leadership Team
Joe Barrientes
Joseph (Joe) Barrientes is a first-generation college graduate and Gilbert Leadership alumni. He has his Executive Masters in Global Management from ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management.
He started his professional career as a warehouse associate for Senergy Petroleum in 2011 and is now sales director. His favorite thing about his career is the knowledge he gains from working with all of the major industries that run Arizona. From dairy farms in Yuma to advanced technology in the Valley, he has closed them all!
His wife, Vivianna, and he share a home in the Greenfield Lakes community in Gilbert with their 3 dogs, Billy, Lady, and TJ. On the weekends, you can usually find him backpacking a nearby mountain or landscaping his yard.
Braelyn Brown
Braelyn is a proud graduate from The University of Arizona with a degree in fine arts. A Gilbert native, she founded Thrive Coworking with her mom in January 2018. Braelyn is recognized as a leader in the town for her work to promote women in business and coworking spaces in Arizona.
In her personal life, Braelyn is an active cyclist and committed to a green initiative, educating Thrive members about sustainability. A homeowner in Gilbert, she lives with her husband, German shepherd, and her cat, and loves to play video games, go to raves, and do DIY projects.
In her personal life, Braelyn is an active cyclist and committed to a green initiative, educating Thrive members about sustainability. A homeowner in Gilbert, she lives with her husband, German shepherd, and her cat, and loves to play video games, go to raves, and do DIY projects.
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Charles Sims
Charles is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Organizational Communication and a minor in Business Administration. Charles is currently employed as a Banking Officer for FirstBank, the official bank of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
A Colorado native, he has lived in Arizona for one year and has been involved in the banking industry for over three years. Located on Baseline and Gilbert, Charles is happy to help with any and all banking & lending needs.
Outside of work, Charles can be found playing golf, fishing or watching sports.
Outside of work, Charles can be found playing golf, fishing or watching sports.
Vince Giovannini
An active member of the community, Vince Giovannini has been a Gilbert resident for over 20 years. He currently works for Deloitte as a Senior Consultant, leading Deloitte Labor Market Intelligence, a consulting service for human resource and real estate executives. Bringing extensive experience in workforce consulting and labor analytics, Vince assists business leaders in optimizing their talent and location strategy.
In addition to consulting, Vince has vast economic development experience, previously working for both the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Town of Gilbert, AZ. Outside of work, you can find Vince out and about in Gilbert enjoying the canal paths, coffee shops, and farmer’s market with his wife Marissa and sons Geno and Sonny. If you spot him in his bright green Philadelphia Eagles jacket, be sure to give him a wave!
In addition to consulting, Vince has vast economic development experience, previously working for both the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Town of Gilbert, AZ. Outside of work, you can find Vince out and about in Gilbert enjoying the canal paths, coffee shops, and farmer’s market with his wife Marissa and sons Geno and Sonny. If you spot him in his bright green Philadelphia Eagles jacket, be sure to give him a wave!
Ashley Hughes
Ashley’s passion for community and connection began at an early age. From the grade school days of Student Council and Beta Club, Ashley has always enjoyed collaborating with driven, like-minded people.
A Louisiana native, Ashley was raised in a small town with a similar feel to Gilbert. She relocated to Arizona in 2015 and has fully embraced the desert lifestyle. Ashley moved to Gilbert in 2019 and was struck by the warmth of the community but saw a need for connection between Gilbert’s population of young business professionals. Ashley works as a Banker/Loan Officer for Landings Credit Union and is an active member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program and the Principal’s Advisory Council for Harris Elementary.
Ashley works and lives nearby downtown Gilbert with her dog Lincoln. In her spare time, you can find her reading a book, taking her dog out for a walk, working on a DIY project, or going thrifting.
Ashley works and lives nearby downtown Gilbert with her dog Lincoln. In her spare time, you can find her reading a book, taking her dog out for a walk, working on a DIY project, or going thrifting.