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STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS

Executive

BOARd

Salvador Gomez

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, I am dedicated to providing leadership and guidance to help others succeed. As a true believer in the principles of servant leadership, I am passionate about giving back to my community and empowering those around me. Currently serving as the Manager of Business Intelligence & Development at Education Credit Union, I am committed to leveraging my skills and expertise to drive strategic growth, innovation, and organizational success.

In my personal life, I am happily married and the proud father of a baby boy and a baby girl. I enjoy staying physically active through activities such as going to the gym, mountain biking, running, playing sports, and golfing, which help me maintain balance, focus, and energy in both my professional and personal life.

Maribel Sotelo

Maribel Sotelo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

As Executive Director of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Maribel Sotelo provides strategic leadership focused initiatives, economic development, membership growth, and community engagement. Her mission is to create meaningful opportunities for members, entrepreneurs, and businesses while building strong partnerships that contribute to a vibrant and prosperous Amarillo.

 

Yolanda Castillo

Yolanda Castillo

CHAIR-ELECT

CASTILLO PROPERTIES

Originally from Dumas, Texas, Yolanda Castillo has called Amarillo home for the past 20 years. As the owner of Castillo Properties, she brings over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, having successfully managed multiple branches.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Yolanda is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She has served as a Loan Executive with United Way, raising funds to support families in need across Potter and Randall Counties. Yolanda is also an active volunteer with several local organizations, including the March of Dimes, Eveline River’s Christmas Project, Hi-Plains Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and the Amarillo Parade of Homes.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Yolanda enjoys traveling and cherishing quality time with her family and friends.

Nune Perez

Nune Perez

SECRETARY

CACIQUE INC.

Nune Perez is Amarillo Sanitation Operations Manager at Cacique Foods. He is a child of the Panhandle of Texas. Served 6 Years Active-Duty United States Navy culminating as Master at Arms Second-class Petty Officer when Honorably Discharged in 2010. He has been a part of many organizations ranging from Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, WTAMU Student Government, and to being a Founder of WTAMU Veterans Network.

He has been married to Mayra Hernandez for10 years and they have one daughter lxchel. He is active with St. Josephs Catholic Church and City View PTA. He enjoys Family time and is a resident “foodie”. He has been a resource for developing Food Safety Standards and sits on National Committee for SQF Code review which is a Global Food Safety Initiative standard. “Amarillo has become my home and nothing in this world matches the majesty of an Amarillo sunset across the plains”

Lisa Torres

Lisa Torres

Vice-Secretary

CNS PANTEX

Lisa Torres is a Program Manager at CNS Pantex where she oversees the strategy, planning, and execution of site level objectives within the Facilities and Infrastructure Organization. She is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and feels Pantex is a continuation of her service to the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in applied science with an emphasis in Management and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification. She fosters an environment of teamwork by bolstering communication and collaboration at every level to ensure a shared vision and mission success. Lisa has extensive experience in facilitating teams through critical thinking and problem solving, coaching, and training. She is a seasoned change manager and embodies the leadership, soft skills, and strategic analysis necessary to cultivate change. Lisa is inspired daily by her husband and their four kids ranging in age from 14 to 7. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her kids in their various activities, spending time with family and friends, and running.

Asiria Torres

Asiria Torres

Treasurer

AMARILLO NATIONAL BANK

Asiria Torres was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised in Mexico. She came to the United States at 17 and faced many struggles. While working and paying her own way through school she was able to graduate from Palo Duro High School. She continued to work while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in accounting from West Texas A&M University. During that time, she met her husband and had her first child all while trying to finish her education. During her time at West Texas A&M University, she started working at Amarillo National Bank as an Internal Auditor and had her second child. Asiria is now the Mortgage Loans Servicing Collections Manager at Amarillo National Bank.

Ivanna Flores

Ivanna Flores

VICE-TREASURER

STREET TOYOTA

Ivanna Flores was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and has proudly called Amarillo home since childhood. She currently serves as a Finance Administrative Assistant at Street Toyota, where she began working in 2022. Ivanna earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Amarillo College and is now pursuing her Bachelor’s in Accounting at West Texas A&M University. As a first-generation Hispanic college student, she is passionate about creating opportunities for others in her community. Her seven-year-old daughter is her greatest joy and biggest motivation, reminding her of the importance of perseverance, growth, and creating opportunities for future generations. In her free time, Ivanna enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and exploring new experiences.

OUR TEAM

STAFF

Marissa Flores

Marissa Flores

OFFICE MANAGER


Office Manager for the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, overseeing office operations, member support, event coordination, and administrative services. Her dedication to organization and customer service helps advance the Chamber’s mission of supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth.

Advisory

COUNCIL

Helen Burton

Helen Burton

Advisory Council

BURTON INSURANCE

Helen Burton has been an Entrepreneur in the Insurance Industry for almost 20 years. Helen
started Burton Insurance Agency in 2012 and expanded her portfolio of services. She currently
serves on the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation Board, Amarillo Area Foundation
Board, Treasurer for Andrea’s Project, TIRZ II East Gateway Board, Advisory Board for the
Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Helen also serves on the Task Force For Greatness
Committee and the Neighborhood Barrio Planning Committee Member. Helen is the founder of
Women Empowering Women with over 3500+ subscribers. Helen was voted Hispanic Woman
of the Year in 2019.

