2026 Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are volunteer members who promote and represent the organization in the business community. The primary responsibility of a Chamber Ambassador is to act as a liaison between the chamber and its members, as well as to serve as an advocate for local businesses.
Chamber Ambassadors attend networking events, ribbon cuttings, and other community events to represent the Chamber and its members. They welcome new members, help them get involved in Chamber activities, and make sure they are aware of the benefits of membership. Ambassadors also assist with membership retention efforts by reaching out to existing members and providing them with information about upcoming events and opportunities.
Chamber Ambassadors also serve as mentors to new business owners and entrepreneurs, provide referrals to other Chamber members, and help the Chamber recruit new members. Overall, their role is to support the mission of the Chamber of Commerce and to help promote the success of local businesses.
For more information on taking advantage of this opportunity, call the Chamber at (559) 784-7502 or e-mail info@portervillechamber.org
Socorro Gudino - Ambassador Co-Chair
J.J.M.I. Party Rentals
Blain Smothermon
Burton School District
Blain Smothermon is a dynamic leader and educator with a deep commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. As an influential figure in the Burton School District in Porterville, California, he has dedicated his career to fostering the growth and development of students and athletes alike. With a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and an extensive background in teaching, coaching, and program coordination, Blain is driven by a passion for empowering others through education and athletics.
Blain completed his undergraduate studies at California State University, Fresno, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. His academic journey is marked by distinction, having been named to the Dean's List twice. He furthered his education at National University, where he obtained a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, coupled with a Single Subject Teaching Credential.
Since 2018, Blain has served as a History, GATE, and Leadership Teacher at Burton Middle School. His innovative teaching methods have been instrumental in achieving curriculum goals and fostering a rich learning environment. In addition to his teaching roles, Blain was the Head Track & Field Coach, and Burton Middle School's Athletic Director from 2020-2024 where he inspired and led students to achieve athletic success and rebuilt a successful athletic program
Blain's leadership extends beyond the classroom as he was promoted to District Director of Athletics for Burton School District in 2024 where he has played a pivotal role in preparing budgets, coordinating media and marketing initiatives, and ensuring compliance with athletic policies. His visionary approach has led to the development of significant programs, including youth wrestling and track & field programs, elementary athletics and revolutionary athletic projects and facilities, significantly expanding participation and engagement.
In 2024, Blain also took on the role of Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Coordinator, further demonstrating his commitment to enhancing educational experiences. His efforts in program implementation and stakeholder communication have been critical in driving improvements and maintaining high standards for students and families.
Beyond his roles within the school district, Blain's dedication to community service is evident through his involvement in various organizations. His dedication to service is further evidenced by his involvement with the Parks and Leisure Service Commission and his role as Commissioner, advising on the sustainable development of recreational spaces. He is also the Chair of the Porterville Chamber Ambassadors and serves District 5 on the Tulare County Water Commission. Additionally, he is an alternate member on the Porterville City Charter Review Committee and is part of the Sierra View Medical Patient Advisory Committee. These roles highlight his commitment to improving the quality of life in the Porterville Community. Blain is also an accomplished host and founder of two podcasts, "Quest for Success" and "The Freedom First Podcast," where he shares insights and interviews with experts to inspire listeners and broaden their perspectives.
Throughout his career, Blain has been recognized for his leadership and contributions. He was nominated for the Porterville Chamber “Man of the Year” and received the Burton WOW Award for his exceptional service. His work in education and community service has not only benefited his students and athletes but also left a lasting impact on the community.
Blain Smothermon's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to education, athletics, and community service. In his personal life, Blain enjoys traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, reading, and focusing on health and fitness. His multifaceted approach to leadership continues to inspire and empower others, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
Gabino Rojas
Beneficial State Bank
Gabino Rojas is a Dealer Relationship Manager with Beneficial State Bank and a proud lifelong resident of Porterville. Born and raised in Porterville and Terra Bella, he carries a deep appreciation for the community that shaped him. Being part of something that supports local businesses and strengthens the community is especially meaningful to him.
With nearly 14 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Gabino has developed strong skills in relationship‑building, customer service, and community engagement. His work has allowed him to help people from all walks of life, and his ability to speak both English and Spanish has enabled him to connect with and support a wide range of families throughout the region.
