PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Darren Delle Donne has joined California Bank & Trust in Rancho Cucamonga as Vice President, Relationship Manager. With 15+ years in wealth management, he brings expertise in financial planning, client advisory and small business consulting. He’ll help clients identify financial gaps and connect them with long-term solutions. You can contact Darren by phone at (669) 669-1927 or by email at Darren.DelleDonne@calbt.com. 

Riverside-Based Phenix Technology Recognized Nationally for Inclusive Workforce Innovation and Transformative Community Impact

A California-based fire helmet manufacturer was honored for workforce  innovation and commitment to inclusive economic growth at National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum 2025. 

Phenix Technology, Inc., a leading manufacturer of firefighter safety helmets, has been awarded the  prestigious 2025 W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award by the NAWB. Selected as the national  recipient by a panel representing more than 590 workforce development boards across the United States,  Phenix was recognized for its outstanding leadership, community partnerships and innovative approach  to workforce development. 

Based in Riverside, California, Phenix Technology is internationally known for producing high-quality,  American-made helmets used by first responders worldwide. Beyond its products, the company has  distinguished itself through its deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workforce. Central to this commitment is the Opportunity for All program — Phenix’s signature workforce  development initiative designed to empower individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to  employment. Originally launched as a pilot, the program is now carried forward by Phenix’s nonprofit  arm, Phenix Gateway. 

“While we take tremendous pride in the products we make, we also believe we have a mission to create  a better world through developing opportunities,” said Angel Sanchez, CEO of Phenix Technology.  “Opportunity for All has helped prove that individuals who have historically been excluded from the  workforce don’t just contribute — they elevate organizations. We are honored to receive this national  award and grateful to the partners who have helped us make this vision a reality.” 

Phenix Technology’s success has been fueled by its close partnership with the Riverside County  Workforce Development Board and other regional collaborators. Together, they have expanded access  to meaningful, long-term employment for individuals who might otherwise be left behind. Today, more  than 30% of Phenix’s workforce is neurodiverse, with many others coming from traditionally  underserved backgrounds.

The W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award is presented annually to one business that demonstrates  transformative leadership in workforce development and community impact. Phenix Technology now  joins a select group of past recipients who have helped redefine how businesses can play a leading role  in building vibrant, inclusive local economies. Founded in Riverside, California, Phenix Technology, Inc. is a family-owned, global manufacturer of  high-quality safety helmets for firefighters and first responders. For over five decades, Phenix has been  committed to protecting those who protect us and to creating opportunity through inclusive, community focused workforce development. Learn more at www.phenixfirehelmets.com.

Spectrum announced Wally Bakare is the new Regional Vice President of Field Operations for the company’s West Region, which comprises the company’s cable systems serving customers in Southern California, Hawaii and Arizona. Mr. Bakare succeeds and will report to Shannon Atkinson, who was recently promoted to Senior Vice President, Field Operations, overseeing multiple regions for the company. In this role, Mr. Bakare returns to Southern California and will be based in El Segundo.

As Regional Vice President of Field Operations, he leads the 4,000-member West Field Operations workforce, including the field technicians who perform installation and service calls in homes and small and medium-sized businesses. His organization is also responsible for the monitoring, maintenance, construction and upgrade of local broadband networks, including the company’s network evolution, which will bring symmetrical and multi-gigabit speeds to Spectrum’s entire 41-state service area, as well as network expansion.

“Wally’s more than 25-year career in the industry is highlighted by his focus on organizational performance across all areas of Field Operations,” said Ms. Atkinson. “He has a unique ability to diagnose operational gaps and develop strategic and tactical plans that will improve performance and enhance the experience for millions of Spectrum customers across Southern California, Hawaii and Arizona.”

Since August 2021, Mr. Bakare has served as Regional Vice President of Field Operations for the company’s Northwest Region, which includes the company’s operations in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming, as well as Central and Northern California. He earlier spent five years in the West Region as Area Vice President for the SoCal Central management area, serving communities in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Mr. Bakare began his career in the industry in 1996 with Nextel Communications and later spent seven years at Comcast in a variety of broadband and telephony leadership roles, before joining Time Warner Cable in 2006. While at Time Warner Cable, he held a series of telephony and operations leadership positions in Southern California and Ohio before moving to Charter in 2014 as Area Vice President for its California management area.

Mr. Bakare holds a master’s degree in Telecommunications Management from the University of Maryland University College and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Cable Executive Management Program.