Bio

San Diego Port Commissioner, Mike Najera attended Marian High School, participated in both football and track and graduated in 1982. A football standout for the Crusaders, Mike was voted MHS Best Lineman, 1^st Team All South Bay League and Most Valuable Lineman. Head Coach Bill Kinney, a lifelong Najera fan, claims with a mischievous smile, “It took a lot to connive Mike that he was really a football player in the early days.” Good job coach!

Returning to complete his education after serving two years in the Marine Corps, Mike attended Southwestern College in 1984 and 1985, playing football under Head Coach Bob Mears. Coach Mears recalls, “Lookie here, you could always count on the Najera kid. He played on one of SWC’s best defensive teams ever.” Mike is also extremely proud of his teams’ accomplishments. In 1984 the Apaches Football Team was named #1 defense in the nation and in 1985 they were a top ten ranked team in the state. Mike’s best memories include “the Saddleback game” and the “Bowl Game against rival Grossmont.” Victory was sweet! After two distinguished years, Mike was awarded Academic All American honors and earned a scholarship to Cal State University Northridge.

After leaving Northridge, Mike focused on developing his business. He is the founder of CBG Builders, a construction management firm, and a partner in both Castillo Management Group, a marketing consultant firm, and GoGreen Consulting, a renewable energy firm. IN 203 Mike was named Latino Builder of the Year and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004. He also was named Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007. Always promoting education, Mike is a current Board Member of the Sweetwater Education Foundation, UCSD Hispanic Scholarship Council, and the South Bay Civic Alliance. In addition he has served on the board for the Borderview YMCA.

Mike is married to Betty, 19 years, and they have three beautiful daughters- Adriana (10), Gavriella (13), and Michelle (18). Although extremely active in business, it is not surprising that Mike is also an AYSO girls’ soccer and a little league baseball coach.

Michael Najera, in recognition of your many accomplishments as an athlete, businessman, and educational advocate, Southwestern College welcomes you in to the 2008-2009 Athletic Hall of Fame.