December 3, 2024

Reflecting on a Year of Leadership and Connection 

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments, transitions, and opportunities that have shaped LEAD San Diego this past year. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and meaningful impact (and not just for me!). 

First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the LEAD Board members who concluded their terms and rolled off this year. 

• Leon Clark (19), Vice President – General Manager, E.W. Scripps Company – KGTV 

• Gerardo Godinez, Partner-In-Charge, San Diego, Moss Adams 

• Rosa María Hernández (20), President & Founder, The Vida Effect 

• Steven Jones, Ph.D. (20), Chief Executive Officer, Global LeaderSHYFT, Inc. 

• Hernán Luis y Prado (15 & 23), Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Workshops For Warriors 

• Margie Newman Tsay (15 & 17), Founding Partner, Intesa Communications Group 

• Idara Ogunsaju (17), Founder & Consultant , The Antorge Group, LLC 

• Kari Pelters (15), Vice President, Global Finance, Hunter Industries 

• Brittany Santos-Derieg (19), Chief of Staff, Office of the President, San Diego State University 

• Timothy J. Shields (18), Managing Director, The Old Globe 

Many of these dedicated individuals have been on the board since LEAD’s merger with the Chamber and played a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition. As we bid them farewell, it’s another opportunity to embrace change as a chance to welcome fresh perspectives and new ideas. I’m a fan of Adam Grant’s work and he has wisely said, “Progress is impossible without change.”   

Looking back on 2024, LEAD has so much to celebrate: 

• We welcomed 131 new alumni to the LEAD community, each one now part of a growing network of nearly 4,000 leaders. 

• Through the Leadership Action Team (LAT) projects in Impact, we partnered with six nonprofit organizations and some of our alumni are continuing to support these partners long after their projects ended. 

• The Advance program was supported by 22 exceptional mentors, who shared their time, experiences and encouragement with our cohort. 

• Across all three programs, more than 160 speakers brought their unique insights and expertise to help develop our community leaders.

One of LEAD’s greatest attributes is its ability to bring people together across industries and sectors, breaking down silos and fostering meaningful connections. Our region is stronger because of the relationships and collaborations that grow through LEAD.  

As we look ahead to 2025, our mission remains clear: to create a network of leaders equipped with the skills, insights, and passion to positively transform our community. I am excited to work alongside the LEAD Board, LEAD and Chamber staff, and our incredible alumni community to build on LEAD’s legacy and ensure its continued success.  

Here’s another year of progress, connection, and impact. Thank you for being part of the LEAD story – we couldn’t do it without you.  

Warm wishes for the holiday season, 

Veronica Perondi 

Executive Director, LEAD San Diego