The Entrepreneurial Team – Charter Board Members of CHEER

President – Herman Garcia

Born and raised in Gilroy, California.  He worked for 28 years as a local businessman, he was publicly recognized for his unsurpassed dedication to positive social change.  He is an avid outdoorsman who knows the needs of the environment through his past involvement with projects impacting the quality of life in Gilroy.  Herman has 87 pages of newspaper articles and awards alluding to his activism and dedication to his community.

Vice-President – Irma Batrez

A community activist that has volunteered on many boards such as, Leadership Gilroy, Gilroy Visitors Bureau, Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Vice-chair of the Citizens Advisory Board to Rebekah Children’s Services, and a member of the Gilroy Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee.  She worked for 30 years in management positions for the largest employer of South County in Gilroy, California.  She has a strong commitment to affect change through education of all students from the elementary through the Junior College level.  She believes this should be done in a bicultural and bilingual manner.

Treasurer – Bob Brem

Born and raised in Gilroy, Bob is a third generation Gilroyan.  He served with the Gilroy Police Department for 21 years.  He is an avid outdoorsman and like Herman has a concern for the conditions that impact the environment.  He works diligently for positive change in order that future generations will inherit and share in a clean and quality environment.  He wants to promote through education and awareness the responsibility that we share as caretakers of our natural resources.

Secretary – Pete Valdez Jr.

Born and raised in Gilroy, Pete has been in public service for 16 years as a Gilroy City Councilman.  He is also a decorated Air Force veteran having served in Viet Nam.  He has taught Business Management courses at Community College level.  He has served on many boards, commissions and committees.  He is responsible for grant writing for local organizations such as the Gilroy Gang Task Force.  He has partnered with Herman Garcia in major projects such as bringing Cal Train service to Gilroy.

Public Relations & Fund Raising – Eleanor Villarreal

Eleanor makes her home in Gilroy and has worked for Rebekah Children’s Services for the last 17 years.  She has worked on many major campaigns that have positively impacted the citizens of Gilroy.  She is a tireless volunteer for the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the Exchange Club, Co-chair of the Committee to pass a 65 million dollar bond for the Gilroy Unified School District.  Eleanor’s reputation is legendary: she was selected as Woman of the Year by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Woman of the Year for the 28th Assembly District and the Santa Clara County Woman of Achievement aware and was given the highest award by the Association of Fund Raisers for Santa Clara County.  Having worked on many political campaigns, Eleanor is well connected politically at the local, county, state and national level.  Eleanor is recognized as a leading champion of children’s causes.