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Staff
Staff
Leslay Choy
Executive Director
Leslay Choy is a strategic corporate governance professional with a healthcare emphasis who is vested in the stabilization, diversification, and development of local economies. Before stepping into the role of General Manager at the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, Leslay was Associate Director of Corporate Consulting at the Heroic Imagination Project, a San Francisco-based nonprofit creating learning programs, where she developed strategy, products, and services. Prior, she worked at Nygren Consulting, a firm which partners with boards and executive teams of corporations, nonprofits and private foundations to develop strategy and policy, conduct performance assessments, and guide leadership succession planning. Previously, Leslay held various project management and staff roles in at a private investment bank, a retained executive search firm, and Kaiser Permanente. Leslay received a Master’s in International Relations from the Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve, thanks to a Rotary International Scholarship. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and French with a minor in Spanish from California State University, Chico. A California native, Leslay lives in El Cerrito with her family.
Bradley Ward
Controller
A Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of experience, Bradley Ward is the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation Controller. He is responsible for overseeing financial controls for the SPEDC and providing financial oversight of the organization’s new markets tax credit projects, like the Helms Community Center. Previously, Bradley was the City of San Pablo’s Director of Finance. Under his leadership, the City of San Pablo received the Government Officers Finance Association Award for Excellence in financial reporting for 17 consecutive years. He received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, he serves as Treasurer for the San Pablo Rotary Club and is highly involved in community service programs.
Owen Hershey
Workforce Program Coordinator
Owen Hershey joined the San Pablo EDC is its Workforce Program Coordinator. Owen is an accomplished career services program manager and counselor with fifteen years of experience engaging workforce in seeking employment and training. He offers five years of successful experience managing a One-Stop Career Center, including program design, staff supervision, budget management, outcomes tracking, partnership development, and grant monitoring. He excels in meeting the employment and training needs of disadvantaged and underrepresented populations, including ex-offenders, homeless, dislocated and underemployed individuals, and transitional aged youth. Owen is a credentialed Global Career Development (GCDF) Facilitator and Instructor, and is fluent in Spanish. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree in History from UC Santa Cruz. Owen is a West County resident and vested in seeing its residents thrive.
Iracema Camargo
Operations Performance Manager & Financial Coach
Iracema Camargo, a seasoned financial professional and entrepreneur, is a Workforce Program Coordinator and certified financial coach at San Pablo EDC. She provides career navigation, case management and financial empowerment to underestimated community members. Her experience at a “big four” accounting firm has honed her critical thinking skills and optimized her time management, which she applies to helping those she serves change their lives. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Haas School of Business, Berkeley, CA. Iracema enjoys spending time with her family and her favorite activities include reading, cooking, weightlifting, and decorating.
Aurora Betancourt
Business and Housing Program Manager
With over 12 years of experience in finance, including 7 years specializing in residential finance and real estate. She leverages her strong financial background to equip her clients with the tools necessary to comprehend the financial implications of home ownership. Along with her real estate experience, she has worked with a diverse range of businesses and individuals in the greater San Francisco Bay Area from seasoned businesses to startups providing business planning and resources for those seeking to grow or start their businesses.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and later completed her Trans-Global Executive MBA from St. Mary’s College of California. Has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 26 years and enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants and traveling.
Mellissa Ranese
Business & Housing Associate
Mellissa Ranese joins San Pablo EDC as its Business and Housing Associate. A bilingual Spanish/English native of the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a dedicated advocate for financial empowerment. With over a decade of experience in the mortgage and real estate industries, she brings valuable expertise and personalized support. Ms. Ranese plays an integral part in assisting aspiring homeowners achieve their homeownership goals and existing San Pablo homeowners address deferred maintenance.
Prior to joining the San Pablo EDC, Ms. Ranese established a successful career in real estate, where she developed a deep passion for helping others and building generational wealth. She remains actively involved in initiatives that promote small business development and economic growth within the region. Ms. Ranese holds a degree in Business Management from Southern New Hampshire University. She is an avid reader, chef and baker who enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Marco Sandoval
Business Development Analyst
Marco Sandoval loves to share his knowledge and wisdom ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds have the tools and resources to achieve their financial goals. As the Small Business Program Coordinator, Marco works closely with our underserved business community at San Pablo EDC. Raised in Richmond,California, Marco Sandoval holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from the University of California, San Diego. Before his career at San Pablo EDC, Marco worked as a portfolio management analyst at Hall Capital Partners. Marco enjoys to coach soccer on his free time, train his Belgian malinois dog, and research startup companies.
Jasmine Gonzalez
Workforce Intake Coordinator
Jasmine Gonzalez Jasmine serves as the Workforce Intake Coordinator at the San Pablo EDC, where she is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. A bilingual Spanish/English professional, she has a strong commitment to equity and access, leading initiatives that connect job seekers to training programs, resources, and meaningful career opportunities. Drawing on her background in education, Jasmine is especially passionate about supporting youth in her community and inspiring them to pursue their passions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University. Outside of her professional work, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog.
Saeid Babay Hosseini
Program Analyst
Saeid serves as the Program Analyst at the San Pablo EDC, supporting daily operations, data management, property oversight, and board coordination. With experience in administrative and analytical roles, he focuses on keeping projects organized and running smoothly to help the EDC serve the community effectively. Outside of work, Saeid enjoys outdoor activites.