The Military Affairs Advisory Council works with Chamber Members, elected officials, topic experts, community leaders, and other organizations to advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for the military community.
Advisory Council Members are responsible for discussing and deciding, by vote, the official position and activities carried out by the Chamber regarding policies that affect the military community in San Diego.
Our advocacy focus includes but is not limited to the following issues affecting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families in San Diego County:
- Housing
- Jobs
- Taxes
- Unethical practices that impact active-duty service members and veterans
The Advisory Council also facilitates Operation Connect, a San Diego North Educational Foundation program, educating and connecting veterans to businesses within the Chamber and the community to assist their transition to civilian life.
For more information about how to get involved with the Military Affairs Advisory Council, contact Sophia Hernandez.
Please click a meeting date on the right to register. Registration is required.
All Chamber Members and their employees are invited to join the meetings and participate in the discussion.
Meeting Dates
Advisory Council Co-Chairs
Lisa Marcolongo
Media Relations & Veterans Specialist
The Elizabeth Hospice
Chris Thorne
HR Consultant and SHRM Re-Certification Provider
Chris Thorne Consulting
Advisory Council Members
Tina Atherall
CEO
PsychArmor Institute
Mark Balmert
Executive Director
San Diego Military Advisory Council
Mechelle Barr
Account Specialist
University of Phoenix
Andrew Blume
CEO
ALECTRONICS Research Center International
Tim Brison
Retired
Terral Christopher
Systems Operator/Safety Coordinator
UC San Diego Health
Ross Colt
Medical Director
Gary and Mary West PACE
Chip Dykes
Director, Community Development
Frontwave Credit Union
Garry Garretson
Community Supporter
Marilyn Huerta
Public Affairs Communication Specialist II
California State University San Marcos
Joey Jerome
Director of Military Relations and Program Enhancement
Armed Services YMCA, San Diego
Carrie Johnson
Technical Learning Architect
ASML
Phil Kendro
Vice President
Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association
Maggie Meza
San Diego Chapter Director
Blue Star Families
LJ Pocsi
Account Manager
Sony Electronics
Diana Ramirez
Director of Community Relations
Reborn Cabinets
Amy Richards
Program Manager
Vets' Community Connections
Dina Soliman
Dean of Campuses
DeVry University
Tanya Upton
Talent Acquisitions Manager
Viasat, Inc.
Janis Whitaker
Executive Director
VetCTAP
Stephanie Whittenberg
Government Loan Center Operations Manager
Residential Wholesale Mortgage, Inc.
Beth Woloszyn
Insights Manager for Print Hardware Systems
HP, Inc.
Todd Yates
Transition Specialist
Hire Heroes USA
Disclaimer: Portions of this program may be filmed and/or photographed. By attending, you consent to its unrestricted use, as deemed appropriate by North San Diego Business Chamber. Click here to see our complete Notice of Filming and Photography.