Mary Anne Petrillo

Mary Anne Petrillo is West Center’s third Executive Director in its 30-year history. She was hired in 2017 to build the organization’s capacity and deliver new programs. Over the course of the past four years, Ms. Petrillo has expanded training, added a team of specialized business advisors, and developed unique programs that include disaster preparation, business accelerator training, and Centro Latino West, a targeted Spanish language resource program. Under her leadership, the West Center team has not only grown but has expanded its vision to encompass leadership in the county’s economic development planning and execution.

Paloma Patterson

Paloma Patterson joined West Center as Business Development Manager in January 2021 and in 2023 became the Deputy Director of the organization. . Her role in the organization is to oversee West’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning. She will be part of the executive team to develop and implement initiatives that drive growth, improve organizational efficiency, and impact the economy. A native of Mendocino County, Paloma has a Master’s of Art degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Fundraising School, a program of The Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Christine Rodrigues

Christine Rodrigues brings more than twenty years of experience in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and program development to her role of WBC Director. Christine provided consulting, facilitation and planning services to nonprofits throughout Northern California as the CEO of R&P Associates, and is excited to support a thriving, sustainable rural economy in Northern California by helping women entrepreneurs who face unique obstacles in the business world. Christine holds an MBA from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA and a BA in Communications from Penn State University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-Op and on the steering committee for Leadership Mendocino.

Julia Siderakis

Julia Siderakis has been in the culinary industry for 39 years and a restaurateur for almost 30 of those years.  She has taught at the local community college, is a business advisor for West Business Development Center, sits on community and business boards, and a is business collaborator and expansion specialist in Mendocino County. Julia enjoys working with West Center clients and guides them through the different facets of their business aspirations and the processes that make them become a reality, flourish, or venture further into their chosen industry. The culinary world has limitless possibilities and Julia enjoys traveling and exploring the many aspects and paths to help clients reach their goals.

Aspen Logan

With nearly a decade of experience running a small business in Mendocino County and extensive project management roles with large corporations, Aspen brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Sr. Program Manager. Having served on nonprofit boards and volunteered extensively throughout the County, she is committed to using her knowledge to advance innovative solutions and drive meaningful change in the local community.

Mike Sholin

As a former owner of Mendocino Mustard^®, Mike has first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by small business owners, especially when operating within rural, remote counties.  Bringing years of for-profit experience within sales, management, and small business ownership, Mike hopes to make an impact within our community by helping others succeed.  He previously served as an Independent Business Advisor for the West Company, the predecessor of the West Business Development Center. Mike earned a BA in History, from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from St. Mary’s College of California, School of Economics and Business Administration.

Steve Lamb

Like many SBA business advisors, Steve was first a client with West Center seeking support for marketing and sales activities for his small business venture. Recognizing his long experience in the telecommunications industry and many local connections, West invited Steve to first consult with clients in 2012 and in 2016, he became a full-time Client Services Advisor. On a daily basis, Steve interacts with small business owner clients who are seeking business advice and assistance on a wide array of topics. Steve’s areas of expertise include business start-ups and talent recruitment, operations, budgeting, development of pricing models, and financing.

Elisa Campbell

Elisa has been on the Mendocino Coast since 2019, playing an important role in Event Coordination and Human Resources Management, mostly in hospitality and education.  She brings with her a strong dedication to seeing individuals reach their greatest potential and, in turn, creating lasting impact for their communities.  Elisa holds a BA from UC Santa Barbara in Latin American & Iberian Studies and Spanish and is currently working towards earning a Certificate from UC Berkeley in Human Resource Management.

Valentina Reyes-Petersen

Sasha Acevedo

Originally from New York City, Sasha has been living and loving California for over a decade now. She attended Mendocino College and graduated with two associate degrees in business accounting and business management. Her background will only enhance the understanding she brings to her role at West Center as the Customer Care Specialist. She loves to head to the Saturday’s farmers market in Ukiah and Sunday farmers market in Redwood Valley and enjoys hiking trails all over Northern California, from Humboldt County to Mendocino County.