Gabino has spent years volunteering at local events, including festivals, fundraisers, school activities, youth sports, and community clean‑up days. His hands‑on involvement has included organizing volunteers, assisting with event setup, welcoming guests, and offering bilingual support to Spanish‑speaking families. His commitment to service reflects his belief in giving back and uplifting the place he calls home.
Driven by a passion for connection and community, Gabino is eager to serve as a Chamber Ambassador. He is dedicated to supporting local businesses, building relationships with community leaders, and representing Porterville with pride. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and positive attitude, he brings an approachable, community‑minded presence to every role he takes on.
Jaime Gomez
For the Kids Global Corporation
Jaime Gomez is the Vice President of For the Kidz Global Corporation and the heart behind For the Kids Global, a local nonprofit based in Terra Bella dedicated to bringing the community together through free, family‑focused events in both Terra Bella and Porterville.
Before stepping into the nonprofit world, Jaime built his roots as a local business owner, running both a burger business and a tree nursery. His entrepreneurial background shaped his passion for service, community connection, and creating spaces where families can come together.
Today, Jaime’s mission is simple but powerful: continue creating positive change. Through For the Kids Global, he works to uplift the community, inspire unity, and provide meaningful experiences for children and families. His goal for the future is to keep doing exactly what he’s doing now—showing up, giving back, and making a difference one event at a time.
Jordan Mades
Valley Strong Credit Union
Jordan brings more than 10 years of banking experience to the Porterville Chamber ambassador team, along with a strong passion for helping individuals and families achieve financial success. Throughout a decade in the financial industry, Jordan has focused on building meaningful relationships, providing exceptional service, and empowering people with the knowledge and resources needed to reach their financial goals.
Known for an outgoing personality and warm, welcoming spirit, Jordan genuinely enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life. Every interaction is viewed as an opportunity to make a positive impact—whether assisting someone with their financial needs, offering guidance, or simply creating a friendly and supportive experience.
Jordan is also deeply committed to community growth and involvement. For the past year and a half, Jordan has proudly volunteered through Valley Strong Credit Union, participating in outreach efforts and supporting initiatives that strengthen and uplift local neighborhoods. These experiences have reinforced a strong belief that financial institutions play an important role in helping communities thrive.
By combining banking expertise, a passion for service, and dedication to community involvement, Jordan strives to make a meaningful difference for individuals, families, and local organizations. The Chamber is proud to have Jordan serving as an ambassador and contributing to the continued success of the Porterville community.
Maria Macias
Tulare Federal Credit Union
With a decade of dedicated service at Tulare County Federal Credit Union, Maria Macias has spent the past three years proudly leading the Porterville branch. Her passion is simple and unwavering: to support the financial well‑being of every individual and family who walks through the door.
Maria believes in building strong relationships, empowering members with knowledge, and ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the tools they need to thrive financially. Her leadership is rooted in trust, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping Porterville grow stronger together.
Marina Chavez
Valley Adult Day Services
A lifelong Porterville local, Marina brings a powerful blend of education, nonprofit leadership, and heart to everything she does. After graduating from Monache High School, she went on to earn degrees from Porterville College, Humboldt State, and a Master of Public Administration from CSU Northridge. Her career spans impactful roles in social services, mental health support, housing programs, and community wellness.
Today, Marina serves as the Executive Director of Valley Adult Day Services, where she leads innovative programs that support both participants and their caregivers. She’s known for thinking creatively—whether strengthening case management systems or organizing youth‑focused, drug‑ and alcohol‑free music events that give local teens a safe place to connect.
Her commitment extends far beyond her day job. Marina serves as Board President of the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance, sits on the Trinity Lutheran Church Council, and supports community transportation through SM Transit. At home, she’s a devoted spouse, mom, animal lover, and Resource Parent for teen boys.
Marina’s passion for service, mentorship, and community connection makes her an incredible asset to Porterville—and a standout Ambassador.
Marla Moreno
River Walk Care Center
Compassion and connection are at the heart of everything I do. As a Community Liaison in skilled nursing, I’m passionate about helping others feel seen, heard, and supported — not just as patients, but as people. I believe kindness, patience, and empathy are the most powerful tools we have. I’m always learning, always growing, and always striving to lead with heart.
