ABOUT
SB Elevate is in the process of becoming a 501©6 Mutual Benefit Corporation created to support, educate, and advocate for small businesses in the San Diego South Bay region. We have assembled the best of the best in business professionals who share a passion to help businesses succeed. Our team of leaders are all at the peak of their respective professions and are available to help guide you and your business to the next level.
Vision:
Elevating small businesses to thrive in the San Diego South Bay region.
Mission Statement:
South Bay Elevate provides small business owners advocacy, mentorship, marketing, and access to a network of experts.
MEET EXECUTIVE BOARD

Michael Monaco
Relocating to Chula Vista in 2004 with his wife Sabrina and their twin children, Michael quickly felt a unique sense of community. In his 32 years of networking, he believes Chula Vista and Bonita offer the best opportunities... Read More

Kevin Marshall
Kevin Marshall is a firm believer in the power of blessings, and it is this motto that guides his life. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Kevin relocated to Chula Vista, California at a young age and became the twelfth child... Read More

Lucy Romero
I am an assistant VP Relationship manager with Enterprise Bank & Trust in Chula Vista. I specialize in providing a range of treasury management, deposit and lending solutions for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and contractors throughout San Diego County.... Read More

Keren Lopez
Keren Lopez is a first-generation college graduate and business owner. Keren is fluent in reading and writing in both Spanish and English. Upon graduating from San Diego State University in 2019 with a BS in Accounting... Read More
MEET BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jim Lowther
At Prescott & Lowther Insurance Agency, we specialize in delivering tailored employee benefits solutions for Small Business Owners (1 – 100 Employees), offering comprehensive health insurance choices for Individuals... Read More

Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, PhD
Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, PhD, has over 25 years’ experience as a communication and recruitment specialist spanning diverse disciplines. As an educator, Dr. Hecklinski has taught at the Indiana University School... Read More

Tina Mattias
Tina’s began her career in a nonprofit setting at the Living Coast Discovery Center for over 32 years as the Volunteer and Programs Manager. She also served as the chair for the Sustainability Commission for Chula Vista... Read More

Marvin Harrison
Marvin Harrison is a Partner in the Business Tax department at Considine & Considine. He is originally from San Diego and studied at the University of San Diego. Marvin holds himself to the highest levels of integrity... Read More

Doug “Dr. Luff” Luffborough, III, Ph.D.
Dr. Luff is an overcomer! As the son of a single-parent housekeeper, he was homeless in high school but went on to become a first-generation college graduate despite being told by his high school guidance... Read More
MEET FOUNDER & CHARTER MEMBERS

Khodadad "Ko" Sharif
Mr. Sharif has been an active member of the State Bar of California since June 1997, practicing law in both state and federal courts, and has handled numerous civil, criminal, and family law cases...Read More

Matthew Faust
Matthew J. Faust is a shareholder at Sharif | Faust Lawyers, Ltd. He focuses his practice on business, intellectual property, and trusts & estates. In addition to helping clients prepare their transactions, he represents,,, Read More

Ashley Gonzalez
In October 2012, after serving 21 years, I retired from the United States Navy as a Chief Logistics Specialist. During my Naval career, I developed core competencies that motivated me to serve... Read More

Jeanette Badal
Jeanette Badal, SPHR-SCP, brings over twenty years of extensive Human Resources experience to the table, having worked across diverse industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, and biotech... Read More

Rabeka Spagnolo
Rabeka has enjoyed being a Chula Vista resident for the past 10* years. As a pest control professional Rabeka found her home at Thrasher Pest Control, where they treat their staff and customers like family... Read More

Rick Richardson
Rick leads a workforce of 286 employees dedicated to creating positive change. Rick believes all families deserve access to quality childcare, education, and supportive services that will promote children’s healthy... Read More

Keren Lopez
Keren Lopez is a first-generation college graduate and business owner. Keren is fluent in reading and writing in both Spanish and English. Upon graduating from San Diego State University in 2019 with a BS in Accounting... Read More

Peter Carlseen
Peter is presently a Realtor and Broker with two decades of real estate experience (licensed in 2004) working in several capacities to serve a wide range of clients with many real estate needs... Read More