Big Congratulations to Our 2025 Person of the Year: Susan Pallotta-Davis!

We are so excited to celebrate Susan Pallotta-Davis as the Carmichael Chamber’s 2025 Person of the Year!

Susan has been a proud member of the Carmichael community for many years. After finishing school, she spent 30 years in the telecommunications industry, retiring from AT&T in 2018. Shortly after, she married Allan Davis, owner of the Milagro Centre, and together they’ve worked as an amazing team to make it a vibrant and beloved part of Carmichael.

Family is at the heart of everything Susan does. She’s a mom to four wonderful kids, a proud grandmother to ten, and loves spending time with her family, friends, and their two adorable French Bulldogs. When she's not with them, you can find her golfing or enjoying vacations with her husband.

Susan also gives back in big ways! She volunteers with several nonprofit organizations in Carmichael, Sacramento, and beyond, always looking for ways to make a difference.

Please join us in celebrating Susan and thanking her for everything she does to make Carmichael such a wonderful community!

Scott purchased Tim’s Music from his good friend Tim Lawrence in 2005. He expanded it from a standard combo music store to include repairs, lessons, and more band and orchestra oriented instrument sales and rentals. He also expanded services to include road services and educational programs at local schools, bringing the business in line with his vision: to promote wellness in society through music education and performance.

“Whether we’re turning screws and straightening bent keys or selling students the correct accessories for their journey, positively influencing people is really where my passions lie.”

He has played the euphonium for over 50 years.

With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Christina DeCelle has built a diverse portfolio of businesses, starting in the restaurant industry, expanding into bars, and now thriving in retail. As the owner of nine businesses, she thrives on the daily challenges and excitement that come with running multiple ventures. A true serial entrepreneur, she is passionate about investing not only in businesses but also in real estate, constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Beyond business, Christina is a dedicated mother to her eight-year-old daughter, a role she cherishes above all else. Sports have always been a major part of her life she not only plays but also coaches high school girls basketball, mentoring young athletes both on and off the court. Additionally, she is an active member of the Kiwanis charity group, working to raise money for children and support the local community.

Driven by a love for business, investment, and giving back, Christina continues to make an impact in multiple industries while staying deeply connected to family, sports, and philanthropy.

Meet Katie, Asuccessful businesswomen and Veteran who has owned her Farmers Insurance Agency for 26 years. She has followed in her fathers footsteps who started his Farmers Insurance agency in 1961. Katie continues to uphold the family legacy with a dedicated team in a fully staffed office that caters to all of your insurance needs. She would tell you that the last two years in the insurance world have been the challenging in her 26 year career. Challenges don't stop Katie, in fact, when times are tough that's when Katie puts her head down and finds ways to help her customers with all of their cares and concerns. Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Katie has been recognized as Carmichaels Best of Insurance Services for the last 8 consecutive years. In addition Farmers Insurance has recognized Katie with 17 Topper club awards, 4 Championship awards and 2 Leadership awards. Katie is honored to be recognized as this years Trailblazer Business of the Year, showcasing her exceptional leadership and achievements in the industry. Driven by a passion for helping others succeed, Katie embodies resilience, integrity, and innovation in both her personal and professional endeavors. Get to know Katie, the trailblazing entrepreneur making a difference in her community and the world of insurance.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDATION

Although we work closely with the San Juan Unified School district and its schools, we are an independent, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides grants directly to San Juan Unified’s educators. Additionally, the Foundation facilitates a multitude of scholarships programs for graduating seniors across the district. See our portfolio here.

HISTORY

The San Juan Education Foundation has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 1991. Originally focused on reducing student costs related to computer technology, it later broadened its mission to support a wider range of educational needs.

·       1991: Founded as the San Juan Foundation, initially focused on reducing students’ costs related to computer technology.

·       2006: Resurrected with a new focus on science, technology, and the arts (STARS) governed by an all-volunteer board of directors made up of district leadership, alumni, and parents.

·       2007: Renamed as the San Juan Education Foundation.

·       2006: Launched the Direct-to-Teacher Grant Program which has since funded over $800,000 to support innovative educational projects.

·       2009: Hosted its first annual fundraising event, “An Evening with the Stars,” which honors esteemed San Juan Unified alumni.

·       2015: Offered the opportunity to manage its first scholarship program, the Cal Worthington Memorial Scholarship Fund.

·       2021: Hired its first full-time Executive Director to enhance fundraising efforts, manage grant and scholarship programs, and ensure organizational health.

·       2022: Became the beneficiary of the Fair Oaks Chicken Run, marking another milestone in community support.

·       2023: Received its largest contribution ever, totaling $135,000, aimed at advancing arts education within the San Juan Unified community.

Today, the Foundation continues its mission by raising funds to deliver approximately $50,000 annually in grants to teachers and schools. It also manages a portfolio of fourteen scholarship funds, offering financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2,000 to nearly 50 San Juan Unified seniors each May.

Rich Desmond is a 5th generation Sacramento County resident. The youngest of nine kids, Rich was born and raised and currently lives in Carmichael with his wife, Lisa.  

Career: In 1995, Rich joined the California Highway Patrol, spending his first years as a patrol officer in Los Angeles and Sacramento counties before promoting up the ranks. From 2011 to 2014, Rich was the commander of CHP field operations in eastern Sacramento County.

