STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS
Executive
BOARd

Salvador Gomez
Chair
EDUCATION CREDIT UNION
With more than 16 years of experience in the banking and technology industries and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from WTAMU, Salvador Gomez brings a strong background in leadership, technology, and strategic development. A dedicated advocate of servant leadership, he is committed to strengthening organizations, supporting community initiatives, and helping others achieve success. As Manager of Business Intelligence & Development at Education Credit Union, he leverages data-driven insights and innovative solutions to advance organizational goals and long-term growth.
He is passionate about continuous improvement, leadership development, and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

Yolanda Castillo
CHAIR-ELECT
CASTILLO PROPERTIES
Yolanda Castillo is the owner of Castillo Properties and brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in the banking industry, including the successful management of multiple branches. Her professional background reflects a strong commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and community-focused leadership.
An active community leader, Yolanda has dedicated countless hours to supporting local nonprofit organizations and initiatives throughout the Amarillo area. Her service includes fundraising efforts and volunteer involvement with organizations that address community needs and promote family well-being.
Through both her professional and volunteer work, Yolanda remains committed to strengthening the communities she serves and fostering opportunities for growth and success for others.

Nune Perez
SECRETARY
CACIQUE FOODS
Nune Perez is the Sanitation Operations Manager at Cacique Foods and a respected leader in food safety and operations management. A proud native of the Texas Panhandle, he brings a background of military service, industry expertise, and community engagement to his leadership roles.
Following six years of honorable service in the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms Second Class Petty Officer, Nune has remained dedicated to serving others through civic, educational, and nonprofit involvement. He has contributed to organizations including the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, West Texas A&M University Student Government, and the WTAMU Veterans Network, which he helped establish.
Professionally, Nune serves as a resource in the development of food safety standards and participates in national SQF Code review efforts, helping shape best practices within the food manufacturing industry. His commitment to service, leadership, and continuous improvement makes him a valued advocate for the Amarillo community.

Lisa Torres
Vice-Secretary
CNS PANTEX
Lisa Torres serves as Program Manager at CNS Pantex, where she leads the strategy, planning, and execution of key initiatives within the Facilities and Infrastructure Organization. A United States Air Force veteran, she brings a strong foundation of service, leadership, and operational excellence to her role.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science with an emphasis in Management and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, Lisa has built a career centered on strategic leadership, change management, and organizational effectiveness. She is skilled at fostering collaboration, developing high-performing teams, and guiding organizations through complex challenges to achieve mission-driven results.
Lisa is passionate about cultivating environments where communication, innovation, and continuous improvement can thrive. Her commitment to service, leadership, and professional development continues to make a positive impact across both her organization and the broader community.

Asiria Torres
Treasurer
AMARILLO NATIONAL BANK
Asiria Torres serves as Mortgage Loan Servicing Collections Manager at Amarillo National Bank, where she oversees key operational functions and contributes to the bank’s commitment to exceptional customer service and financial stewardship.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, and raised in Mexico, Asiria’s journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to education. After returning to the United States as a teenager, she graduated from Palo Duro High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from West Texas A&M University while balancing work and academic responsibilities.
She began her career with Amarillo National Bank as an Internal Auditor and has since advanced into leadership through her dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. Asiria’s professional journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, growth, and the impact of lifelong learning.
OUR TEAM
STAFF

Maribel Sotelo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Maribel Sotelo is a nonprofit and community leadership professional with more than 25 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations in Amarillo. As Executive Director of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she leads initiatives that promote economic development, business growth, member engagement, and community collaboration.
Throughout her career, Maribel has successfully led organizational growth efforts, developed impactful community programs, managed high-performing teams, and cultivated strategic partnerships that strengthen the communities they serve. Her background includes extensive experience in membership development, volunteer engagement, fundraising, event management, and program innovation.
Maribel brings a unique combination of professional expertise, lived experiences, and a deep commitment to service that shapes her leadership approach. She believes meaningful change happens when diverse perspectives are welcomed, relationships are nurtured, and communities work together to create opportunities for all. Her passion lies in helping individuals, businesses, and organizations reach their full potential while building stronger, more connected communities.
Driven by a belief that strong communities create lasting opportunity, Maribel is passionate about transforming communities through service, collaboration, and leadership. She is committed to bringing new perspectives to the table, leveraging her lived experiences to foster meaningful connections, and creating pathways that empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to thrive.
You can connect with Maribel via email at maribel.sotelo@amarillohcc.com or call 806-379-8800.

