The Irwindale foundation board welcomed two new business representatives after the City Council appointed Yuri Echaorre of SoCal Golden Care Home Health and Steven Hillgren of Kearny Real Estate Company at its July 23 meeting. Irwindale foundation board members will serve two-year terms, expiring June 30, 2027, and help oversee grant applications and community programs.
City Solicits Business Candidates
In spring, the city mailed application packets to every Irwindale business, seeking nominees for two open seats on the Community Foundation Board. Under the foundation’s bylaws, five directors must include two residents of local businesses who are not city employees or elected officials. The initial June 18 deadline produced two applicants. Council extended the deadline to July 14, after which George Silva of Rize Credit Union filed an application as well.
Subsequent Review and Decision
At the July 23 meeting, councilmembers reviewed all three applications. They weighed each candidate’s community involvement, financial oversight experience and plans to support youth and senior programs. By majority vote, they appointed Echaorre and Hillgren to the business-representative slots on the foundation’s board. Silva’s application was considered but not selected.
Foundation Board Selection Process
Councilmembers praised Echaorre’s long record of volunteer work and Hillgren’s local economic insights. Mayor Carballo said the new members “bring fresh energy and expertise.” Echaorre noted her commitment to expanding senior-services funding. Hillgren said he plans to boost small-business grants through partnerships with local chambers of commerce.
New Board Members Join Irwindale Foundation Board
The Community Foundation Board advises on fundraising events and disburses grants for parks, youth education and public safety initiatives. With the new appointments, the board now includes three resident representatives, one at-large member and the mayor’s designee. Members meet quarterly at City Hall and submit annual reports on grant impacts.
Next Steps for Board and City
Echaorre and Hillgren will attend orientation in August. They will review pending grant applications for 2025 and help plan the foundation’s fall fundraiser. The board expects to award more than $50,000 in grants this year. Council also authorized the city clerk to post the full resolution and staff report on the official website. Residents can view meeting materials at www.irwindaleca.gov.
By filling these seats, the council ensures that local businesses remain at the center of community philanthropy. The board’s work supports programs that directly benefit Irwindale families and local non-profits. With new appointees in place, the foundation is poised to expand its reach and strengthen partnerships across the city.