Annette Asencio

Annette Asencio

Advisory Council

FIRSTBANK SOUTHWEST

Annette Asencio is a native of Hereford, TX. Annette is an SVP, Bank Operations Manager and
BSA Officer for FirstBank Southwest. She has over 38 years of banking experience. She is
certified by and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.
She currently oversees back-office deposit processing, electronic banking, identity theft
prevention, Bank Secrecy Act compliance, vendor management and risk management. She
served as a representative for FirstBank Southwest on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors from 2008 to 2015. She also served as Chairman of the AHCC
Board in 2011 and 2012. She currently serves on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Advisory Board.

Raymond Gaitan

Raymond Gaitan

Advisory Council

AMIGOS UNITED

Raymond Gaitan is a native of Hereford, TX. Raymond is the Store Director at Amigos.
Raymond serves on the Advisory Council for the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He
is on the Board of Directors with The Wesley Community Center and serves on the Parent
Advisory Council (PAC) committee for Caprock High School. Raymond is the father of four sons
and has seven Grandchildren.

Charlie Sanchez

Charlie Sanchez

Advisory Council

LLANO SAFETY

Charlie Sanchez is a lifelong resident of Amarillo, TX. He obtained his Safety Certification in
CHST-Construction Safety Health. He is an instructor at UT Arlington teaching safety courses.
He is a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral where he is a lecturer and an
audio/visual technician. He is actively involved in the Amarillo community through the United
Way Campaign and Los Barrios de Amarillo. He is the past president of Amarillo Center City
and past chairman of Center City Block Party. His hobbies include playing golf, watching Turner
Classic Movies and gourmet cooking.

Darlene Saldivar

Darlene Saldivar

Advisory Council

CNS PANTEX

Darlene Saldivar is a lifelong resident of Amarillo, Texas. In 1988, she was one of two
individuals nominated from all Amarillo high schools to work for the Department of Energy and
has been employed at the Pantex Plant ever since in various capacities. She has since been a
Senior Manager in the Supply Chain Management organization since 2005 in various
capacities. She currently manages shipping, receiving, and warehousing operations. She
served as a representative for the Pantex Plant on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors from 2010 to 2021. She now serves on the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Advisory Council. Darlene is married to Ernesto and they have three sons, Alex,
Fabian, and Gabriel.

BOard

Members

Gilberto Torres

Gilberto Torres

Board Member

HAPPY STATE BANK

Gilberto was born in Amarillo but was not raised here. He grew up in a small town about an hour south of here named Friona. Once he graduated High School he moved to Amarillo and attended Amarillo College and WT. In 2019, Gilberto Elite Fight Promotions alongside his twin brother Gerardo and his business partner Jose Montanez. They started locally but due to the tremendous support received from the community of Amarillo, they have been fortunate enough to expand to other cities in the state. With the success of the company, he began to make investments in real estate and that is how his passion for Mortgage derived. Buying a home is one of, if not the most important purchases one can make in their lifetime and it is an honor for Gilberto to be able to help in the process, especially helping our Hispanic community. “The community of Amarillo has done so much for me and I want nothing more than to give back.”

Paul Rodriguez

Paul Rodriguez

Board Member

BUDWEISER DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

Paul is a Sales Manager for Budweiser Distributing Company and has worked with the company for 14 years. Paul is married to his wife; Melissa Warner Rodriguez, and they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys umpiring baseball on the weekends and enjoys playing golf and poker.

Manuel Tovar

Manuel Tovar

Board Member

AFFILIATED FOODS

Manuel Tovar is the Director of Ethnic Marketing at Affiliated Foods Inc., with responsibilities for marketing
programs, brand management and corporate sponsorships. Prior to Joining Affiliated Foods, he worked in
strategic business development and marketing at several companies and served in different staff
positions. Notable is his 11 years with HEB Supermarkets and his 5 years as Localized Manager.
Manuel’s greatest strength is his creativity, drive, and leadership. His most recent project involved a
strategic program to increase the international product lines offered at Affiliated Foods. Manuel is a past
Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters in San Antonio and currently involved in Amarillo’s program. He has also been involved with United Way, YMCA, Church Organizations and many volunteer programs.

Alma Gutierrez

Alma Gutierrez

Board Member

TYSON FOODS

Alma is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in customer service and a proven track record in recruiting, business processes, and relationship building. Fluent in Spanish, she brings a strong background in human resources, office management, and talent acquisition to her role.

Born and raised in Pampa, TX, Alma has spent the last 16 years in Amarillo, TX, where she lives with her two children. Her deep commitment to community service is inspired by her children, who motivate her to stay actively engaged in making a difference. Alma has successfully volunteered with the Youth Cabinet to guide youth in community outreach, achieving significant fund-raising milestones and instilling philanthropic values in the next generation.

