Joe Cina, a community leader who serves as president/CEO of the Glendora Chamber of Commerce, is a 2023 recipient of the Citrus College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Throughout his career, Cina has strengthened local businesses, organized community-building events, and helped neighborhoods and residents thrive. Recently, he worked with the city of Glendora to secure nearly $2 million in grants for local businesses.
Cina grew up in Rowland Heights and moved to Glendora prior to starting ninth grade at Glendora High School. After graduating in 1993, he took general education courses at Citrus College.
"I found my time at Citrus very rewarding and easy to maneuver," Cina said. "Being a student on financial aid and the first in my family to go to college, I could have been completely lost, but the different departments at Citrus were always so helpful and willing to assist me during my time there and when I transferred to Cal State LA."
In 1998, Cina graduated from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), with a bachelor's degree in industrial technology with an emphasis in power, energy and transportation. His research on alternative fuels and ignition systems for small engines led to him winning the seventh annual CSULA Symposium and taking second place in the SAE: Mac Short Research Contest.
Over the next decade-plus, Cina worked in the engineering and mortgage industries before becoming the chamber's business development director in 2011. In that role, he helped grow membership and facilitate all marketing for the chamber and its members. Three years later, Cina became the chamber's president/CEO.
"In my current role, I have been able to have a seat at the table for many discussions that have helped guide the community," Cina said. "It has been an honor to help the businesses of Glendora."
Cina also holds leadership positions in several other organizations, including the Glendora Rotary Club, the Glendora Coordinating Council and the Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation.
He and his wife, Laura, live in La Verne and have two children, Hannah and Jayce. Hannah is a junior studying psychology at Concordia University Irvine and Jayce is a sophomore at Glendora High School. Laura works for Claremont Unified School District and holds master's degrees in education and clinical psychology/marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University.
"I have recommended Citrus to many people I have come in contact with personally and through my work at the chamber," he added. "Citrus is a great school to start your college path."
Mr. Cina's story was originally featured in the program for the 107th Citrus College Commencement.