About IEGO

IEGO is a collaborative organization dedicated to fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and promoting opportunity across Southern California’s Inland Empire. As a nonprofit initiative, IEGO brings together community-based organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to address the region’s most pressing economic challenges and capitalize on the Inland Empire’s vast potential.

Through partnerships, strategic initiatives, advocacy efforts, and capacity-building programs, IEGO advances workforce development, business expansion, infrastructure investment, and community revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, IEGO can help to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

IEGO’s approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the unique strengths and needs of the Inland Empire. In this way, IEGO empowers individuals and organizations to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents across the region.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of IEGO is to improve and enhance the regional economy and quality of life for all Inland Empire residents and businesses by forming key partnerships and developing and implementing focused, inclusive economic development strategies, programs, and services that improve job opportunities, higher wages, workforce development and enhance the delivery of public and private resources to the region.

OUR VISION

IEGO’s vision is to become Southern California’s premier regional economic development non-profit within 2 years. Within 5 years, IEGO will grow to be one of the top private non-profit economic development organizations, which will effectively compete with similar regional organizations in neighboring states. In 8 years, IEGO’s goal will be to transform the regional economy to one with high-paying secure jobs, a higher quality of life, and a thriving entrepreneurial sector, resulting in shared prosperity for all residents and businesses.

Meet Our Board

Karen Suarez

Vice President
Uplift San Bernardino

Kimberly Wright

Economic Development Manager Riverside County Office of Economic Development.

Ryan Niesen

Economic Development Manager
San Bernardino County

Ron Loveridge

Associate Professor – UC Riverside
Former Riverside Mayor & Councilmember

Tomas Gomez-Arias

Dean College of Business &
Public Administration
CSU San Bernardino

Dr. Debra Mustain

Executive Director
Economic Development & Entrepreneurship
Riverside Community College

Bill Blankenship

CEO
Riverside County Building
Industry Association

R. Michelle Decker

President and CEO
Inland Empire Community Foundation

Meet Our Team

Matthew Mena

Executive Director

Suzanna Sotelo

Career Education and Training Coordinator

Kevin Palmer

Senior Advisor

Kelby Sarti

Director of Inclusive Economic Development

Elizabeth Anderson Headshot

Elizabeth Anderson

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Chris Castorena

Partnership Development Manager

Alenny Cadag

Director of Administrative Services

Christy Tran

Industry Engagement Manager

Elena Reyes Martinez

Executive Administrative Assistant

Center of Excellence

Andy Hall

COE Project Manager

Josh Shapiro

COE Economist

Shannon Moran

Director of COE

Reg Javier

Business Engagement Specialist

Tom Kavanagh

Business Engagement Specialist

John Casella

Business Engagement Specialist