LCS is important to so many people in so many ways and I am honored and humbled to have been selected for the role of president. I look forward to hearing from and working with all our members and promise to bring my skill, passion, and integrity to this position as we move LCS ahead.
Hunter started a move to Lakeside with his wife Jennifer in 2017 after a 45- year career in nonprofit leadership, community development, and public sector service. The couple made their first trip to Mexico in 1965, have traveled throughout the country, and settled on Ajijic as the perfect spot. LCS and its offerings was a major factor in their decision and Hunter has participated in a range of programs and activities including serving on the Board of Directors, the Program, Board Development, Nominating, and Bylaws committees as well as helping create and support the Mudlarks Pottery Studio and the Programa de Fotografía Juvenil.
His professional career ranged from increasingly responsible position in the San Francisco and Emeryville California Redevelopment Agencies, to 10 years of providing consulting services guiding clients through the intricacies of building diverse housing types, creating economic development strategies, attracting new businesses, writing applications for federal, state, and local funding programs, and building organizational capacity. He finished his career leading LINC Housing as the nonprofit housing organization grew from less than 1,000 units in six properties to more than 7,500 in 56 properties across California.
He has held a number of nonprofit and public sector governance roles including:
The Housing Partnership Network – Director
A founding director of the California Housing Consortium – Treasurer
Steering Committee of the International Housing Partnership – Chair
Palm Springs Art Museum Artists Council – Secretary
Palm Springs Airport Commission – Commissioner
Palm Springs Public Arts Commission – Chair
Riverside County Arts Foundation – Director
Born in Michoacán, I moved to join family in Chicago as a young teen after being orphaned.
After attending high school and Richard M Daley College in Chicago, I completed cosmetology college. Now a dual citizen, I returned to Mexico in 1996 to open my own successful small business.
As a bilingual and bicultural entrepreneur, I chose to devote my spare time to public service. In 2023, I gave my salon business to my employees to free my time for expanding my time for
community service and engagement.
My skills include successful fundraising, community organizing, social activism, mentoring,
budgeting, and association governance. Key leadership roles include:
I now serve as the administrative director at the Municipal Clinic in a position with flexible hours to supervise medical staff and other personnel, checking on the well-being of patients and general management of the Chapala facility.
I hold a degree in international commerce from Loyola Chapala Regional University and am near completing my law degree at UTEL University.
YURAY RIVERO GARCIA
Strategic relationship builder with solid experience in lead generation and acquisition. Leverages deep with an understanding of market needs to achieve objectives. Proactive, with experience in sales and customer service.
Maintains relationships through genuine and ongoing interaction. Leverages active listening and consultation to meet stakeholder needs.
Extensive experience in the financial services sector
Excellent command of banking services
File management and control
Customer service skills
Market analysis
Optimal Credit Bureau
Contract negotiation
Relationship Management
Business development
Client retention
Relationship Executive
Mar 2019 – Current
Intercam Bank – Ajijic, Jalisco, México
Contacted existing customers and informed them of new product offerings.
Built and maintained existing customer relationships, acting as a trusted advisor regarding a variety of
banking activities.
Maintained a high standard of ethics and conduct for sound banking operations and business success.
Identified market opportunities to grow new business across dedicated accounts.
Reviewed and assessed client credit and investment history.
Proactively sourced and developed new business from internal and external referral networks.
Leveraged working knowledge of banking products to create new client relationships.
Exchanged foreign currency and advised customers of optimal exchange times.
Promoted company portfolios through workshops, business forums and conferences.
Personal Executive
Apr 2017 – Nov 2017
HSBC Bank – Ajijic, Jalisco, México
Delivered high level of service to customers in effort to build upon future relationships.
Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
Leveraged financial data and forecasts to set clear operating budgets.
Developed high-performing teams to consistently exceed goals, drive revenue and expand markets.
Built successful business culture focused on performance optimisation and goal attainment.
Personal Executive
Jan 2015 – Nov 2017
Citibanamex – Chapala, México
Delivered high level of service to customers in effort to build upon future relationships.
Education
Certifications
Languages
Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
Built successful business culture focused on performance optimisation and goal attainment.
Marketing and Public relations Teacher
Dec 2011 – Jan 2013
Universidad ICEL – Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Mentored and counselled students with adjustment and academic problems maximise potential and
improve grades.
