Governor Chuck Pretto and his wife Cindy Koby Pretto
Please congratulate Chuck Pretto, District 5340 Governor 2022-2023
Chuck holds his BBA, MBA, and JD Degrees from the University of San Diego. Chuck and his wife, Kim Kobey, run Kobey's Swap Meet, San Diego’s largest open-air market. Kobey's recently celebrated its 47th year in business.
Chuck is active in several community organizations. He has served on the boards of the San Diego Red Cross, the San Diego Crime Victims fund, the San Diego Community College Foundation Board, Midway Planning Committee, and was President of the Business Improvement Association for the Sports Arena area for 10 years. He also served as President of the National Flea Market Association his industry’s premier organization; he currently sits on the Board of the California Swap Meet Association.
Chuck joined San Diego Rotary in 1992. He has chaired numerous committees within the club before becoming President in 2013-14. During his leadership, he focused on educating youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Chuck championed sustainable resources and shipped over 500 solar cookers to Uganda. Chuck has held numerous District 5340 positions including District Conference Chair 2015-16, Chief of Staff 2016-17, Rotaract Chair 2015-2020, Governor’s Aide 2019-2020 and Chief Assistant Governor 2020 – 2021 and finally upcoming District Governor beginning July 1,2022.
Chuck and Kim live in Mission Beach, San Diego, CA and they have finally earned the status of empty nesters. They have two adult children, Anthony (34) and Liza (32) and two identical twin granddaughters, Sophia and Isabella (5).
Chuck has said that he is a better man as a result of his experience in Rotary. How does that happen? Well, he will tell you it is because of his strong passion and interaction with today's youth. Chuck began his Rotary experience working with youth related programs in Rotary. He set up a STEM program for the District and then followed that with hosting exchange students - seven (7) long-term in all. His relationship with these students and their interactions taught him more about Rotary. He maintains many of those connections to this day.
Next comes Rotaract. Chuck served Rotaract clubs both as an advisor to SDSU Rotaract Club and then working at District level to build up Rotaract. Cementing his passion for Rotaractors enhanced his love for Rotary, continuing his involvement, including mentoring numerous students and helping to form City Heights Rotaract.
Chuck continues to put youth at the forefront of everything he does. He has identified adolescent behavioral health as his key project for the District and has established partnerships with Vista Hill and Rady Childrens' Hospital. Chuck has said "if I can save just one child, then I will have been successful."
You will be hearing more about Chuck's vision and goals in future weeks. His year is off to a good start.