It was a night of celebration, reflection, and appreciation at Lakeside Church on Wednesday evening as the 2025 Choose Folsom Community Awards brought together business leaders, civic officials, and residents to honor those who embody the city’s values. Hosted by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and Choose Folsom, the annual event recognized individuals and organizations that have made an extraordinary impact across business, volunteerism, innovation, and community service.
“This is one of the most inspiring nights we get to experience each year,” said Joe Gagliardi, CEO and President of Choose Folsom. “It’s about recognizing the people who lift Folsom higher every day through their leadership, compassion, and service.”
Following a stirring National Anthem performance by Jazzy Chulick and an invocation from Pastor Brian Becker of Lakeside Church, Congressman Kevin Kiley briefly addressed the audience before departing for another engagement. “Folsom is what makes this job meaningful,” Kiley said. “You show us that local leadership and business spirit are alive and thriving.”
From heartfelt tributes to emotional surprise announcements, the evening unfolded with recognition of contributions that have helped shape Folsom into a vibrant, inclusive, and caring community.
Young Community Contributor of the Year: Nathan Cheyne; The evening opened with a surprise announcement. Joe Gagliardi introduced a new category to honor a rising star already making waves through service and hard work. Presented by Matt Crane of Chick-fil-A and Karen West of Legends of the Rodeo, the award went to Nathan Cheyne, who was recognized for his outstanding volunteerism, academic achievement, and leadership at work.
“At Chick-fil-A, it’s our mission to be shockingly different, and Nathan lives that every day,” Crane said. “He’s volunteered at local events, worked hard to graduate a semester early, and was even named MVP at his job for his positive spirit and dedication.”
“As someone who spends a lot of time around young people as a Chick-fil-A operator,” Crane added, “I’m so excited about this year’s recipient. It is shockingly different these days for a high schooler to show this kind of consistency, leadership, and integrity. I’m proud to present this award.”
This award was also a touching moment for Nathan’s mother, Shannon Robb-Bundalian, who works with Choose Folsom and had no idea her son would be honored.
Ambassador of the Year: Solomon Chis; Presented by Carrie Vawter Yousfi and co-presenter Karen Jones, the Ambassador of the Year award celebrated Solomon Chis for his steadfast support of Folsom’s business community. “Solomon is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated community leader,” said Vawter Yousfi. “With his infectious smile and signature warm hugs, he brings energy and positivity to every event he serves.”
Jones added, “Whether it’s attending or helping to promote local business owners at ribbon cuttings or networking events, Solomon is always there, greeting new faces, fostering connections, and embodying the spirit of service that defines Choose Folsom.”
Chis responded to the honor, saying, “I’m very humbled and honored by being chosen as Ambassador of the Year. I love being part of this amazing organization. I believe it takes everybody—businesses, city partners, and volunteers—to make Folsom strong.”
Business Hall of Fame: Kikkoman; Former Mayor Bob Holderness began with humor, then moved into the historic weight of the honor. “Kikkoman was founded before the United States of America,” he said. “California wasn’t even called California—it was Terra Incognita. Kikkoman’s rich history and commitment to quality make them a true cornerstone of our community.”
In his acceptance video, Plant Manager Kiu Nagai said, “The California plant continues Kikkoman’s tradition—305 years of natural brewing. The key to our success here is the quality of the water and the support of the Folsom community. Kikkoman continues to support and collaborate with the city. We cannot succeed without Folsom’s support.”
Young Professional of the Year: Nicole Shuman; Introduced by Zach Dowell, Director of the Innovation Center at Folsom Lake College, the award honored Nicole Shuman for her leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
“Nicole entered our orbit, and we had a conversation about prosthetics for birds,” Dowell recalled with a smile. “That led to her becoming part of our space and shaping it. She didn’t just participate—she helped build the culture of collaboration and creativity we now enjoy.”
Dowell continued, “Nicole is a truly wonderful human being. Her legacy lives on in the Innovation Center and in the broader Folsom Lake College community.”
In her acceptance video, Shuman said, “I graduated from the University of Florida, and right after that, I joined a local startup called Beconics, where I was brought on as the product manager. Now, two and a half years later, I’m the Director of Product Management.”
“With great humility and gratitude, I accept this award,” she said. “The more I was involved in the community, the more I wanted to give back.”