Set and communicated ground rules for classroom to encourage respect and personal responsibility.
Monitored progress through classwork, coursework and project marking to provide extra support for
struggling students.
Commercial Director
Jan 2005 – Jan 2011
Linguatec Language Center – Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Implemented commercial strategies established by company objectives targeting growth opportunities.
Rolled out new employee training programme effective at building professional and personal growth.
Regularly updated the board, shareholders and the wider team on commercial progress.
Bachelor of Education, 01/2003
EJV Pedagogical University of Havana – Havana City, Cuba
[Degree] Graduate
AMIB Certification Fig. 1 # 111701
Deposit and Investment Products Certification
Digital Banking Certification
Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Certification, 2014-2024
Enhanced Due Diligence Certification
High-Risk Client Opening Training, OneKYC
Presumably Counterfeit Note Course
Exchange Services Course
Legal Framework and Insurance Standards
Education – BA, York University, Toronto, Computer Science.
Relevant work experience
Toronto Public Library – Project Manager – 2 years
Directed consultants, vendors and Library staff on projects to: replace an existing email system with cloud-based MSExchange for 2,400 staff manage the installation of a gigabit fiber optic network to each of 99 Library locations.
TELUS Mobility (Telecom) – Projects Manager, Business Architect – 10 years
Responsible for the definition of IT requirements for the division servicing business and government wireless clients.Defined tactical IT plans to support the division’s strategic goals. Managed multiple projects in the $3 to 5 million range.
Ontario Provincial Government – 11 years
Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office.
Managed all IT services including systems development, call center and computer operations.Ministry of Government Services. Managed IT services provided to the Real Estate division (account management role).Acting director of the IT Branch.
Management Board Secretariat
Participated in the creation of government-wide policy for the management of IT in the Ontario Government.
The first part of Steve’s career was spent working in the hotel and hospitality industry. He continued in the special events industry in the Hollywood, Atlanta and Boston markets. Since his earliest years Steve has been a part of the nonprofit sector with extensive experience in the fundraising area.
Steve has served with the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Cancer Society in regional capacities, winning national awards for his efforts. With nearly 40 years exposure to the nonprofit sector, he has served a variety of roles for small grassroot nonprofits up to some of the largest national organizations. He has served as Board Member, Executive Director, Development Director, Vice President for Income Development and various other roles through the years. He has been most fortunate to have his success tied to the success of thousands of volunteers over the years who he has led in reaching towards each organization’s mission and vision. As a Board Member, Steve produced a concert in Mexico City in 1994 for a children’s hospice with Marc Anthony and Celia Cruz.
Steve bought a home Lakeside 8 years ago and looks forward to giving back out of appreciation for the support he has received from volunteers over his career.
For these recent years Steve has served the Lake Chapala Society as a major donor, President of the Board for 4 years, LCS 2.0 long range plan task force member, Executive Director and now as a member-at-large of the board with a focus on fundraising and events for the Lake Chapala Society. Steve also supports a dozen other organizations through collaborations with LCS and Concerts in the Park.
Greg migrated to Mexico in 2015, having worked in Mexico tourism for over 40 years. He enjoys Latin American history, theater, exploring Mexico (he’s been to all 32 States) and helping expats explore Mexico living.
Karla Boentgen Bio
If you have attended a Special Event at The Lake Chapala Society in the past 13 years, chances are you have met Karla. She has served as Events Manager for LCS for more than 13 years. She has responsible for developing event concepts and themes, budgets, event planning, customer satisfaction and execution of successful events. Her role also includes volunteer manager and profitability of events. She maintains strong relations with members and influential members of the community.
Karla retired to Ajijic in 2009. Prior to that she was sales manager for Warner Brothers Pictures for 25 years. Through this role she rubbed shoulders with many celebrities including Kevin Costner, Arnold Schwarznegger, Clint Eastwood and many more. In her role she organized many film premiers and special events. She loves the experience of helping people enjoy themselves through special events. She loves volunteering with LCS and being able to make use of her career experiences. She has responsibility for the profitability of her events and insuring volunteer coverage, and proper record keeping. She is a true professional and committed to the mission and vision of the Lake Chapala Society. She sees involvement on the board as a way to progress to an additional level of helping those we serve..
