Ron Gonzales’ personal philosophy is to help improve the quality of life for others. This philosophy has guided his 45 years of technology, public policy and non-profit professional experience. Currently, Gonzales serves as President and CEO of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Silicon Valley Latinos.
He served as Mayor of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley and the nation’s 10thlargest city from 1999-2006. His achievements included nationally recognized initiatives for strong neighborhoods, improved public education, and effective solutions to affordable housing and regional transportation projects. Mayor Gonzales may be best known for championing the extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to San Jose and Silicon Valley. So much so, that former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown nicknamed him “Mayor BART”.
Gonzales served for eight years (1989-1996) on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and was a two-time mayor and member of the Sunnyvale City Council (1979-87). Gonzales is Founder, Chairman and CEO of Presencia, LLC which provides marketing and sales consulting services. Additionally, Gonzales worked as an executive with the Hewlett-Packard Company, in the areas of marketing, human resources, and corporate philanthropy.
He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Notre Dame de Namur University, Board of Directors for Save The Bay, Vice Chair of the Silicon Valley Capital Club Board of Governors, Board Chair for SV@Home, and Board Member of KIPP Bay Area Public Charter Schools. He is married to Guisselle Nuñez, marketing professional and author, and they live in San Jose’s North Willow Glen neighborhood.