoys her role as a Visitor Center Representative for the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce. She finds it exciting to assist travelers in experiencing the beauty of the Central Coast as
well as partnering with local merchants.

Contact Debbie directly: info@pasorobleschamber.com

Dawn Waszkiewicz, Visitor Services

Dawn was originally introduced to the Central Coast via Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where she met her husband. They moved to the LA area for jobs, saying that if they could, they would, retire here. 2020 presented them with that opportunity so they relocated and love living in Paso Robles.

Dawn spent the first 20 years of her career in the automotive industry with Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. Then transitioned into the Financial Services industry until she retired. Dawn worked with teams to design, develop and deliver training content for customer service agents. She managed training programs, curriculums, conferences and supported the successful implementation of training technology, learning center development and web design.

Dawn enjoys being a Visitor Center Representative, meeting people that travel to the Central Coast and locals alike. She takes pleasure in helping people plan their visit and discovering all the Paso Robles and Templeton area have to offer.

Contact Dawn directly: info@pasorobleschamber.com

Sam Ethridge, Visitor Services

Sam Ethridge has never met a stranger. She loves people, animals and nature. Originally from Southern California, she moved to Paso Robles in 2014. In 2019 she met a local man and got married in 2023!

Wanting to learn all about her new home she has worked in Retail, at various wineries and the Vacation Rental industry. During her earlier career as a Sales and Marketing Executive in the Decorative Plumbing industry she traveled nationally and internationally for 30 years, especially enjoying meeting new people in new places and having a wide variety of experiences and adventures.

Sam now enjoys being part of the Visitor Center team where she can apply her varied experience and share her knowledge and enthusiasm for the central coast.

Contact Sam directly: info@pasorobleschamber.com

Colleen Stefanek, Programs and Marketing Coordinator

Colleen Stefanek has enjoyed living on the Central Coast for the majority of her life. She attended Cuesta College and Cal Poly to receive an AA and Bachelor’s of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration.

Before joining the Chamber team, she spent 18 years in hospitality, customer service, and weddings—even running her own wedding planning business. Over 120 couples happily married during her wedding tenure. In 2021 she welcomed a sweet baby boy with her hardworking husband. If you stop by the Visitor’s Center, you’re likely to hear her laugh before stepping through the door.

Colleen believes her love for connecting people, networking, event planning, and learning will help her thrive as the Programs and Marketing manager for the Paso Robles and Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Colleen directly: marketing@pasorobleschamber.com

Lauren Bettencourt, Business Development Specialist

Lauren Bettencourt, a native of Paso Robles, California, has crafted an extraordinary journey in the realm of hospitality. After years of working at local restaurants, Lauren decided to further her education in hospitality by enrolling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit, Lauren took a bold step and founded her own venture, "Cart Side Cocktails,” right here in the heart of the Central Coast. Cart Side Cocktails is a licensed and insured mobile bartending service that specializes in weddings, private parties, and corporate events.

With her deep roots in the local community and her solid academic background, Lauren makes an excellent addition to the Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce. Her experience in the hospitality industry and her entrepreneurial drive align perfectly with the Chamber's mission to support and promote local businesses. Lauren's commitment to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences also resonates with the Chamber's goals of fostering economic growth and enhancing the community's overall well-being.

Contact Lauren directly: membership@pasorobleschamber.com

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