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
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
