Want to learn more about the leaders of PORAC? In this series of profiles, we turn the spotlight on the dedicated directors who help to govern and represent the organization in the service of our members.
For Andy Garcia, joining PORAC’s Board of Directors in March wasn’t necessarily part of his strategic plan. “This position was not something I was expecting at this part of my career,” the new Inland Chapter director shares. “It will be a challenge and a learning curve, but I have trust in the leadership and look forward to the mentorship that lies ahead.”
Although this new role may not have been on Garcia’s original agenda, there’s no doubt his experiences and interests have well prepared him for the job. He’s a 14-year law enforcement veteran who began his career in 2011 with the Fontana School Police Department before lateraling in 2020 to the Upland Police Department, where he holds the rank of corporal. He’s also been involved in association leadership since the early stages of his career, starting by becoming treasurer and then president of the Fontana School Police Officers Association. After joining the Upland Police Officers Association, he became a board member before being elected to his current position of vice president in 2023. He was also a member of the negotiations teams for both POAs.
Furthermore, Garcia has longtime experience at the regional level. “I began attending the Inland Chapter monthly meetings in 2014,” he says. “I recognized the importance of being involved and being a voice not only for our membership, but also for smaller departments in the region.” As he became a leader in his local association, he took on larger regional roles as well, being appointed as the Inland Chapter’s sergeant at arms in 2023 and its vice president this year. Through all his work with PORAC thus far, he says he’s proud to have made strides in some key areas: “uniting local associations, and pushing associations and members to get involved and to attend local meetings and annual conferences.”
Garcia believes a good director is first and foremost a good listener who can hear what the members are asking for and is able to relay their concerns and requests to the state level. He’s enthusiastic about promoting the many benefits PORAC provides its members and encouraging them to take advantage of everything the organization has to offer. “I want to help increase attendance at our local meetings and statewide training. I want to be a voice for the Inland Chapter and help promote the benefits of being a member,” he says. “I’m looking forward to communicating with the local associations and ensuring they know of all the great things PORAC is doing.”
In addition to making members aware of what PORAC is doing for them, he also hopes they’ll consider what they can do for PORAC by becoming more engaged with their association’s issues and activities. Even small actions can be the first steps toward having a significant impact, he advises: “Get involved in your local association, don’t wait to be elected to a position. Start by asking questions, attending local events, meeting your local elected officials and building a good line of communication with command staff.” As Garcia’s own career demonstrates, cultivating those relationships and skills can pave the way to leadership roles down the road. And, he adds, “leadership is what keeps the organization going forward — having leadership that is willing to make the decisions needed to make the organization grow.”
Helping to foster that kind of growth is Garcia’s vision for his own future with PORAC. “I look forward to being part of the team that helps expand PORAC,” he says. “Our profession is in a challenging period. However, if we get associations together, we could overcome obstacles and see great benefits.”
