Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Honorees Include Healthcare District Staff Member

Valley Chamber Honors Healthcare District Staff Member  

Will Dean

The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation is today, Monday, May 4, congratulating Will Dean, director of communications and marketing, who is among the 2026 Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce CV Next honorees.

“Launched earlier this year, CV Next was created to spotlight individuals who are making a meaningful impact across the Coachella Valley through their work in business, nonprofit organizations, and public policy,” according to a statement from the chamber.

Eighteen individuals were selected after a competitive nomination process for their leadership, innovation and commitment to strengthening our community.

“As a valued member of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation staff, Will’s many contributions vary from developing internal and external communication plans to implementing multimedia marketing campaigns and producing the Healthy Desert Healthy You podcast,” said CEO Chris Christensen.

Dean joined the District & Foundation staff in June 2018. He also serves on the Brothers of the Desert Board of Directors and supports community and local arts events.

“In my career and non-work commitments, my intention has always been to use my skills and abilities in service to community, which is its own reward in many ways,” Dean said. “I am so fortunate to work with an amazing team at the District & Foundation, led by a Board of Directors whose dedication inspires me. I am grateful to the District and the chamber for this honor.”

The 2026 CV Next Honorees (alphabetical order):

  • Nick Anziano – Office of Assemblymember Greg Wallis
  • Amy Blaisdell – City of Palm Springs
  • Roberta Crncic – Desert Hot Springs
  • Will Dean – Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
  • Aaron Espinosa – Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
  • Alison Hendrix – NBC Palm Springs/ Univision
  • Erin Hyland – Read With Me Volunteer Programs
  • David Isen – Desert Rodeo
  • Matt Lokay – Chick-fil-A, La Quinta
  • Emmanuel Martinez – Coachella Valley Association of Governments
  • Amy Cuen McDuffie – Office of Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
  • Andrew McDuffie – California Bank & Trust
  • Bryan Newman – Pedego Electric Bikes
  • Jerremy Sage – JNS Next Creative & Media Hub
  • Sean Smith – Greater Palm Springs Economic Development
  • Alissa Vatter – Fidelity National Title
  • Ashley Yanez – Office of Assemblymember Gonzalez
  • Francinni Zabata – Desert Sands Educational Foundation / Desert Sands Unified School District

About the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency formed in 1948. Its mission is to achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents. The District includes more than 400,000 residents and encompasses the entire Coachella Valley. The District and Desert Healthcare Foundation, together, are one of the largest funders in the valley. These funds are used to assist residents — especially the underserved — in accessing vitally needed resources, such as primary and behavioral healthcare. Learn more.