Meet the Foundation

Executive Board of Directors

Joanna Grimes

Joanna Grimes

MCHCC Foundation President

Joanna R. Grimes has been a resident of Merced for 32 years, moving to Merced while her father served in the Air Force at Castle AFB. Previously she lived overseas in Japan and in Central America, Panama. She embraces her Panamanian heritage and is grateful for the impact living overseas made on her as a young child. Joanna is a graduate of Merced High and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Merced Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Human Development, Master of Education Degree in School Counseling and Administration, both from California State University Stanislaus. Joanna has served in various capacities in education for over 22 years, both in K-12 and Higher Education. Most recently with Merced Community College as the temporary Director of Instructional Special Projects and Services, and currently as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology. She has worked with local, State and non-profit entities throughout her career as well. Joanna is also an entrepreneur with two small businesses and currently in the process of founding her first non-profit. She enjoys working with people and giving back to her community through servitude and creating opportunities for community development. Her passion lies in serving youth and individuals by providing and creating opportunities for them to reach their goals and attain their dreams through education and personal development. Joanna loves spending time with her family, two beautiful daughters and granddaughter. She enjoys traveling, music, dancing, food and the arts. Joanna is currently a court appointed advocate with CASA and a certified advocate for Central Valley Crisis Center. She served as the Vice President for the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation from October 2022 through May of 2023, before transitioning to her new role as President for the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation.

 Email: MCHCCFoundation@gmail.com  

Eric Alcaraz

MCHCC Foundation Vice President

Eric Alcaras is the founder and owner of Rancho Alcaras. Rancho Alcaras was officially established in May 2022, but the vision was crafted 10 years prior. After serving as a First Responder for many years, he decided to pursue his dream of owning and operating his own ranch. Eric believes in creating and providing his community with the best quality farm to table products. Rancho Alcaras strives to supply high quality pasture raised eggs and beef. The ranch is also a local venue for special events and a platform to support local business within the farm and agricultural industry. You can also find Rancho Alcaras at various community vendor events with their delicious farm to table menus. Rancho Alcaras is home to Mossberg, Maggie, 50+ free-range laying hens and beef cattle. Eric is also a certified firearms and safety trainer. Currently, Eric is an ambassador with the Chamber and an Executive Board of Director for the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation. He previously served as Board of Director from October 2022 – May of 2023. Currently he serves as the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation, Vice President.  

Email: Ranchoalcaras@gmail.com  

Robert L. Garrett III

Robert L. Garrett III

MCHCC Foundation Treasurer
Robert L. Garrett III has been an active member in the community for over 20+ years. Robert has been involved in youth sports, as a coach for a number of years. He has also founded and built nonprofits in Merced County since 2022. Robert is a local business owner of THEE TAX MAN, Financial Services, 22 years strong.
Robert is a father of three, Robert L. Garrett IV, Ryan J. Garrett and Adeline Grace.
Currently Robert serves on 4 nonprofit boards within Merced County and is an Executive Board of Director for the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation, serving as Treasurer since 2021.
Denice Cruz

Denice Cruz

MCHCC Foundation Secretary
 
 
Denice is a Real Estate agent with Realty Executives. Denice loves working with people and helping families fulfill their dreams of owning their own home. She enjoys using her skills to contribute to the community. She is from the Merced/Atwater area and a graduate of Golden Valley High School class of 96′. Soon after college, she met and married her husband Robert Cruz. They have a beautifully blended family and in her spare time, she enjoys watching her children play sports and traveling. Denice is currently an Executive Board of Director for the MCHCC Scholarship Foundation, serving as Secretary since 2022 and is entering her second term. 

Board of Directors

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