Board of Directors

Marti Correa-Garcia –  President 2025 and 2026

Marti has been an active member of the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee since 1980. She was President in 1986 and again in 2003-2005. She has also been Treasurer numerous times.  This organization is special because it helps her understand her Mexican roots.
Currently, Marti is an active member of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North, on the Board of Directors of the Friendship Center, La Vista Foundation and SoCal Sister Cities International.  She came to Santa Barbara1977 and has served on numerous community non-profit organizations

Cheli Hidalgo – Vice president 2026

My background is Human Resources which involved working with various type of people from assembly workers, admin staff, CEOs to Judges. Even though it was challenging I’ve always enjoyed helping people. I’ve been a SBPV member for over 15 years enjoying the traveling, events and it’s been a good way to keep up with my computer skills.

Treasurer 2025/2026

Gary and Debbie Petlow, have been married for umpteem years and they have three sons. Gary is a Canadian ex -patriot who became a naturalized American and is a naval veteran. After coming to Santa Barbara in 2009, Gary joined Santa Barbara Elks Lodge and became its President in 2012. Gary has served on various finance/budget committees. Gary and his family have travelled to Puerto Vallarta since the 1980s along with his father who was a past president of Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister City. Gary and Debbie, participated in the 50th SBPV anniversary and look forward to their stays in that paradise we call Puerto Vallarta. Gary and Debbie are both “Golden Members” of SB/PV.  Golden Members donate $500 and they no longer pay annual memberships.

Recording Secretary/ Margaret Saavedra. 2025-2026

Margaret was past president on two occasions, most recently for 2023 and 2024, and as such remains on the board as ex-oficio, until a new president is elected.   Margaret has not only served as president, also corresponding secretary and is currently the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Newsletter editor.  I may not be a native, but I have lived in Santa Barbara longer than most SB/PV members. My grandmother’s family on my mothers side and also on my father’s side hail from Jalisco. The organization has given me the opportunity to explore the heritage and country of my parents and grandparents.

Corresponding Scty – Sebastian Aldana 

I am a native to Santa Barbara, first generation. My father was from Jalisco and my mother from Nayarit, Mexico. I love what I have seen of Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is awesome and I hope my wife Norma and I will be able to live in the Puerto Vallarta region six months out of the year when I retire, I would love to explore my roots. I am currently working at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, as security personnel. I am very engaged with the Santa Barbara community, I have two Mayor and City Council appointed positions, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Neighborhood Advisory Council – East side Representative. Current President of Santa Barbara Eastside Society non profit. I support our current projects in Puerto Vallarta, looking forward to the next few years as we continue to fundraise and put smiles on peoples faces along with enjoying the camaraderie of the Puerto Vallarta community.

Danny Contreras  

Danny has been a longtime member of Santa Barbara/Sister Cities Group.Danny is General Manager for a local plumbing supply store.  His experience in general business will be a bonus for our board.   He and his wife Marcie are regular participants in our varied Sister City dinners and programs. He and Marcie are regular visitors to Puerto Vallarta every year.

Alma Vaja 

I had a wonderful and rewarding career with Santa Barbara County, where I worked for 16 years before retiring a couple of years ago. Even though I’m officially retired, my dedication to helping people continues! I’m currently active as a Family and Marriage Therapist (AMFT, APCC), and I’m very passionate about my work with three different Santa Barbara nonprofit organizations. I’m fortunate to be able to serve both our English and Spanish-speaking communities, which is something I truly value.

Jacqueline Duran 

Jacqueline is a Financial Advisor and is President and Founder of Duran Capital Management. She was previously a Wealth Manager and Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley.  Jacqueline is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and the College of Financial Planning. Jacqueline is a member of various local nonprofit organizations. She is currently a Board member of the Montecito Association, and current Board Member of the Friendship Center, former President of the Santa Barbara Rotary North Club and past board member of Santa Barbara Sister Cities Committee. Jacqueline enjoys spending time with her husband Alex, and children Bradley and Henry. For fun, she enjoys dancing, running and skiing

Marisela Katsapis 

I am a longtime member of the community and have been connected with the Puerto Vallarta Sister City group on and off for more than 20 years. As an artist who creates artisan jewelry, I value creativity, cultural exchange, and building meaningful connections between communities. I am honored to serve as a board member and support the organization’s mission.

Carlos Velasco 

Carlos is returning to the Board of Directors.  He was a Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta president in 2019 – 2020.   During his tenure we did several police exchange trainings and he was liaision Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office with the for the most recent exchange in 2026 for four officers from Puerto Vallarta.

Martha Chavez and Antonio Rodriguez

Martha and Antonio pictured here during a recent fundraising Cruise to help Children with Cancer in Puerto Vallarta.   Martha and Antonio have been members for a number of years and we are happy to welcome them to our Board of Directors.