For the second month in a row, I wish our magazine could be 100 pages!
Nominations for our Men of Chandler feature were solicited through the magazine, social media, and word-of-mouth because we wanted to feature men our readers would find special. The nominating criteria remained loose because we were looking for men from a broad cross-section of our community, and our Editorial Committee once again had a difficult task making the selections. When I say this process is difficult, I mean as in sleepless nights for many!
These guys were found everywhere—donating their talents, time, and/or money to make a difference in our great community. I hope you enjoy reading and learning more about each of these men. Some will not be a surprise, but some will. Some are similarly motivated. Some are extremely unique. Some are innovative. Some have overcome great adversity All are amazingly selfless. All are interesting. All are dedicated. All are motivated to do good.
Next time you see these men out and about, I hope you say hello and thank them for caring. They truly embody what gives Chandler our small town feel and true sense of community.—Joyce Selk, publisher and owner
Cory Whyte
Realtor/Broker
Born on an Army base in Germany, Cory Whyte grew up in San Diego, where he met his wife, Lisa. He followed her back to Chandler, as her family has been a prominent part of the community since 1915. They are currently raising three fourth-generation Chandlerites!
As chairman of the Dignity Health Foundation Board of Directors 2025/26, over $5M was raised to improve and save lives in our community every day.
Whyte also serves as vice president of the Ocotillo HOA Board, one of the largest communities in Chandler with over 3,300 residents. Prior to this, Whyte spent 15 years as a local youth sports coach for the YMCA, RSL Soccer Club (his favorite sport!), and i9 Sports. He also spent 10 years with the Horizon Rotary, raising money for local needs.
When he is not busy selling real estate or raising money for the needs in our community, Whyte plans to visit all 50 states (he so far has 35 and counting), take his family back to Europe, go skydiving, and race a car in an official race. That’s quite a bucket list!
Hester “Shawn” Charles
Co-Owner, Oasis Senior Advisors
Shawn Charles has proven to be one of the best wrestlers in the world, winning championships at high school, college, and international competitions. Charles earned a scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU) and became a four-time All-American, the first in the school’s history. He was crowned the PAC 10 Champion twice and was inducted into the ASU Hall of Fame.
After graduation, Charles went on to win international championships and became a D1 coach, earning Coach of the Year-PAC 10 Conference as head wrestling coach at ASU, coached the Outstanding Wrestler-NCAA Champions, three academic Male Student Athletes of the Year for three colleges, 42 All-Americans, and 5 NCAA Champions.
His international coaching career was just as successful, coaching at three Olympic games, many World Championships, the Pan Am Championship, two-time World Cup Coach, and Ukraine International Tournament Coach twice.
Charles and his wife, Jill, co-own a business in Chandler and have raised two sons here. He volunteers by serving on the board for the YMCA, Robles Unstoppable Foundation, Chandler Men of Action, and Chandler4Change.
Fun fact?
“Don Cheadle portrayed me in the movie, Unstoppable.”
Rene Lopez
Co-Founder, CeCe’s Hope Center
Rene Lopez is a third-generation Arizona native and third-generation U.S. Naval Officer veteran. He was the first in his family to graduate college.
His family’s commitment to community service has always been a priority for him. He took up an interest in politics in junior high school, when his father took him out to knock on doors for a Phoenix mayoral race. Moving back to his hometown in 2007, Lopez has served in several political capacities, including City Park and Recreation Committee member, Chandler City Council, Vice Mayor, and currently as Commissioner on the Arizona Corporation Commission.
In 2017, Rene co-founded Cece’s Hope Center, an East Valley nonprofit that helps young women at risk who were rescued from sex trafficking from all over Arizona. Its holistic program has aided over 1,000 young women. They’ve stabilized and improved the futures of victims by bridging the gap of services and support.
His words to live by are by C.S. Lewis: "My prayer is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight."
Fun fact?
“I have traveled the world and have set foot on every continent except Antarctica. It’s one of my bucket list items to experience.”
Matt Marshall
Executive VP, First Bank
Matt Marshall is described as an outstanding leader, dedicated volunteer, and a pillar of our community. His unwavering commitment to making Chandler a better place is evident in his professional achievements, community service, and personal integrity.