Norma Ambriz
CSET
A lifelong resident of Tulare County, Norma has always believed in the power of education, hard work, and community. As a young adult, she moved to San Francisco to complete vocational training in accounting before returning home to earn her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Porterville College.
Norma is deeply rooted in service. She volunteers with the Tulare Chamber by providing mock interviews for Tulare High School students, and she has helped organize fundraisers for her children’s school events . Giving back has always been a natural part of who she is.
Today, as a mother of five and a Business Resource Specialist with CSET’s NextStep program, Norma works closely with local businesses and job seekers—helping participants secure permanent employment and move toward long‑term self‑sufficiency.
When asked why she wanted to join the Ambassador Program, Norma shared that she loves connecting with people and supporting the growth of the local business community. She hopes to build strong relationships, gain deeper knowledge of the community, and contribute to Chamber events and initiatives. She brings a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to helping promote and strengthen businesses in Porterville .
We’re excited to welcome Norma to the Porterville Chamber Ambassador Team and grateful for the heart, service, and dedication she brings to our community.
Rhonda Harvey
Antlers of Hope Incorporated
Rhonda Harvey, Owner of Antlers of Hope in Springville — a woman whose leadership is rooted in service, resilience, and a deep love for her community.
Born in the Central Valley, Rhonda’s journey took her from the coast to Taft, Grass Valley, and ultimately back home in 1990 — the place where she says God revealed her calling. She’s a proud mom to three daughters, a son by marriage, and grandmother to eight, who remain the heart of everything she does.
Rhonda has been an entrepreneur since she was 17, but her true passion has always been giving back. Over the years, she’s poured her time and heart into organizations including Porterville Relay for Life, the Porterville Chamber of Commerce, Zonta, the Porterville Elks Lodge, Helping One Woman (HOW), and the Springville Chamber, where she now serves on the Board. In 2025, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Porterville Chamber, and her business, Antlers of Hope Incorporated, was voted Best New Business.
In 2022, Rhonda founded Helping One Person Everywhere (HOPE), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community members in need. Two years later, she and her husband purchased the historic Antlers bar and transformed it into Antlers of Hope, a bar and grill that now serves as a permanent home for the nonprofit — blending legacy, purpose, and community connection.
Her leadership also extends to meaningful partnerships, including working with the Tule River Reservation to return a native artifact to its rightful home. In its place, the Tribe gifted a beautiful sequoia tree, symbolizing growth, respect, and renewal.
Richard Eckhoff
Sierra Trophies
I was born in my mother’s hometown of Manchester, N.H. in October 1945, where my paternal grandfather, Gustave Philippy, a former wheelwright and Alpinist, was the owner of Manchester Truck Body. We moved to Orange, California in July 1946, where we lived with my paternal grandparents on their ranch on Eckhoff Street. In mid-1948, we moved to the Porterville area on Old Stage Road and I have lived in this area ever since.
I joined the Porterville Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 1985 when I opened Alexander’s Trailhead, an outdoor adventure store, which eventually included camping, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, archery, Boy Scout and Girl Scout supplies and in-line skating. I have a photo of myself “snow” skiing on the ocean floor, proving that “From mountain peak to ocean floor, we’re your outdoor adventure store.” I am also a certified scuba instructor. (“You must be an instructor. Noone else would DARE wear a lime-green and yum-yum yellow wetsuit.”) I have been a Chamber member ever since, except for about one year after closing Alexander’s.
I rejoined as an individual in early 1994 while working as an insurance salesman for AAA, and continued my membership through Walter Clark Insurance, and KTIP Radio, eventually returning to a business membership when I purchased Sierra Trophies in 1998. My favorite jobs were creating custom plaques in the shape of LP’s, (Chuck Negron, Paul Williams, Peter Tork), a microphone, (Mike Doughty), a drum, (Dallas Taylor), a baseball, (Jim Maloney), a book, (Anna David), a person’s business logo, (Tim Ryan), and a machete for Danny Trejo. I was elected to the Board in 1998 and became an ambassador around 1995 and, and have been one ever since.
Being a Chamber member means being there for my fellow business owners as well as the community. As an ambassador I am one of the most visible and available members of the Chamber; one of the first Chamber members a new business owner will meet.
