Emilio Gaynor

Emilio Gaynor serves as president of the CPLC Global Business LLC and as Director of International Development for Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) where he heads international relations and development efforts. In this role, Emilio has accomplished great success in connecting Mexican businesses with resources to help make them successful in Arizona resulting in millions of dollars in foreign direct investment. He has also led high level business and government missions to Mexico connecting trade, investment, business and philanthropic partners as well as done the reverse, bringing the same types of groups to the United States. Serving the social sector, he has launched efforts of collaboration between non-profit organizations and foundations on both sides of the border. Emilio regularly contributes to Spanish publications in Sonora and Arizona including La Cueva de Los D-backs infield monthly magazine, Frontera Norte and an OpEd piece he prepared, featuring the Hermosillo Sister City relationship, was published in the Arizona Republic/Phoenix Business Journal. He has executed opportunities for the immigrant community to connect with their federal elected officials and support services. He has extensive experience in international relations and development having headed delegations and business efforts in Mexico and Latin America for over 20 years. Emilio worked in the executive branch for two governors as representative of the State of Arizona in Sonora, Mexico and as Executive Director of the Arizona Mexico Commission in the Office of the Governor. He also served as development director for Latin America for an aerospace design firm and a communications services company selling and providing services in Mexico and South America.

Emilio has created programs for non-profits and has managed large-scale public information and outreach programs projects such as Federal Aviation Administration housing relocation program for the city of Phoenix and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Maricopa County. He headed government and community relations for Arizona’s largest Hispanic advertising and promotions firm. Emilio served as general manager for Delaware North, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. He also represented an international mining distribution and service venture that focused on Chile, Peru, and Mexico.

Emilio’s community and civic contributions include serving as Chair of the PSC Business Relations Committee, Chair of the Arizona Diamondbacks Los D-backs Ambassador Council and is a former member and served as Chair of the Phoenix Board of Adjustment. HE also served as Chair of the Phoenix Sister Cities Hermosillo Committee, and has served on the board of the Border Health Foundation and World Affairs Council and the Easter Seals. Emilio was born I Mexico City, has worked in Paraguay, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Chile in addition to having lived in Mexico. Emilio has the fortune of being married to Monica, who is originally from Hermosillo, and has two children, Samantha born in Hermosillo and Arturo born in Phoenix.

Misty Cisneros-Contreras

Misty Cisneros-Contreras is the Customer Service Manager at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She enjoys working with a team to provide the best guest experience for all passengers and maintaining the reputation of being America’s Friendliest Airport. Misty recently celebrated 10 years with the City of Phoenix. During her tenure she has worked in the Street Transportation Department and the International Relations Office with Phoenix Sister Cities. She is a mother of two young daughters, Dolcé (5) and Luna (2) that keep her and her husband, Aaron, very busy. Misty is an Arizona sports enthusiast, enjoys thrifting and being a very involved mother in all of her daughter’s activities.

Melissa Goitia

Melissa Goitia is Director of University Ceremonies and Protocol Officer at Arizona State University and co-founder of the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO).

A native of Tempe, Arizona and a long-time employee of ASU, Melissa has held positions as an academic advisor, program coordinator, development officer and event planner.

In 1999 Melissa and Carol Switzer (1944-2011), co-founded NAACO, a professional association for commencement and graduation professionals from across the United States and Canada. Melissa served as the NAACO Charter President, coordinator of the inaugural conference in 2000 and chair for the 2007 conference.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and is a certified Protocol Officer through the Protocol School of Washington®.

Jack Sestak

Mr. Sestak is an attorney with more than 35 years of experience in the areas of general business and commercial litigation and transactions. He is experienced in corporate, administrative, creditors’ rights, securities (litigation), real estate, employment, professional negligence and environmental matters, with an emphasis on litigation and disputes in these areas. He has appeared extensively before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.

Mr. Sestak has represented small, medium and large companies in all areas of business and business litigation. He has handled general contract disputes, shareholder and partner disputes, commercial litigation and arbitration proceedings. He has represented owners and contractors in disputes and lawsuits involving construction matters, has represented employers in employment litigation and EEOC matters, has litigated cases involving confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, and has represented professionals, including law firms, accounting firms, engineers and architects, in negligence actions.

Professional, Civic and Community Involvement

  • City of Phoenix Commission on the Economy (2001-2004)
  • City of Phoenix 301 Committee (Block Watch Oversight, created by Phoenix City Council (1993-1996)
  • Member, Litigation Section, American Bar Association (1975-present)
  • State Bar of Arizona (1974-present)
  • Member, Trial Practice Section
  • Member, Corporate Banking & Business Section
  • Member, Employment Section
  • Member, Construction Section
  • Member, Maricopa County Bar Association (1997-present)
  • Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1990)

Jacob Heinrich

Jacob Heinrich is an Assurance Senior Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in its Southwest market. He began his career in Detroit, MI followed by a three-year role in the Denver, CO and is currently based in Phoenix. PwC is a professional services firm delivering assurance, tax and consulting services for its clients. It operates as a network of firms across 157 countries with over 272,000 employees.

Jacob currently serves clients within the Technology, Media and Entertainment sector providing financial statement audit services. He has expertise in SEC Reporting, Technical & Financial Accounting, Project Management, and Financial Planning, Analysis & Controls. Additionally, Jacob fosters an environment of inclusiveness along with delivering client value with a focus on empathy. Having served multinational clients and working with audit firms across the world, Jacob has developed a value of cultural immersion and international understanding.

Jacob is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of Arizona Society of CPAs, Michigan Association of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs. He obtained his B.A. from Albion College (MI).

Ralph Marchetta

Ralph Marchetta was promoted to the position of General Manager, Sr. Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Services in August, 2007. As General Manager, Ralph oversees all operations of the US Airways Center. In addition to servicing professional sports teams that include the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Rattlers, Ralph books all events at US Airways Center including working with the NBA, WNBA, and AFL to schedule all regular season and pre season games. Ralph has booked hundreds of concerts including Barbra Streisand, U2, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Ralph has extensive relationships with Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus), World Wrestling Entertainment and many other family show and concert promoters. Ralph has been at US Airways Center since prior to the venue’s opening in 1992.

In managing US Airways Center as a key asset to the community, Ralph works with the leadership of the City of Phoenix, Phoenix City Council and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. In addition, Ralph serves as a board member of the Phoenix Police Department Reserve Foundation, the Phoenix Sister Cities and the Boys and Girls Club.

Ralph graduated from Arizona State University.