Chamber Board
Bruce Herwig
President of the Board
Bruce Herwig is a seasoned marketing professional with a passion for leveraging technology to drive business growth. As President of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce, he brings a wealth of experience in public speaking, social media, photography, and public relations. He currently serves as the Marketing Manager for National Sales Programs at Visual Edge IT, where he enhances brand visibility and engagement through strategic communication. Representing Redeemer Fellowship, Bruce brings a unique blend of faith, creativity, and community service to his role with the Chamber.
Bob Stewart
Vice Pres.and Secretary
Mr. Stewart is with United Property Management. It is a local company that fits renters with local owners of homes and apartments, and provides full management and maintenance of the properties for the owners. This is a family-owned business founded in 1964 by Bob’s parents, Willard and Patricia Stewart. It serves primarily the Loma Linda area of the valley. Raised in Loma Linda and a resident of Loma Linda, he is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona as a California licensed Civil Engineer, and a General Contractor.
Gary Nelson
TREASURER
Director Of Accounting at Loma Linda University Church.
The LLU Church is described as a big, loving, accepting church full of people just like you trying to do this thing called life the best we can. You’ll find a wide variety of engaging services and programs.
Azza Akkad
Board Member
Azza Akkad brings over two decades of international experience in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Her career began with major airlines, including Kenya Airways, where she promoted safari travel across Africa. She later founded and operated successful travel agencies in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, serving a global clientele.
With 11 years in hotel sales—primarily with Hilton Hotels—Azza developed a deep expertise in event planning, client relations, and strategic partnerships. Today, she leads the sales efforts at the Riverside Convention Center, where she is known for her passion, professionalism, and strong advocacy for the Inland Empire region.
Outside of work, Azza is dedicated to fundraising for pediatric cancer research, enjoys producing world music, and treasures time spent with her two granddaughters
Jorge Azpeitia
Board Member
Jorge Azpeitia is the Corporate Director of Sales for the Sagemont Hotels. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jorge has built a distinguished career spanning every facet of hotel operations and sales—both at the property and corporate levels. He has worked with some of the world’s leading hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, as well as boutique independent hotels, bringing a wealth of knowledge and versatility to every role.
Jorge has successfully led operations and sales teams across diverse markets, including California, Arizona, Utah, and Florida. His leadership style is grounded in hands-on experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Sagemont Hotels operates a campus of hotels in Loma Linda, including TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and, soon to be opened, the Courtyard by Marriott. He joined the Loma Linda Chamber Board in 2024 and was installed at our 2025 Installation Dinner, which was held at TownPlace Suites.
When he’s not supporting his hotels, Jorge enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, where he can often be found hunting and fishing.
Belen Cordero
Board Member
Mrs. Cordero has 20 plus years’ experience working in government municipalities. Her experience includes managing and implementation of all types of Environmental education and outreach programs such as water, waste water, recycling, solid waste, hazardous waste and energy. She has worked extensively with organizations such as, Mojave Desert and Mountain Joint Powers Authority, San Bernardino County Fire HHW, Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation, and Created the Southern California Edison High Desert Regional Energy Partnership. In addition, she has worked with CalRecycle state audits and annual reporting, AB 939, AB 341 and AB 1826. She is currently working as the Sustainability Specialist for the San Bernardino Vicinity municipalities; her office is located at the Colton Transfer Station in the City of Colton.
Tim Evans
Board Member
Chaplain Tim Evans created The Unforgettables Foundation in 1999 and has donated thousands of volunteer hours to help raise well over $5 million local dollars to sustain the mission of mercy for families who have lost a child and are struggling with funding the funeral across San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties. Tim is the founder and CEO of the organization.
While Mr. Evans was the lead chaplain of Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, he identified the yet unmet community need. He rallied dozens of volunteers to join in raising funds to address this sad situation. As a result, well over 10,000 families from within the three counties have been given this essential support to help underwrite and fund a simple and dignified funeral for a child.
The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF) is the result of helpful volunteers and the volunteer spirit in the community. Along with the blessing of God, the wonderful volunteers and the generous donors, TUF has not had to turn away the request for assistance from a single qualified family.
Victor J. Miller
Immediate past President
Victor J. Miller is a resident of Loma Linda since 1953 and was five years old when he moved here with his family. Both his father and his mother were active in real estate sales and development and Victor began working at the family owned real-estate office, University Realty, at the early age of 18. He has worked in the real estate business for over 40 years with his family. Victor graduated from La Sierra College in 1970 with both a business and psychology degree. He later completed his doctorate degree in psychology from Western American University, San Diego in 1996. He sold his real estate office in 2008 and is currently owner and manager of the electronic digital billboard sign which brightly shines at you as you take the Tippecanoe off-ramp from the I-10 Freeway.
Andrea De Leon
Executive Director
Andrea De Leon, MBA, is an experienced executive director with a background in government relations and public affairs. She holds a bachelors degree in political science from the University of California Riverside and an MBA from California State University San Bernardino. Born at Loma Linda University Hospital, she is proud to work on behalf of the business community to share their mission with the greater community of Inland Southern California and beyond.