Marshall’s volunteer work has had a profound impact. He’s dedicated countless hours to serving as a life member of the Chandler Compadres and serving 12-plus years on the Chandler Education Foundation board of directors. He also serves on the board of the Dignity Health Foundation-East Valley. He formally served on the board of The Clothes Cabin, and the Boys & Girls Clubs/Chandler.
His nominator writes, “Matt is always striving to uplift those in need. His ability to bring people together and inspire positive change is truly commendable.”
Something you may not know?
“By most appearances, I’m very involved in the community and successful in my career, but most people wouldn’t know that was raised in a low-income area by two parents who neither graduated from high school. My dad was an auto mechanic, and my mom cleaned homes. Just proof that your circumstances can always be overcome.”
Dr. Rafael Martinez
Asst. Professor, ASU
As an oral historian and educator, Dr. Martinez has found Chandler to be a community which has nourished the professional and personal growth at all levels for him and his family.
“As a professor and educator, it has been a goal for me to leverage topics that impact our students who come from this community, as well as the other communities in this region.”
His nominator explains, “It is not an exaggeration to state that lives have been changed with his approach to public history work through his Querencia oral history project,” which was about the 1997 Roundup when members of the Hispanic/Latino community were taken into police custody for simply looking different. The Chandler Museum traveling exhibit on his project proved to have a monumental impact on the community.
“His work helped fill the mosaic showing the variety of experiences which all together created the culture and history of Chandler.”
Martinez makes additional contributions to the community by serving on the City’s board of diversity, equity, inclusion; on the board of Chandler4Change, and as a member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Brad Ness
Director, Chandler Business Alliance
The proud father of two sets of twin girls, Brad Ness is described as a “natural builder.” Despite being retired, he doesn’t seem to be able to slow down.
Through the Chandler Business Alliance, Ness creates opportunities for businesses and nonprofits to connect, collaborate, and support one another. The organization actively participates in and helps promote nonprofit fundraising events and needs. Additionally, the foundation provides funding to numerous local nonprofits.
“I am dedicated to bridging the gap between the business community and nonprofit organizations in Chandler and the surrounding areas,” he says.
As a Vietnam veteran, he also deeply values the opportunity to give back to fellow veterans and honor their service.
“As Sergeant-at- Arms for American Legion Post 91, I help support veterans and their families through various programs and initiatives.”
Fun fact?
“I’m a devoted Green Bay Packers fan!” he says. “Back in 2011, I started the Green Bay Packers Fan Club at the Stadium Club in Chandler. What began with just six fans has grown into a packed event!”
Captain William “Scott” Onyett
Chandler Fire Department
Captain Scott Onyett’s dedication to his profession and the community is evident by being named the 2023 Paramedic of the Year and 2024 Firefighter of the Year.
“His expertise and ability to remain calm under pressure has made him a trusted figure in the Chandler Fire Department,” writes his nominator.
He also serves as vice president of the local firefighter union, where he advocates for his colleagues, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed.
“One of the things that made a profound impact on me when going through the hiring process was the talk about the opportunity to be involved in the community through the department. I couldn’t think of anything more fulfilling than to serve the community that my family and I were a part of,” he says.
“One thing a lot of people might not know is that within the department, we operate our own charity. Every employee can elect to donate money out of each check that goes into an account that allows us to help people with money or resources when we encounter them during difficult times. There aren’t many times of the year where you won’t find a group of us out trying to make a difference.”
Stephen Phair
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Stephen Phair’s parents and grandparents had a profound appreciation for this community and instilled in him the inspiration to do what he could to make Chandler a better place to live.
“One of the biggest lessons they taught me was that service is about showing up—not just when it’s easy, but when it’s needed most,” he says. “Giving back to Chandler isn’t something I do occasionally—it’s a way of life.”
Through the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, he has contributed to several meaningful projects that directly impact the community, including Dictionaries for Third Graders, annual golf tournaments to support many local charities, youth leadership programs, and providing various services for seniors.
