EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Since 2020, Guerrero has served as executive director of MCDC.  In this capacity, he is responsible for organizational operations and programming for the agency. Prior to joining MCDC, Alejandro was CEO/President of the VEDC, one of the largest community economic development organizations in the state of California. He is a member of Bristol Myers Squibb’s CAR T Cell Therapy Collective - Hematology Global Patient Advocacy, tasked with developing solutions to barriers in cell therapy treatments for patients. He has secured funding and launched two business incubators in the underserved communities of Pacoima and Watts, both in Los Angeles.  He has also led the Women’s Business Center funded through a grant from the US Small Business Administration, and helped launch a credit union in an underserved community in Los Angeles with no brick and mortal financial institution within 20 miles of the center of the community. In 2018, Guerrero worked with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to launch the retail attraction of the “Mayor’s Great Streets Initiative” to help attract and retain businesses in underserved communities.  Guerrero has been active in community and civic activities and has served as a board member of Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center Foundation, the Valley Economic Alliance, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, and VICA.  He is also a Los Angeles County Foster Parent and a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth in Los Angeles County. As a construction executive, Guerrero has constructed several hospitals and clinics in the region. The majority of the clinics are in underserved communities such as East Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, and rural areas with a primary population of migrant farm workers.

ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR

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Pegi Matsuda owns a business and community consulting practice, and has more than 30 years experience leading companies and organizations during times of significant industry challenges. She has been recognized for her work by the United Chambers of Commerce, VICA, Valley Economic Alliance, San Fernando Valley Bar Association, MEND, Haven Hills, Encino Chamber of Commerce, and named Woman of the Year by the 43rd California State Assembly District and "Valley Top 200" by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.  She served, or currently serves, as a board member of the Fernando Award Foundation, VICA, the Valley Economic Alliance, ACG-101 Corridor, Woodbury University, SoCal Association for Healthcare Development, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, West Hills Hospital and the Community Foundation of the Valleys. Pegi has a MA in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, and a BS degree in Human Relations & Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (“CFRE”) from CFRE International.  

LENDING AND PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

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As Lending and Programs Director, Mel is responsible for leading, managing and directing all community lending programs and also directs all business technical assistance programs. Mel specializes in debt financing for minority-owned small businesses, implementing strategic plans and assisting clients to leverage debt for measured growth.  He is a founder of List Ventures, a Los Angeles-based community development financial institution consulting firm that developed trajectories to take companies from “survival” mode to profitable, growing enterprises.  Mel was also a business consultant under a Los Angeles city program that provided financial reporting, tax planning, IRS, FTB, capitalization, and resolving other barriers to business and economic growth.  He has experience working in manufacturing, wholesaling, retail, entertainment and organic food distribution, among others.  He is bilingual in English/Spanish and has international business consulting experience in Mexico, Guatemala, Columbia and Argentina. Mel is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management, Marketing Management and Research.  He is also a graduate of the Latino Business Action Network at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  Mel volunteers as soccer coach for at-risk youth in East Los Angeles.