Rick Miranda, President & CEO
Rick Miranda has been in involved in Businesses in New York for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Pace University (specializing in Marketing and Information Technology). Rick founded a non-profit organization in Chelsea, back in 1975, named Chelsea Brotherhood in Action (services for youth and senior citizens) with the assistance of the local 10th Police Precinct. In 1978, Rick and the organization were recognized by then Mayor Ed Koch, for their “Superior Services” to the community. Rick was President for over 7 years. Rick went on to teach “Business” at the New York Business School for over 12 years (1982-1991). During his career, Rick, also served as an advocate for many individuals in Housing and Civil Courts (winning 98% of his cases). He also served as “Chief Ambassador of Good Will” for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, Inc., a position he held for over 5 years. Rick brings to the Chamber, a long history of service to the City of New York, a litany of contacts and his desire and commitment to widen the arena for economic business opportunities for Hispanics and other ethnicities in the borough of Brooklyn and New York State. Today, Rick not only leads the Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce but sits on several boards as well as: Co-Chair “Northeast Region Leadership Council” for the United Sates Hispanic Chamber of Commerce representing Region V (approximately 14 states from Maine to Virginia which encompasses 34 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce), Board Member for “Voices In Power NY” in Brooklyn, Member of the “Latino Leadership Task Force” for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office, Member of the “Community Advisory Council” for St. Joseph’s College, Member of Boricua College’s “Human Services Advisory Board”, Member of the U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand’s Business Focus Group, and Member of the Hispanic Alliance for Free Trade and the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
PETER MALERBA, DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS AND SERGEANT AT ARMS
Arpino (Peter) Malerba, has been involved in numerous non-profit, humanitarian, and mentoring efforts since the 1980’s. Some of his highlights are: Citation from New York State Assembly for Citizenship in “Crime Prevention”, UN Peace Council in Southern Mexico, “Earth First” National Advocate, and Initiated “Soup Kitchens” in the San Francisco, Bay Area, Just to name a few. Peter, who has been educated in many fine schools throughout his cross country travels comes to the Chamber adding his superior entrepreneurial skills as an Electrician as President/CEO of “Malerba Electrical” a company he pioneered over 15 years ago. Today, “Malerba Electric” serves the Tri-State Area and his vast National Network and experience in establishing funding management is an invaluable asset to the Chamber. Peter’s main position on our board depicts his commitment to serving the business community by also assuming the position of Director of Logistics and Sergeant at Arms.
PATRICIA RUIZ, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE OUTREACH
Patricia Ruiz serves as President of the Boricua Festival Committee – “Salsa at the Waterfront” since 2001. Created to promote social interaction throughout Brooklyn’s Latino communities, the Boricua Festival is a day-long event held every summer. Pat also maintains professional and civic affiliations with many organizations. Pat is a member of the boards of Brooklyn’s Community Board 7, Marien-Heim Senior Housing, The Margarita’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Support Group and The Carroll Gardens Association. Pat has received many awards in her career. Most recently as one of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’ 2011 Latino Heritage Award recipient; named one of Brooklyn’s Extraordinary Women for 2008, representing Sunset Park by Kings County District Attorney, Charles J. Hynes; the 2007 Cultural Advocate Award from the Sunset Park Lions Club; the 2006 Hispanic Heritage Award from The Honorable Martin J. Golden, NYS Senator; The 2006 Hispanic Leadership Award from the Kings County District Attorney, Charles J. Hynes, and The New York City Council Delegation Pace Setter Award in 2006. Pat is currently employed by the Office of the Kings County District Attorney as the Special Assistant for Community Events.
JUAN CARLOS POCASANGRE, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
A native of Guatemala, Juan Carlos Pocasangre relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1988 where he has resided for the last 23 years. Juan Carlos has a Bachelor Degree in General Business from Excelsior College, an “Executive MBA” Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Organizational Management, from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. He is currently employed with Flushing Bank as a Business Specialist primarily focusing on public relations, business networking, and providing Banking services within the community. As a Board member of the Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Juan Carlos is committed to improving economic business opportunities and supporting the Mission of the Chamber. Juan Carlos has been very active in the community where he frequently volunteers, supports and participates in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic related events. In addition, he is a Board member and one of the founders of Comité Independencia Centro América, Inc. (C.I.C.A.), is the current President of Guatemaltecos En Nueva York, Inc. (G.E.N.Y.), a Board member of the Comité del Desfile de la Hispanidad, and has mentored others by teaching workshops and seminars on business strategies, financing, and business start-up programs for new business owners.
GLORIA P. RODRIGUEZ-NOVOA, DIRECTOR OF GRANTS FUNDING
Gloria Rodriguez became BHCC’s Grants Fund Director in 2010. She comes to BHCC with a wealth of experience in affordable housing and community development lending. She is the Director of Itzamna Medical Center, where she develops local initiatives. Most recently, she was Director of Sales and Management for Hevia R.E. Multifamily buildings. Prior to that, she had a long tenure as Vice President with Chase Home Finance where she managed community development lending and product development. Gloria began her career as a Sunset Park Lions International Club volunteer and then full time employee/founder of Dinero Mortgage and Funding. Gloria Rodriguez holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Certificate in Six Sigma from Villanova University.
ALEXANDER PAZ, DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT & VETERAN AFFAIRS
W. Alexander Pas has worked in the government civil service and in the private sector. His career started in the service of the United States Marine Corp. Upon leaving the Marines with an Honorable Discharge and a Certificate of Commendation for his assignment he worked on Wall Street for a prestigious Stock Brokerage Firm. Afterwards, Mr. Pas ventured into becoming a business owner of a photo retail shop, as he has experience as a Professional 35mm Photographer. However, his passion as a Veteran lured him to spend some time as a Job and Career Developer assisting unemployed Veterans find jobs and placing them with employers. Mr. Pas has also served for the Department of Homeless Services of New York City. Currently, Mr. Pas is a full-time self-employed businessman. He owns and operates three businesses. His main business is as a NYS Licensed Realtor-Investor, involved in all aspects of Real Estate. His next business is Marketing Associate and Client of Prepaid Legal Services to both individual and businesses. His third business, is Got Talent?, a photography and Video Production for promoting clients such as models, actors, musicians and business clients. Furthermore, Mr. Pas is a 40 year Advocate of Veterans, Disabled and Homeless housing clients, a Former Coordinator of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs – Taxi/Limo Program, and is an Officer and Member of the Vietnam Veteran of America, Marine Corp League and the NYC Police Marines Association.