I also stay busy outside of my business and the Chamber. I started out as president of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of our youth group. I have served as Chairman of Main Street Porterville; stage manager, then producer/director of the Porterville Spectacular since 1985; chair of the Tulare County redistricting committee in 2011; and formed the Monache High choir parents auxiliary. I am a life member of the Barn Theater, (once appeared on stage with Ned Beatty). I was a member of the Mineral Kings Barbershop Chorus, and Director of the Porterville Sierra Melodies Sweet Adeline chorus and the Visalia Sweet Adeline chorus. I’m currently having a ball learning all the things I can do with my CNC machine.
Ruben Soto
Galaxy Theatres Porterville
I’ve been proud to call the Central Valley home for over 30 years. After graduating from Tulare Western High School, I began working at Galaxy Theatres, where I continue to enjoy creating memorable experiences and bringing smiles to every guest who walks through our doors. I’m also a proud parent, which makes me even more excited to be involved in the Porterville Chamber of Commerce and contribute to our community’s future.
Stephanie Ramos
Anytime Fitness
With a strong commitment to customer service and team development, she ensures her club operates smoothly while fostering an environment where people of all fitness levels can thrive. Stephanie values building relationships both inside the gym and throughout the community, and she enjoys partnering with local organizations to promote health, engagement, and growth.
Susan Duran
PSW
Susan has been a valued member of PSW for over 17 years, serving in several different capacities along the way. In each role, she has played an intricate part in helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Susan currently manages the Social Recreation Program for PSW, supervising a team of three and group of over 60 individuals, immersing them into our community. When not serving as a Program Supervisor, she proudly claims her favorite title of Grandma Sue, spending quality time with her six grandbabies. Susan’s goals are to continue to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve a more independent and productive life. Her long-term goals are to leave a lasting mark on PSW and those she has served in her tenure.
David Searcy
Misty Searcy Insurance - Horace Mann
Porterville has always felt like home for me. My grandfather founded Searcy Insurance here more than 30 years ago, and growing up around the family business taught me early on the importance of relationships, trust, and serving your community. After spending several years building businesses of my own, I’m grateful to be back in Porterville with my wife, Misty, where we now own the local Horace Mann Insurance office.
As a Chamber Ambassador, I’m committed to honoring the traditions that make Porterville special while bringing fresh energy and new ideas to support our business community. I’m passionate about encouraging the next generation to get involved, give back, and help shape the future of our hometown
Juan Carlos-Moran
Vacomm
With over 15 years of experience in sales, customer service, and community support, I am passionate about helping people and strengthening the communities I serve. Throughout my career, I've enjoyed building relationships with local residents and businesses alike, providing solutions that make a positive impact, and supporting local economic growth. Although I'm new to the Tulare County area, I'm excited to become an active part of the community. I look forward to learning as much as I can and helping support the residents and businesses of Terra Bella, Ducor, Porterville, and the surrounding communities. I believe that strong local businesses create strong communities, and I'm committed to doing my part to help them grow and succeed.
Roger Perez
Porterville College
Roger Perez brings over 30 years of marketing, media, and storytelling experience to the Porterville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team. As the Director of Communications and Community Relations at Porterville College, Roger has dedicated the last 8 years of his career to amplifying the voices, achievements, and impact of the local community. His extensive background spans leadership roles across higher education, public service, broadcast media, and local cultural institutions.
A dedicated mentor and community advocate, Roger is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as an Ambassador. He is excited to champion local business growth and share the incredible stories, initiatives, and milestones happening throughout Porterville.
Michelle Miller-Galaz
Porterville College
Michelle Miller-Galaz is a higher education leader who is passionate about serving Porterville and strengthening connections throughout the community. As a Porterville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, she looks forward to welcoming local businesses, sharing community resources, and supporting events that bring people together. She is committed to listening, learning, and helping businesses and residents discover new opportunities to thrive. Michelle brings an approachable spirit, a collaborative perspective, and a genuine desire to give back to the community she serves.
Angela Hernandez
CASA of Tulare County
Angela Hernandez serves as the Recruitment Coordinator for CASA of Tulare County and is one of the newest members of the Porterville Chamber Ambassador Team. She is excited to represent Porterville and immerse herself in the community, bringing her passion for service and connection to the businesses and organizations she supports. Angela looks forward to contributing her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to strengthening local engagement through her role as an ambassador.