Rich oversaw the CHP’s legislative affairs program from 2014 through 2018. While in this position, he participated in developing and managing the CHP’s budget. He also worked on legislation affecting several areas of public policy, including traffic and public safety, transparency, and law enforcement use of force. Near the end of 2018, he was promoted to CHP Chief and temporarily assigned to the State Assembly as the Chief Sergeant-at-Arms. Rich officially retired from the CHP in 2019 after a 24-year career in public service.

In 2020, Rich was elected to the 3rd District on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. As a former CHP officer, attorney, volunteer, and parent, Rich serves on the Board of Supervisors to give back, help, and serve the community. As a Supervisor, Rich has focused on solving homelessness, economic development, investing in infrastructure, and increasing the services available to District 3 county residents. 

Rich became Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in January 2023. He also serves as the Chair of the Sacramento Transportation Authority, Vice-Chair of the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission, and Vice-Chair of the California State Association of Counties Administration of Justice Committee. Additionally, Rich serves on the Sacramento Homeless Policy Council, National Association of Counties Housing Task Force, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and over a dozen other boards, commissions, and organizations.

Education: Rich graduated from Jesuit High School in 1988 and Santa Clara University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. While working for the CHP, he went to McGeorge School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) before passing the California Bar Exam in 2000.

Community Involvement: Rich became directly involved in Sacramento County issues in 2005 when he participated in developing the Carmichael Community Action Plan. He also served multiple terms as a Commissioner on the Sacramento County Adult and Aging Commission and Carmichael Planning Advisory Council. He is a member of the Carmichael Kiwanis Club and supports several other local organizations like the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Impact Sac.

Family Life: Rich and his wife, Lisa, have five children ranging in age from 15 to 24. They are active community members, frequently spending time on the American River Parkway and in local parks. They volunteer at the annual American River Parkway cleanup and local Special Olympics events and enjoy participating in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry. He spent several years coaching his kids in the Arden Park Soccer Club and Eastern Little League.

Boards and Commissions: Supervisors represent Sacramento County on dozens of association boards and commissions that impact every aspect of our daily lives. Rich is proud to represent District 3 and Sacramento County as a Director/Member of the following boards, commissions, committees, and organizations:

• Sacramento County Board of Supervisors (Chair)
• Sacramento Transportation Authority (Chair)
• Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (Vice-Chair)
• Sacramento Employment and Training Agency
• Sacramento Homeless Policy Council
• Sacramento Criminal Justice Cabinet
• Sacramento Regional Sanitation District
• Sacramento Area Sewer District
• Sacramento Library Board
• Sacramento County/City Homelessness Response “2x4”
• Sacramento Air Quality Management District
• Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency
• Lower American River Conservancy Advisory Board
• Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG)
• SACOG Policy and Innovation Committee
• SACOG Funding Round Work Group
• SACOG Race, Equity and Inclusion Committee
• California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
• CSAC Administration of Justice Steering Committee (Vice-Chair)
• National Association of Counties (NACO)
• NACO Housing Task Force
• NACO Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee
• Urban Counties of California
• Aerospace Museum of California

THE CARMICHAEL SENIORS CLUB HAS A 55 YEAR HISTORY OF SUPPORTING

CARMICHAEL PARK AND RECREATION AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY EFFORTS.

OUR MEMBERSHIP OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MEMBERS HOLDS A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

AS WE OFFER 8 HOURS A MONTH OF CLUB TIME; AND OTHER THURSDAY SESSIONS

OFFERING DINE OUTS THAT SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND EVEN SPONSORING

A CASINO BUS TRIP TO "RED HAWK" CASINO.....WHY 'RED HAWK" YOU ASK; "RED HAWK" IS VERY GENEROUS OFFERING A SHUTTLE TO PICK UP AND RETURN OUR MEMBERS ON A SIX HOUR OUTING.  MANY OF OUR MEMBERS HESITATE TO DRIVE THAT DISTANCE.

IN THE PAST WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO LOCAL RETIREMENT HOMES INVITING 

THEM TO JOIN OUR BUS TRIP OR TO JOIN US IN BINGO OR LUNCHEON.

THEY SEEM TO ENJOY THE CAMARADERIE.

OUR THEME SESSIONS HAVE GATHERED MANY A TASTY POTLUCK AND ON OCCASION

LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT.  WE WELCOME SPEAKERS; BASING INFORMATION ON SAFETY,

SECURITY AND HEALTH ISSUES.

FEBRUARY WE WILL REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY INVITING SENIORS, OVER AGE 50,

TO ATTEND THE "VALENTINE MEMBERSHIP POTLUCK" AT THE CLUB HOUSE.  WE

REQUEST HELP FROM THIS GATHERING IN PROMOTING THIS SPECIAL LUNCHEON

BY INFORMING YOUR CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY HAVE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES 

THAT MIGHT ENJOY A FRIENDLY OUTING THAT CAN OFFER LONG TERM BENEFITS.

THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND OPPORTUNITY IN ALLOWING OUR CLUB TO

SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR SENIORS AND COMMUNITY.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO PERHAPS ANOTHER FIFTY YEARS.

Founded in 1965, Carmichael Beavers’ mission is to grow confidence, champion self-improvement, and create community by teaching kids to swim the four strokes in a friendly, yet competitive atmosphere. We know that swimmers who practice hard, follow our coaches’ instructions, and perform with consistent effort will learn self-discipline, develop a strong work ethic, build self-esteem, and swim stronger and faster at every meet.

Led by a volunteer board of directors, our team focuses on family, fun, and fitness.