Cris Guillen

Cristobal (Cris) Guillen is a founder of the Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (AWSHCC) and currently serves as its president and CEO. The AWSHCC was incorporated in October 2007 and created to support the interests of local Hispanic chambers of commerce and their members throughout Washington State. Affiliated chambers are located in Spokane, Pasco, Wenatchee, Seattle, Bellingham, Yakima, and Tacoma. www.awshcc.com

Cris is a Founder of the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which was incorporated in November 2008 and includes board members Bertha Ortega, founder and vice president, Heritage University; Tadeo Saenz-Thompson, president, Washington State Migrant Council; Doug Picattii, Picatti Brothers; Carlos Olivares, president, Yakima Valley Farm Worker Clinic; and Ben Shoval, Ben Shoval, Inc. www.cwhcc.com 

Cris is also a founder and organizer of Plaza Bank Washington, the first bank in Washington State formed to market primarily to the Latino community. At the time of its formation in May 2006, Plaza Bank was the largest de novo bank in Washington State history with an initial capital of $22 million. Plaza Bank operates two branches in the Puget Sound area. The founders group includes Edgar Martinez and Gene Juarez www.plazabankwa.com 

Prior to his work at the AWSHCC and forming Plaza Bank, Cris had a 20 year career in the securities industry and held the positions of corporate bond trader, over-the-counter stock trader, municipal bond trader, municipal bond institutional salesman, investment advisor, and principal supervisor. He held securities licenses Series 7, 24, and 65.

Cris was a member of the board of directors of the Committee for Downtown Yakima and presently serves on the board of directors of the Community Health Plan of Washington. www.chpw.org