One of Phair’s most notable achievements is the development of a statewide project to create Rotary license plates for Arizona Rotarians, raising funds across the State to support community projects and grants. Beyond Rotary, he volunteers at Hamilton High, is a member of the Elks Lodge, and serves with a few other nonprofits in the community.
Fun fact?
“I’m a lifelong student, especially of history. My grandfather was a history professor, and he instilled in me the understanding that ‘those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’”
Chris Rothert
Area Director, Chandler Young Life
On a Monday night, you might find up to 60 students at Chris and Jessica Rothert’s home, relaxing in a safe environment where they are able to be a kid, have fun, and hear about Jesus.
Rothert admits he made a lot of mistakes as a teen growing up on a hog farm in Illinois, but having a mentor to share life and its challenges with eventually transformed his life. Leaving his staff job at Young Life in Illinois, he moved to Arizona to flip houses. But with the collapse of the real estate market in 2009, and he found himself spending the next 10 years in corporate America.
He started volunteering with the youth group at his church, which led the way for Rothert to return to full-time staff at Young Life in Chandler. Through activities, mentorship, and friendship, this organization helps adolescents find belonging, purpose, and hope.
What’s on his bucket list?
“Do I really need a bucket list when I get the privilege of taking students to Young Life Camp and see lives transformed?”
Dan Shellum
Commander, Chandler Police Department
Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Dan Shellum believes policing is in his DNA.
“I saw the positive impact they had on the community and knew that I wanted to do the same and be a part of a team that provides an opportunity to live in a community where they can feel safe,” he says.
Shellum has received many promotions since joining the department in 2005, and is currently commander in the Criminal Investigations Bureau and has received the Chief’s Award of Excellence honor.
His nominator writes, “Commander Shellum is a true leader who is committed to making a positive impact in the department and community. As a commander, he is driven by the fact that his position gives him a voice to serve as an agent who can inspire the positive change needed to continue the CPD’s legacy as a top-tier law enforcement agency.”
He also serves on the Citizen’s Use of Force Board and the City’s Human Right Commission.
Fun fact?
“I love Starburst jelly beans, but I have to group them together by quantity and eat them in ascending or descending order!”
Scott Vanderpool
Market President, Bank of America
A third-generation banker, Scott Vanderpool is described as an authentic leader who “walks the talk” every day.
His nominator writes, “The depth of his knowledge and care for the education sector is what truly inspires me. He makes a point to be out in the community, learning about the issues that kids are facing, talking with leaders about solutions, and bringing diverse groups together for partnership development.”
He brings together coalitions of East Valley nonprofit leaders with nearby school districts to talk about how they can partner and strengthen programs for students.
“These meetings are never about the bank, but about community building and how he can support our efforts,” the nominator says.
Outside of the bank, Vanderpool serves on the boards of ICAN, Education Forward Arizona, and the Arizona Bankers Association.
Teaching a leadership class at Pacific Coast Banking School, his approach to leadership is focused on being authentic.
“Believing not only in ‘what’ you are doing, but also the ‘why’ behind it can not only illicit strong followership, but also lead to extraordinary outcomes.”
Fun fact?
“I originally wanted to be a Major League Baseball play-by-play announcer.”
Mark Whitaker
Volunteer
Mark Whitaker is retired and that has given him time to volunteer doing community service projects in Chandler and the East Valley as a member of the Chandler Elks Lodge, #2429 and the Chandler Exchange Club. With the Exchange Club he leads two projects—Field of Hope, a memorial to help raise awareness and prevent child abuse in Arizona, and fulfilling his brother’s legacy, Wreaths Across America, where live wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans to remember their lives, service, and sacrifice.
With the Exchange Club he also reads to children in their classroom and provides lunch for the teachers and staff. He is also very involved in the 9/11 Memorial Healing Field every September at Tempe Beach Park.
“For the past couple of years, I have biked over 200 miles each October to raise funds for Lily’s Pad, an East Valley indoor playground that is a safe haven for children with weakened immune systems due to the medical challenges they face.”
His passion for photography has raised funds for veterans causes through the Elks Lodge.
Fun fact?
“Dad was military, and I went to kindergarten in an old chateaux in France and graduated from a U.S. DOD High School in Spain.”