Marissa Flores
OFFICE MANAGER
Marissa Flores is an emerging leader dedicated to supporting business growth, community engagement, and organizational excellence. As Office Manager of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she manages office operations, member relations, event coordination, and administrative functions that help advance the Chamber’s mission and serve its growing membership.
With a passion for service and a talent for building meaningful connections, Marissa contributes to initiatives that strengthen relationships between local businesses, community partners, and Chamber members. Her strong organizational abilities, collaborative mindset, and commitment to professional growth have made her a valued member of the Chamber team.
Marissa is passionate about continuous learning, leadership development, and creating opportunities that make a positive impact in the community. She looks forward to growing her role in supporting the Chamber’s mission and helping foster a thriving future for Amarillo’s business community.
You can connect with Marissa via email at marissa.flores@amarillohcc.com or call 806-379-8800
Advisory
COUNCIL

Helen Burton
Advisory Council
BURTON INSURANCE
Helen Burton is the founder and owner of Burton Insurance Agency, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the insurance industry and a strong commitment to business leadership and community development. Since establishing her agency in 2012, she has built a reputation for excellence in service, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Helen is an active civic leader who serves on several local boards and committees, including the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation Board, Amarillo Area Foundation Board, and TIRZ II East Gateway Board. Her leadership extends to nonprofit service as Treasurer for Andrea’s Project and participation in initiatives focused on neighborhood revitalization, economic growth, and community engagement.
Passionate about empowering others, Helen founded Women Empowering Women, a professional and personal development network that has connected and inspired thousands of women. Her dedication to leadership, service, and community impact earned her recognition as Hispanic Woman of the Year in 2019.

Annette Asencio
Advisory Council
FIRSTBANK SOUTHWEST
Annette Asencio serves as Senior Vice President, Bank Operations Manager, and BSA Officer at FirstBank Southwest, where she provides leadership in bank operations, regulatory compliance, risk management, and fraud prevention. With more than 38 years of banking experience, she brings extensive industry knowledge and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), Annette has dedicated her career to promoting sound banking practices, effective risk management, and exceptional customer service.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Annette has been an active leader in the Amarillo community. She served on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for seven years, including as Board Chair from 2011 to 2012. Her leadership experience and dedication to community engagement continue to make a meaningful impact throughout the region.

Charlie Sanchez
Advisory Council
LLANO SAFETY
Charlie Sanchez is a certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and safety educator with a passion for leadership, service, and community development. As an instructor with The University of Texas at Arlington, he shares his expertise with professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in workplace safety.
A lifelong Amarillo resident, Charlie has devoted significant time and energy to strengthening the local community through civic and nonprofit engagement. He has served as President of Amarillo Center City and Chairman of the Center City Block Party, while also supporting community initiatives through organizations such as United Way and Los Barrios de Amarillo.
Charlie is committed to fostering safer workplaces, stronger communities, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. His leadership, service, and dedication to Amarillo continue to leave a lasting impact across the region.

Darlene Saldivar
Advisory Council
CNS PANTEX
Darlene Saldivar is a senior leader at the Pantex Plant with more than 35 years of experience in operations, logistics, and supply chain management. Since beginning her career in 1988, she has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility and has served in senior management roles within Supply Chain Management since 2005.
In her current role, Darlene oversees shipping, receiving, and warehousing operations, leveraging decades of experience to support organizational efficiency and operational excellence. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
A dedicated advocate for community engagement, Darlene served on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for more than a decade and now continues her service on the Chamber’s Advisory Council. Her longstanding dedication to both professional excellence and community leadership has made her a respected leader throughout the Amarillo area.
BOard
Members

Gilberto Torres
Board Member
HAPPY STATE BANK
Gilberto Torres is a business leader, entrepreneur, and mortgage professional with a passion for community development and economic empowerment. Raised in Friona, Texas, and educated at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University, he has built a career centered on entrepreneurship, service, and helping others achieve long-term success.
In 2019, Gilberto co-founded Elite Fight Promotions, helping grow the organization from a local venture into a multi-city enterprise across Texas. His success in business led to opportunities in real estate investing and ultimately inspired his work in the mortgage industry.
Today, Gilberto is committed to helping families achieve homeownership and build generational wealth through informed financial decisions. He is especially passionate about supporting and empowering the Hispanic community while giving back to the Amarillo area that played such a significant role in his personal and professional journey.