After retiring in 2015, he lived in Sarasota, Florida where he was the co-chair of the annual stewardship campaign in 2018 for his Episcopal church. The church raised more than the ambitious goal set for that year.
After moving to Lakeside in 2021, Steve volunteered for the Lake Chapala Society as a Docent/Amigo. There he wrote a tour of the campus for the Docents/Amigos to give to membership prospects.
As a member of the Rainbow Alliance committee, they have raised over 300,000 pesos for local charities since September 2023.
Steve has owned a home in Riberas del Pilar since 2021.
Phil Rylett Bio
Born in a coal mining community in South Yorkshire, UK. Went to Leeds University UK and received a B.Sc. (Hons) in Pharmacology. I worked at the university after graduating doing research into hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. Several papers published, including The Lancet.
Deciding I wanted to travel, I changed careers to nursing. Received a State Registered Nurse, and State Psychiatric Nurse from the East Sussex Health Authority. Moved to USA in 1981 where I obtained a Registered Nurse qualification in California. After working in several hospitals in California, I went back to school to become a computer programmer. I remained in Information Technology in hospitals and other healthcare organizations advancing to database designer and systems architect. My final position was for the University of California, San Francisco managing a federal and state program for a breast and cervical cancer early detection program for underserved women. I reported directly to the US Center for Disease Control.
After I retired, I volunteered for various positions at a California food bank, mainly teaching English to Hispanics.
I moved to Ajijic in 2012. I have been involved as coach for Union Ajijic, a football program for village children under 16. I have also been the master of ceremonies for 6 years for the Easter Passion Play, Pasión de Cristo. I have organized a Spanish/English acquisition program at LCS for the past 11 years. I have been involved with Open Circle, before and after its acquisition by LCS and I remain a moderator for the presenters.
And other things.
I bring over 25 years of diverse and extensive experience in the Hotel Industry, steadily advancing through various roles and leadership positions. My career journey began as a Dining Room Assistant Manager and evolved through positions such as Dining Room Manager, Beverage Manager, Front Desk Manager, Convention Manager, Convention Sales Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager. This progression culminated in my roles as Assistant Hotel Manager and ultimately Hotel Manager. Throughout my career, Ihave honed my skills in guest services, operations management, and team leadership, making me a seasoned professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional service and driving operational excellence within the hospitality sector.
Facilities Manager Lakeside Little Theater | San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco, Mexico March 2021 – Current
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee staff
• Manage facilities operations, encompassing safety, security, capital improvements, and maintenance
• Serve as House Manager and assist in numerous ongoing entertainment venues
Managing Director September 1999 – December 2002 Lake Worth Playhouse | Lake Worth, Florida
• Took over as Managing Director of a 300 seat community theater that included a100 seat black box theater that was in deep financial and managerial trouble.
• Implemented numerous changes in personnel, ticketing systems, public relations and Internet presence
• Applied and secured numerous grants that ensured the financial stability of the organization
Licensed Real Estate Agent May 1997 – September 1999 Castles By The Sea Real Estate | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• Helped clients improve sales chances by recommending value-added improvements and attractive staging.
• Obtained maximum sales prices with savvy sales and negotiation tactics.
• Advocated for buyer or seller needs with tireless dedication to customer satisfaction.
Managing Director Chesterfield Hotel March 1991- April 1997 Tollman-Hundley Hotels | Palm Beach, FL
John Henry and his wife Sharon Brooks moved to Ajijic in 2022 after living in Medellin, Colombia for 3 years and before that Boquete, Panama for 2 1/2 years. They both retired while living on Maui, Hawaii.
John was on the board of directors of the BCP (Boquete Community Players) in Boquete where he was also in charge of the 100+ vendors participating in the weekly Tuesday market.
After spending the pandemic in Medellin, both John and Sharon wanted a change. While they both loved Medellin, they wanted to move somewhere that wasn’t “Big City”. Ajijic fit the bill!
LCS was a major influence on the decision to move to Ajijic. The idea of having a central hub for the expat community was very appealing. John has since become very involved with LCS by volunteering to work in the Media Library, maintaining the LCS master calendar, moderating the Wednesday Discussion group for a year, working on the IT committee for LCS, editing, uploading to YouTube the videos for Open Circle and
updating the Open Circle website along with the LCS website. John has also served on the board of directors of LCS as director at large.
