Carmen Marsh can say something with confidence that many can’t: She always enjoys her jobs. Twenty-five years ago, she found her passion for technology and has stuck with the profession ever since. 

In his lifetime of entrepreneurship, Don Whitaker has managed to mostly avoid competitors. “You try to find a niche where you have no competition,” Whitaker says of his approach to business. He found his niche market with Ceronix, which he started in 1984 out of his Auburn home. 

Bonnie Ferreira helms the Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Leadership Forum, a cohort from all walks of life, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and industries that represents multiple counties to explore challenges facing the region, connect with one another and develop their leadership skills.

Modern planning now focuses on elements beyond brick-and-mortar retail and commercial. Community events, alternative transportation with safe travel for pedestrians and bicyclists, and redesigned streetscapes with drought-tolerant landscaping have become central considerations.

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Vacaville-based dried fruit company Mariani Packing Co. focuses on healthy living — not just for its consumers, but also for its employees. 

As executive director of HomeAid Sacramento, Amber Celmer is dedicated to empowering people experiencing homelessness. 

The extreme effects of climate change and California’s environmental mandates are propelling a growing energy workforce.

No one owns water in California, making collaboration and negotiation between water management players crucial. 

From the corporate world to the nonprofit, entrepreneurship to mayorship, Krista Bernasconi is fueled by her passion for public service.

Sourdough is having a moment, and so is artisan flour business Capay Mills, thanks to an influx of small business bonds. 

Comstock’s outgoing editor considers the Great Resignation and the ways the pandemic has reshaped how the world sees work. 

Jessica Law became executive director of the Water Forum in January. Comstock’s spoke to Law about the group’s priorities as the region deals with another drought. 

Sadie St. Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Women in Data, an international nonprofit organization with 47 chapters in 17 countries.

Comstock’s spoke to Visit Sacramento Brand and Community Engagement Director Karlee Cemo-McIntosh about how the organization has taken advantage of new opportunities over the past year.

Comstock’s spoke to Charlie Gardner, general manager of @the Grounds in Roseville, about new facilities on the renovated fairgrounds, including the $34 million Roebbelen Center. 

Comstock’s spoke to Anku about his fund (which plans to close at $12 million in May) and the importance of investing in Black entrepreneurs.

Comstock’s spoke to Covert — who was born and raised in Grass Valley — about her work with the Nisenan Tribe and why it matters.

Over the past two decades, a coordinated effort focused on science and policy, education and awareness, and an entrepreneurial approach to workforce development has been underway to come to grips with the lasting legacy of the mining age.

Comstock’s spoke to Dyer about her company’s function as an accelerator of medical advancement.

Cassie Gilson is president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors, making her one of the only women who are managing partners at the top lobbying firms in Sacramento.

Dr. Diana Farmer, chair of the department of surgery at UC Davis Health, is the world’s first woman fetal surgeon. 

PODCAST: Listen to a six-part series about Capital Region professionals who found new pursuits after successful careers. 

PODCAST: Carl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.

Carl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year.

Comstock’s spoke to Andersen about the Folsom Plan Area, which will add housing, schools, parks, and commercial and office buildings, and bring in an estimated 25,000 new residents.

Look back on 2020 with a list of our top-read stories and our editors’ favorites.

Michael Guyette became president and CEO of VSP Global, based in Rancho Cordova, in 2018. Comstock’s spoke to Guyette about leading the 65-year-old organization.

Comstock’s spoke to Hirota about leading the organization, which has helped more than 30,000 women and children during its 35-year history.

Proponents say environmental justice efforts will only be successful if they are inclusive and equitable.

Nonprofits make up 97 percent of All-Cal’s clientele, which has been run by the Esparza family in Roseville for more than 30 years. 

Christopher Callahan, who became president July 1, is overseeing the institution’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Comstock’s spoke with Lee about his company’s role in the Black community and in advocating for a better future.

Comstock’s spoke with Belen Flores about how her organization has adapted in recent months and why its mission remains important.

Dr. Vanessa Walker is medical director of the Sutter Health Valley Area’s electronic ICU, a telemonitoring program in which doctors and nurses monitor ICU patients through video, remote diagnostic tools and other technologies.

As assistant director of the Placer County Office of Emergency Services, Holly Powers brings together a variety of partners to prepare for, respond to, and lead the recovery from natural or human-made disasters.

Sacramento app developer Rich Foreman led the development of wellness apps with self-assessment modules and toolkits, including access to peer-support groups and therapists vetted for their expertise with law enforcement.

Under the gloom of a pandemic, people on the front lines of the crisis are encountering a level of unprecedented stressors layered onto already challenging jobs.

Professor Jennifer Harder is the co-director of the Water & Environmental Law program at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Comstock’s spoke with Harder about water issues affecting the Capital Region and California.

George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. We spoke with Usi about his mission to educate businesses so they can manage their risk when a cybersecurity breach occurs.

As soon as a B Street Theatre show closes at The Sofia in Sacramento, the old set is torn down and installation of the next set begins later that same day. Here are shots of the work that went into the set of “Byhalia, Mississippi” before it closed over coronavirus concerns.

Tonja Wilcox has created a lot of watercolor paintings of trees, mainly birch and aspen, but the exact number is unknown. “I stopped counting after 600,” says the Sacramento-based artist.

Cindy Messer was sworn in as chief deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources the day after the Oroville Dam crisis began in February 2017, when damage to both the main and emergency spillways forced the evacuation of more than 180,000 residents.

Celia Esposito-Noy, superintendent and president of Solano Community College, sees higher education institutions as responsible for serving much more than just their students.

Margaret Wong founded the Sacramento-based California Center in 2012 to facilitate business opportunities between California and China. Comstock’s spoke with Wong about expanding to the China market.

In celebration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment, Comstock’s is honoring 19 regional leaders for our annual tribute to women in leadership. Our managing editor shares her thoughts on the occasion.

Lance Hastings became president and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association in November 2018. Comstock’s spoke with Hastings about challenges faced by manufacturers and how CMTA works to improve the business climate.

The last remaining microchip plant in Northern California has found ways to thrive in a challenging market.

Corey Sholes, a self-described skateboard fanatic, was 18 years old when he cut his first skateboard. Eventually, he started pressing his own boards using a vacuum press system, and making handcrafted boards became his full-time job and his business, Legend Skateboards, in 1994.

Comstock’s spoke to Marshall Medical Center CEO Siri Nelson about her organization’s efforts to provide quality health care services to residents of El Dorado County.

Mark Haney, the entrepreneur, angel investor, radio host and CEO of Rocklin-based HaneyBiz, says investors should look for startup founders who work well together and are committed to the product.