Excitement is building for the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious annual Legacy of Leadership Awards. It’s set to take place on Thursday, October 1st, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Portobellos on Main Courtyard, in Salinas, CA.  This signature strolling event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, executives, and community leaders while enjoying premium local wines, beautifully curated hors d'oeuvres, and vibrant live networking. 

The evening shines a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organizations whose dedication and service shape the heart of the Salinas Valley. The highlight of the night will be the presentation of the Legacy Award, along with honors for demonstrating outstanding achievements in public service, philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement. 

"The Legacy of Leadership Awards is a celebration of the incredible talent and generosity that defines the Salinas Valley,” says Event Chair Veronica Plascencia. “I’m honored to Chair this inspiring event that recognizes respected community pillars to rising leaders who shape our community’s growth, spirit, and future.”  

The Chamber extends its warmest congratulations to this year’s honorees:

• Legacy Honoree: Harry Wardwell, retired Executive Director of the California International Airshow Salinas

Harry Wardwell was born and raised in Salinas. He attended local schools and went into business with his father in the early 1970’s at Del Monte and Northridge Centers at Wardwell’s Magnavox. While running the family business, Harry joined the Salinas Jaycees and got involved in the community with several projects such as the Colmo del Rodeo Parade, Haunted House, Christmas Shopping Tour, and the Jr Miss pageant. Harry learned about community involvement and leadership development. In 1986, Harry joined the Bank of Salinas Board of Directors where he served until 1993 and started to work for the bank. His banking career went for 26 years serving Bank of Salinas, Cypress Bank, Community Bank, and finally Rabobank. Harry retired in 2019 as Executive Vice President of Rabobank overseeing and mentoring over 100 retail branches in Northern California. During his business career, Harry was involved in many community organizations. He served as Director of the California Rodeo, National Steinbeck Center, and Aspire Health. He served as President of the Salinas Jaycees, Salinas Rotary Club, Salinas Valley Chamber, California Int’ Airshow, the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation and President of the Board of Trustees of SVMH. He is also a Past chairman of the CSUMB Foundation and the International Council of Airshows. Harry also served as Executive Director of the California International Airshow for 28 years. Recognized throughout North America as one of the best organized airshows in the Country which has raised over $9 million for local charities. He also served as Chairman of the Board of ICAS, the association representing 450 airshows throughout North America and was awarded ICAS Sword of Excellence (highest award in the airshow industry) in 2005.

• Public Servant of the Year Honoree: Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss was first elected Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in January 2019 and began her second term in January 2023. She provides leadership and support to Monterey County’s 24 school districts, eight charter schools, and the more than 72,000 students they serve. A 39-year veteran educator, Dr. Guss holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She taught for 10 years before serving more than 29 years as an educational administrator in Monterey County. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring every child has the support needed to succeed. Driven by a deep commitment to public service, Dr. Guss has championed collaborative efforts that strengthen partnerships among schools, families, local agencies, and community organizations. She believes that supporting children and families is the foundation of thriving communities and has led initiatives that improve student achievement, well-being, and access to critical resources. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to equity, innovation, and improving the lives of others. Dr. Guss has received numerous honors, including the 2021 Ruth Vreeland Memorial Public Official of the Year Award and recognition as the 2026 California Woman of the Year for Senate District 17.

• Nonprofit of the Year Honoree: Arts Council for Monterey County

For over 40 years, the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) has built a legacy of leadership by proving that creativity is essential to a thriving society. Their mission is to champion the arts to enrich our community through education, healing programs, and vital support for local creatives. Arts4MC turned this vision into measurable impact, having last year awarded over $474,000 in grants and scholarships to nurture individual artists and invested $2.2 million to empower local cultural projects. This deep commitment is vibrantly alive across the Salinas Valley. Arts4MC cultivates connection through hubs like ArtWorks @Salinas Gallery & Studios and dynamic events that bring neighborhoods together. These include the immersive Open Studios Art Tour across Monterey County, the cinematic celebrations of The Pinnacles Film Festival in King City, and First Friday Salinas, where Main Street comes alive with music, dance, and art performances. While these events celebrate their vibrant present, Arts4MC also drives systemic, long-lasting change. Arts4MC has delivered 26,000+ hours of instruction to 64,000 elementary students and invested $250,000 to build career pathways for future arts educators. By making art accessible to all, we foster healing, joy, and a deeply connected community. 

• Young Professional of the Year Honoree: Celia Garcia, Mershops Northridge Mall 
  Celia Garcia is a seasoned Marketing Manager with 14 years of experience developing strategies that drive brand growth, strengthen customer loyalty, and elevate brand presence. Throughout her career, she has combined strategic thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of consumer behavior to make impactful marketing initiatives that deliver meaningful business results. Born in Mexico City and raised in Texas, Celia’s early life was shaped by exposure to diverse cultures, communities, educational environments, and ways of life as her family relocated to various countries and cities due to her father’s career in the oil and gas industry, giving her a unique appreciation for adaptability, cultural awareness, and the importance of understanding different audiences. In 2020, Celia moved to Monterey County in pursuit of new experiences, personal growth, and opportunities where she has established meaningful connections within the community and discovered that community involvement is at the heart of how she defines impact - both personally and professionally. Currently, in her role at Mershops Northridge Mall, Celia oversees marketing, public relations, special events, sponsorships, and community outreach initiatives that aim to enhance brand visibility and solidify the mall’s position as a regional destination for commerce, culture, and fashion. Celia has partnered with various organizations to craft unforgettable event experiences, including “Dia de los Reyes Magos” a beloved holiday tradition featuring camel rides, immersive activities, and a 500-toy distribution donated by the Salvation Army. Additionally, other non-profit held events such as Pink Shirt Day - a bullying prevention resource fair with Harmony at Home, Rodeo Roundup in partnership with the California Rodeo Salinas, and The Children’s Shopping Tour with the Chamber Foundation have brought together the community, store participation and visitor engagement. The success of these events has attracted 10 million annual visitors, marking a significant milestone for a fifty-year-old mall. One of the key highlights this year will be the long-awaited return of the carousel to the center after a twelve-year absence. This ongoing success will generate interest from more national retailers and restaurants, paving the way for future redevelopment of the center. 

Space is limited for this highly anticipated evening, and tickets are expected to sell quickly. Registration is open, with tickets available at $85 for Chamber Members and $100 for Non-Members. Sponsorships are also available, call the Chamber Office at 831-751-7725, email Membership@salinaschamber.com, or visit the Chamber’s event page online for more details.