Born and raised in Imperial Beach, CA. Graduated from Mar Vista High School in 1990. Graduated from UCSB in 1994 (BA). Graduated from National University in 2022 (MBA). Love Sports, Music and Traveling
About Rick Wilson
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Married for 27 years. 2 Children. Michael who is 26 and Breanna who is 19.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Current President & CEO for the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, Previous Executive Director for Liberty Station Community Association, Previous Executive Manager for the Mission Valley YMCA, Previous Facility Manager for the San Diego Chargers, Previous Building Manager for the UCSB Department of Physical Activities & Recreation/Athletic Department.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still making a difference in the community
Rick Wilson & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Buckboard’s Barbeque & Brew, Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Hooley’s Irish Pub & Grill, Burning Beard Brewery, Hacienda Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Casa de Pico, Grand Ole BBQ, Chicago Pizza
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
6 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Barry Jantz
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
All the hidden Gems out in East County
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Bob Taylor. Owner of Taylor Guitars. Legend! Grand Ole BBQ
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Cheers.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have dual citizenship (USA & Australia). I was in a Heavy Metal Band in College
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being with Family & Friends
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Kids
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Chamber Foundation. YMCA of San Diego County. Special Olympics. Challenged Athletes. St Madeline Sophies Center, Noah Homes, ECTLC, Home of Guiding Hands, Toward Maximum Independence, Junior Achievement, Lions Tigers & Bears
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t Judge. You do not know what each individual has gone through.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Imperial Beach
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Close to the Ocean, hear the waves breaking at night, where I grew up.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Spending time with my family enjoying all that San Diego has to offer. Beach, Sporting Events, Concerts, the weather!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Family, Free to do as I please.
Website:https://www.eastcountychamber.org/
