At GPEC, it’s the people behind our mission that work tirelessly each day to build our region’s identity, recruit businesses, and keep the lights on.

Meet the GPEC team: Milestone anniversaries part IV

Published: 09/27/2019
Updated: 10/08/2019

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford 

At GPEC, we’re passionate about what we do and who we work with. It’s the people behind our mission that work tirelessly each day to build our region’s identity, recruit businesses, and keep the lights on. Join us in celebrating members of our team who have reached milestone anniversaries with the organization.  

 

Stephane Frijia, Senior Vice President, Strategy (8 years)

What’s your hidden talent? 

When I am not busy playing economic development tri-dimensional chess games, I like to kick back and paint, specifically oil painting. 

What’s your spirit animal?

Is this one I get to cook over a fire pit? According to an online quiz, I am most like a turtle…so I am going to make a soup instead! 

What’s your favorite emoji?

On weekends I ___________? 

I spend time with my kids and catch up on house projects. At night, I indulge on movies or video games. 

My dream car is______________.

Maserati Ghibli 

What’s your life theme song?

“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John 

What inspires you? 

The everyday struggles of the people around me, and seeing them do their best for their family and loved ones. 

 

Lindsay Hahn, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications (2 years)

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m an expert at flossing (the dance move) and have taught our office how to floss. We could use some more practice though… 

What’s your spirit animal?

A dolphin! 

What’s your favorite emoji?

On weekends I ___________? 

shop at local markets, work out, check out new breweries and restaurants with friends, watch sports, and relax. 

My dream car is______________.

one that’s reliable, has good gas mileage and has a sun roof..? I’m not a car person lol 

 What’s your life theme song?

Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer 

What inspires you? 

My mom. Her determination and success in her career. Her heart, compassion and love for family. Her ability to find balance in the craziness of life. Grateful to have grown up with such a strong female role model. 

Anything else you’d like to share:

I’m a huge sports fan, especially hockey. 

 

Carol Hu, Senior Director, Strategic Programs (1 year)

What’s your hidden talent?

I like to play and compete in rhythmbased video games, such as Dance Dance Revolution and Pump It Up. 

What’s your spirit animal? 

Owl

What’s your favorite emoji?

On weekends I ___________? 

enjoy traveling to new places and doing something I haven’t done before. 

My dream car is______________. 

Tesla

What’s your life theme song? 

“Earth, Wind & Fire” by September

What inspires you? 

Everything. The big pictures and the little details in life.

Anything else you’d like to share:

If you sleep 8 hours a day and live for 60 years, you would be asleep for 20 years. Appreciate every waking moment. 

 

Sharon Hwang, COO (1 year)

What’s your hidden talent? 

I can plank for nearly 8 minutes #humblebrag 

What’s your spirit animal? 

Tilphin (tiger + dolphin… hey, if Napoleon Dynamite can make-up an animal, so can I) 

On weekends I ___________? 

dream of it being Monday already (JK, I #netflixandchill) 

My dream car is______________. 

an energy-efficient Jeep Wrangler 

What’s your life theme song? 

Probably anything by Bob Marley. “Numb/Encore” by Jay-Z & Linkin Park has been set as my daily alarm clock for the past two years.

What inspires you? 

Teams that dream big and deliver sustainable solutions.

Anything else you’d like to share:

I’m grateful and excited to be a part of an organization that drives and empowers our economy.

 

Anthony Rodriguez, Research Analyst (2 years)

What’s your hidden talent?

I can fall asleep anywhere.

What’s your spirit animal? 

Black bear 

What’s your favorite emoji?

On weekends I ___________? 

hike, brunch, and play board games with my wife and friends.

My dream car is______________. 

an RV

What’s your life theme song?  

“Daybreak” by Michael Haggins 

What inspires you? 

Growth and change. It’s always exciting to see something new and makes me wonder what could come next.

 

Meet the rest of the GPEC team here