Volunteer of the Year: Sandy Econome; Vice Mayor Justin Raithel delivered an energetic and heartfelt presentation of this award. “Our Volunteer of the Year is truly a joy to serve with,” he said. “As a small business owner and chamber ambassador, she always shows up with a smile on her face to support our new businesses at ribbon cuttings.”
“As Chair of Folsom’s Community Service Day Steering Committee, she welcomes each of us with a hug and celebrates our accomplishments with her signature happy dances,” he added. “Her introduction of tie-dye shirts, her people-centered leadership, and her drive to make Service Day more fun have left a true mark on this city.”
In her acceptance video, Econome shared, “There’s nothing like loving on other people and making things better. Winning Volunteer of the Year is so impactful and meaningful. Thank you so much to the chamber—and of course, my wonderful husband, who has no problem with me going and doing and serving, because he sees the joy that it brings me.”
Emerging Business of the Year: Nixtaco; Just one week before the event, local restaurant Pedregal made the bold decision to close, rebrand, and reopen under their original and more widely known identity: Nixtaco. Their swift pivot was received with strong community support and enthusiasm.
Award presenter Shannon Robb-Bundalian of Choose Folsom praised the bold move. “Their ability to listen to customers and evolve their concept is impressive,” she said. “We are so excited to welcome Nixtaco to Folsom. They bring bold vision, strong practices, and an energy that elevates our community.”
In their acceptance video, the Nixtaco team said, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized in this way. Folsom has been so supportive, and we look forward to many more years of success here.”
Rodeo Grand Marshal: Charlie Grows; Introduced by 2024 Grand Marshal Brian Martel, the recognition of Charlie Grows as 2025 Grand Marshal was met with strong applause.
“For the past 20 years, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce has selected a Grand Marshal to promote the rodeo and represent it proudly,” Martel explained. “This year’s recipient is someone who has been intimately involved with the rodeo, always showing up first and leaving last.”
“This is a guy who has volunteered in every way imaginable,” Martel added. “There’s no one more deserving than this individual. He is a staple of this community.”
Grows, in his heartfelt acceptance speech, said, “I grew up in this town, and I’ve been to the rodeo more times than I can count. I used to walk from my house just to watch the fireworks. Volunteering and doing little things behind the scenes has always been my style. Now to be on the front stage—well, that’s new to me.”
He continued, “My granddaughter will be attending. She’s two years old now. I want her to watch the mutton bustin’ because in three years, I want her to go out there and do that.”
Legend of the Rodeo: Rich Reynolds; This award was presented by Rich Fucco, Karen West, and Tom Lewis, all of whom reflected on Reynolds’ five-decade journey in rodeo. “Rich Reynolds has called the Folsom Pro Rodeo home for five decades. He embodies the true spirit of a cowboy,” said Fucco.
“Rich started in high school rodeo back in 1973,” said West. “He spent time with the California Cowboys Association and then eight years with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as a bareback rider and saddle bronc rider. He even became a rodeo clown and bullfighter.”
Tom Lewis added, “Rich also worked for the City of Folsom, where he helped prep the rodeo grounds each year. Now, as Arena Director, he’s in charge of the upkeep of the arena, which is a huge job. He’s the guy driving the water tender, welding something, or installing plumbing and lighting. He does it all.”
In his remarks, Reynolds said, “I started my rodeo career in this arena, and I’ve been involved for almost 40 years in one role or another. This award means a lot to me—it’s come full circle. I started here, and I’m still here. It’s deep in my heart, and I love it.”
Human Kindness Award: Dr. Rajeswari Jayaraman; Lisa Hausmann, President of Dignity Health Mercy Hospital Folsom, called Dr. Jayaraman — affectionately known as “Dr. J” — a “champion of compassion and clinical excellence.”
“Dr. J holds many titles,” Hausmann said. “She serves as Chair of our Department of Medicine, Medical Director for Quality and Patient Experience, and sits on our regional bylaws committee. But it’s not her titles that define her—it’s her humanity.”
“She is a relentless advocate for the patient experience, improving collaboration between patients, nurses, and doctors. Her work has helped make quality care in Folsom more personal and more effective.”
In her acceptance video, Dr. Jayaraman shared, “Medicine isn’t always about healing. It’s about being fully present, listening, and caring. This award is a reminder of why I chose this profession. I’ve stayed in this field because of the people—the families, the colleagues, and the quiet moments of connection. Those are what matter most.”