As the Community Liaison for Tyson Foods, Alma finds fulfillment in her work by connecting with people and spearheading initiatives that uplift her community. Alma has worn many hats within the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, starting as a Loan Executive in 2018 and now serving as the Executive Campaign Coordinator for Tyson Foods.

 

Mirna Corral

Mirna Corral

BOARD MEMBER

FIRST COMMUNITY MORTGAGE

Mirna was born in Grand Island Nebraska and was raised in Cactus, Texas. She graduated from Dumas High School in 2002 and move to the big city of Amarillo, Texas. She has been residing in Amarillo, Texas for 21 years and serving the community. She began her retail banking career in 2005 and her mortgage career in 2011. She is heavily involved in helping the community with their mortgage financing needs. She has been married to Martin Hernandez for 15 years, and they have one son, Abrian.

 

Damion Williams

Damion Williams

BOARD MEMBER

REED BEVERAGE

Damion Williams was born and raised in Amarillo, TX. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 28 years, and together they have three children and are soon to welcome the first grandchild. With 19 years of dedicated service at Reed Beverage, Damion has excelled in multiple leadership roles and currently serves as President of Operations. His extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and commitment to operational excellence continue to play a vital role in the company’s success and growth.

In addition to his professional achievements, Damion is deeply involved in the Amarillo community. He gives back through his special events with Reed Beverage, is an active member of Ambucs-Amarillo, Palo Duro Chapter, and serves on the board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to service reflects both his personal values and his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

 

Priciliano Ruelas

Priciliano Ruelas

BOARD MEMBER

CODY LONG ALL-STATE AGENCY

Priciliano was born and raised in Fresno, California, and proudly carry the cultural heritage of Guadalajara and Michoacán, where his parents are from. His roots run deep in both American and Mexican traditions—something that has shaped not only his dentity, but also his approach to life and business.

As a licensed insurance agent, he is deeply committed to serving and empowering the Hispanic community. He understands firsthand the challenges many families face when it comes to navigating financial protection and planning for the future. That’s why he has made it his mission to provide trusted guidance, accessible information, and personalized insurance solutions that truly meet the needs of the community.

Outside his professional life, he is passionate about personal growth and well-being. He is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, and he enjoys spending time in the kitchen, exploring healthy, flavorful cooking rooted in his cultural traditions. These interests keep him grounded, focused, and motivated to be his best—both personally and professionally.

 

Steve Garcia

Steve Garcia

BOARD MEMBER

CALICO COUNTY

With a remarkable 29 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, Steve is fervently dedicated to fostering innovation and progress within the community. His professional journey includes influential roles as a Partner at Calico, District Manager at Popeyes, and President of the PTRA. He has successfully inaugurated 12 restaurants and revived the reputation of multiple establishments.

 

Valeria Bocanegra

Valeria Bocanegra

BOARD MEMBER

ATTORNEY DEAN BOYD, PLLC

Valeria was born and raised in Amarillo. She graduated from Amarillo College with an Associate’s in Business Administration and is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She plans on continuing her education with the goal of attending law school.

She is a first generation Hispanic college student and understand how overwhelming it can be when our community is unaware of available resources, especially when language barriers make communication difficult. She looks forward to serving her community and bringing awareness of programs and opportunities that allow us all to grow and succeed together.

 

Gustavo Torres

Gustavo Torres

BOARD MEMBER

LORIN HORNER REALTY GROUP

A real estate agent serving the Amarillo, Texas community. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, and his lifelong connection to this region drives his commitment to helping local families and individuals achieve their real estate goals.

In his work, he focuses on integrity, hard work, and truly understanding the needs of the people he serves. He believes every client deserves clarity, respect, and trust—especially within the Hispanic community. His goal is to empower Hispanic families with the knowledge and support they need to make confident real estate decisions.

He strives to expand his service to the Hispanic community in Amarillo. He wants to contribute to economic growth, support local Hispanic businesses, and help create opportunities that lift the entire community. With my lifelong ties to the Amarillo area and his passion for serving others, he looks forward to collaborating with fellow leaders to help build a strong, thriving, and inclusive future for Amarillo.

Mayra Hernandez

Mayra Hernandez

BOARD MEMBER

ACFCU

A community-focused leader with more than a decade of experience in financial services, administration, and human resources. She is passionate about helping others grow and succeed. Her career has been built on collaboration, service, and creating opportunities that make a lasting difference.

Throughout her time with ACFCU, she has focused on empowering employees and members through education, professional development, and leadership growth. These experiences have shown me the power of connection—how representation, mentorship, and access to resources can transform lives and strengthen our community.

Being Hispanic herself, she takes great pride in giving back and helping expand opportunities for all communities. She believes growth happens when we work together, celebrate our culture, and lift one another up.

Proudly serving the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board to help further its mission of promoting economic development, advocacy, and cultural pride. Hispanic community. His goal is to empower Hispanic families with the knowledge and support they need to make confident real estate decisions.

He strives to expand his service to the Hispanic community in Amarillo. He wants to contribute to economic growth, support local Hispanic businesses, and help create opportunities that lift the entire community. With my lifelong ties to the Amarillo area and his passion for serving others, he looks forward to collaborating with fellow leaders to help build a strong, thriving, and inclusive future for Amarillo.