Paul Rodriguez
Board Member
BUDWEISER DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
Paul Rodriguez serves as Sales Manager for Budweiser Distributing Company, bringing more than 14 years of experience in sales, leadership, and relationship management. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to developing strong customer partnerships, driving business growth, and mentoring successful teams.
With a commitment to service and community engagement, Paul values opportunities to connect with and support the people and organizations that contribute to the success of the Amarillo area. His leadership experience, collaborative approach, and industry expertise make him a valuable advocate for both business and community initiatives.

Manuel Tovar
Board Member
AFFILIATED FOODS
Manuel Tovar is the Director of Ethnic Marketing at Affiliated Foods Inc., where he oversees marketing programs, brand development, and corporate sponsorship initiatives designed to strengthen customer engagement and support business growth. His career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and serving diverse communities.
Before joining Affiliated Foods, Manuel built an accomplished career in business development and marketing, including 11 years with H-E-B Supermarkets, where he served in multiple leadership roles. His experience spans retail operations, consumer marketing, and multicultural outreach, providing him with a unique perspective on building meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
A passionate advocate for mentorship and community involvement, Manuel has served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters in San Antonio. He has also contributed his time and leadership to community and faith-based organizations, and numerous volunteer initiatives.
Through both his professional and community service efforts, Manuel remains dedicated to fostering growth, opportunity, and stronger communities throughout the region.

Mirna Corral
BOARD MEMBER
FIRST COMMUNITY MORTGAGE
Mirna Corral is a mortgage professional with nearly two decades of experience in banking and home financing. Raised in the Texas Panhandle and a resident of Amarillo for more than 20 years, she has built her career around helping individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership.
After beginning her banking career in 2005, Mirna transitioned into the mortgage industry in 2011, where she has developed extensive experience guiding clients through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. Her commitment to service, relationship-building, and community engagement has earned her the trust of those she serves throughout the region.
Deeply connected to the Amarillo community, Mirna is passionate about expanding access to homeownership and supporting the long-term success of local families. Her dedication to service and community impact continues to make a positive difference throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Damion Williams
BOARD MEMBER
REED BEVERAGE
Damion Williams serves as President of Operations at Reed Beverage, bringing 19 years of progressive leadership experience and a proven track record of operational excellence. Throughout his tenure, he has held multiple leadership positions, helping drive organizational growth, strengthen operations, and build high-performing teams.
As a lifelong Amarillo resident, Damion is deeply invested in the success of the local community. In addition to supporting numerous community initiatives through Reed Beverage, he is an active member of AMBUCS, Amarillo Palo Duro Chapter.
Damion is passionate about servant leadership, community engagement, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. His commitment to excellence, service, and collaboration continues to make a meaningful impact both professionally and throughout the Amarillo region.

Steve Garcia
BOARD MEMBER
CALICO COUNTY
Steve Garcia brings nearly three decades of leadership experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. His career is marked by a proven ability to drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and implement strategies that promote long-term business success.
As owner-operator at Calico County, District Manager for Popeyes, and President of the PTRA, Steve has built a reputation as a results-driven leader with extensive expertise in restaurant operations, business growth, and organizational development. He has successfully launched 12 restaurant locations and led multiple turnaround initiatives that enhanced performance and strengthened brand reputation.
Passionate about community development and economic growth, Steve is committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunity, foster innovation, and contribute to a vibrant and thriving Amarillo region.

Gustavo Torres
BOARD MEMBER
LORI HORNER REALTY GROUP
Gustavo Torres is a dedicated real estate professional whose work is rooted in service, integrity, and community engagement. A lifelong resident of the Texas Panhandle, he is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the real estate process while building lasting relationships founded on trust and transparency.
With a passion for expanding opportunities within the Hispanic community, he works to increase awareness of homeownership resources and support families in making informed financial decisions. His commitment extends beyond real estate, as he actively advocates for initiatives that encourage economic development, support local businesses, and strengthen the Amarillo community.
Driven by a desire to serve others, Gustavo is dedicated to fostering growth, opportunity, and a more inclusive future for the Texas Panhandle.

Mayra Hernandez
BOARD MEMBER
ACFCU
Mayra Hernandez is a financial services and human resources professional with more than a decade of experience fostering employee development, member engagement, and organizational growth. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, service, and a commitment to helping others achieve their full potential.
In her role with ACFCU, Mayra has championed initiatives that support professional development, leadership advancement, and meaningful community connections. She is a strong advocate for mentorship and believes that access to education, resources, and opportunity can create lasting positive change.
As a proud member of the Hispanic community, Mayra is passionate about supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, cultural awareness, and community empowerment.