Chairman’s Award: John McGinness; The Chairman’s Award was presented to former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness for his instrumental leadership in the passage of Proposition 36, which tackled the consequences of Proposition 47.
“John led a collaborative effort that gave law enforcement new tools to address retail theft,” said the presenter. “Thanks to his leadership, the proposition passed with an overwhelming 70 percent of the vote.”
McGinness shared in his remarks, “We had the single largest petition signing event in the state. Thousands of people came out and waited in line for hours just to sign. This wasn’t one man’s mission—it was a collaborative movement to create real change.”
He added, “Proposition 36 brings back opportunities for treatment and incentive for people to engage in court-supervised recovery programs. It’s an effort to fix what wasn’t working—and I’m proud to have been part of it.”
Educator of the Year: Dr. Art Pimentel; Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino introduced Dr. Pimentel, sharing that he is not only the President of Folsom Lake College, but a powerful symbol of what education can achieve.
“From first-generation college student to college president, Art’s journey has been marked by hard work, sacrifice, and optimism,” Aquino said. “Since taking the helm in 2023, he has overseen a 32% enrollment increase, secured a $2.5 million gift from Sutter Health, and expanded dual-enrollment for local high schools.”
Pimentel, in his remarks, said, “Being a first-generation, low-income college student shaped me. Education is the great equalizer in our society. I now get the opportunity to support people’s dreams—because we are in the dream-making business.”
Folsom Champion Award: Chuck and Conni Thompson; Presenter Ramesh Dontha highlighted the Thompsons’ extraordinary response to the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year.
“When the fires hit, Chuck and Conni didn’t wait around,” he said. “Within 48 hours, they had collected a trailer full of supplies and drove it to Los Angeles themselves.”
He continued, “As co-presidents of the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, they have led projects that lift our community. They show up. They give back. And they do it with heart.”
In their remarks, the Thompsons said, “It’s more than the place that we live. It’s where we feel at home, where we’ve built nurturing relationships and done many meaningful projects. Folsom Champions—totally unexpected, but we’re incredibly grateful.”
Wall of Fame: Will Kempton; Kempton was introduced as the driving force behind major regional infrastructure projects, including Lake Natoma Crossing and the Highway 50 expansion.
“When something important needed to get done in this region,” said the presenter, “people called Will.”
In his remarks, Kempton said, “Folsom is such a wonderful community. It’s honestly impossible not to want to do my part to help make it better. It’s a great honor to be recognized in this way, and I really appreciate everyone who made it possible.”
Business of the Year: Scott’s Seafood – Suzanne Cook; Presented by Adrian Blanco and Steve Hansen, the award went to Suzanne Cook, who has led Scott’s Seafood for decades and helped establish it as a cornerstone of Folsom’s Historic District.
“Suzanne isn’t just a restaurant owner—she’s a force,” Blanco said. “She’s created a space where people feel like family the moment they walk in.”
Hansen added, “Whether hosting events, supporting causes, or mentoring her team, Suzanne leads with heart. This award is so well-deserved.”
In her acceptance video, Cook said, “Our staff is solid gold. We wouldn’t be here without the support of the Folsom community. This is a validation of all the philanthropy and hard work we’ve poured into this place. These people are more than employees—they’re family.”
Non-Profit of the Year: Jake’s Journey Home – Jeanne Shuman; Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez introduced Jeanne Shuman with powerful words. “Homelessness is complex,” Rodriguez said. “Jake’s Journey Home understands that real change doesn’t come from quick solutions, but from showing up and walking alongside people.”
In her acceptance video, Shuman shared, “Jake’s Journey Home began out of heartbreak. My son Jake passed in 2019. This work helps others and has helped me heal too. Just this week, we got one of our folks who was unhoused a job—and now he’s permanently housed. That’s the kind of transformation that drives us.”
The 2025 Choose Folsom Community Awards were made possible by presenting sponsor Dignity Health Mercy Hospital Folsom, with additional support from David Kentucky, Lakeside Folsom, Moore Real Estate, and SMUD. Media partners included Folsom Times and Style Readers Media Group. Additional backing came from Wells Fargo, Intel, Elliott Homes, Sutter Health, Micron, and Dock and Engineering. Local culinary support included Buckhorn Grill, Cielo Winery, Curry Pizza House, Nixtaco, Eric’s Deli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snook’s Candies, Scott’s Seafood, and Shake Shack.
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