SHCCNJ Appoints Three Board Members and Names Monica Martinez-Milan Vice Chair

LYNDHURST, N.J. — The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Deborah D. Visconi, a healthcare executive and nationally recognized leader in patient-centered care; Alvin Romero, president and CEO of Excel Facility Services Group; and Gladys Vonglahn, CEO of Gladys’ Cleaning Service, an entrepreneur and community advocate. 

SHCCNJ continues to appoint community and business leaders whose experience spans key sectors shaping New Jersey’s economy and reflects the diversity of the Latino community. 

Monica Martinez-Milan: Newly Elected Vice Chair of the Board

In addition, Monica Martinez-Milan has been named Vice Chair of the Board. She is the owner of Stumpy’s Hatchet House (Green Brook) and exemplifies local franchise entrepreneurship and strong community engagement.

“Stepping into the role of Vice Chairman for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Our Hispanic business community is a driving force in New Jersey’s economy, and I am committed to fostering growth, creating opportunities, and ensuring our voices are represented at every level.” 

The Chamber is grateful to the former board's Vice Chair Claribel Cortes for her seven years of Service as Vice Chair. Her leadership has been defined by clarity, conviction, and a deep commitment to our community. Cortes played an instrumental role in strengthening the Chamber, elevating our work, and advancing opportunities for the businesses and communities we serve. 

Deborah D. Visconi: Healthcare Leadership and Patient-Centered Innovation 

Deborah Visconi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, is a healthcare executive with 20+ years of senior leadership across academic medical centers, safety-net hospitals, and integrated health systems, recognized for advancing access to care and patient-centered services. A previous SHCCNJ Awardee Gala honoree, she brings deep experience leading complex, mission-driven organizations. 

“I am deeply honored to join the Board of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” said Visconi. “The chamber’s work supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs, advancing economic opportunity and elevating Latino leadership is vital to the future of our state. As a Latina leader, I am proud to support an organization that creates pathways for the next generation.” 

Alvin Romero: Entrepreneurship and Multi-State Business Growth 

Romero is president and CEO of Excel Facility Services Group in Nutley, N.J. Since founding the company in 2008, he has grown the commercial services firm to operate in 28 states with more than 400 employees. Also recognized at a past SHCCNJ Awardee Gala, he brings entrepreneurial and operational expertise to the board. 

“I’m honored to join the board of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey at such an important time,” said Romero. “As an entrepreneur, I understand what it takes to grow and sustain a business, and I look forward to contributing that perspective to support our members. SHCCNJ plays a critical role in strengthening Latino businesses throughout New Jersey, and I’m committed to helping expand opportunity, access and long-term growth for our community.” 

Gladys Vonglahn: Community Advocacy and Entrepreneurial Development 

Vonglahn is an entrepreneur and community advocate and a graduate of Essex County College. She has completed several business development programs, including Rising Tide Capital, HETP, now called the Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP), EPI at Rutgers–Newark, LETS and UCEDC’s Founder First. Originally from Santiago, Chile, her journey to building a business in New Jersey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of SHCCNJ’s mission. 

“I’m honored to join SHCCNJ, an organization that reflects the journey so many of us have lived,” said Vonglahn. “As an entrepreneur and immigrant, I understand the challenges of building a business from the ground up and the importance of access to the right resources. I look forward to supporting more small business owners as they grow and succeed throughout New Jersey.” 

As SHCCNJ welcomes its new board members, the chamber also extends its gratitude to Lilia Rios, founder of La Providencia, a Passaic-based company dedicated to preserving Mexican culture and traditions. Rios served on the board beginning in November 2020 and championed the Hispanic business community throughout New Jersey, contributing her time and expertise to advance the chamber’s mission.   

“Serving on this board was one of the greatest honors of my professional journey. It also gave me the privilege of becoming the first Mexican woman to serve in this role, something that will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Lilia Rios. 

About SHCCNJ 

SHCCNJ is the leading voice for more than 150,000 Latino-owned businesses, representing a community that contributes $127 billion to New Jersey’s GDP and is part of the $4 trillion U.S. Latino economy. Since 1989, the chamber has supported small businesses through education, advocacy and networking, earning the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and recognition as one of the nation’s leading Latino chambers. 

For more information, visit www.shccnj.org.