Two graduates of Cal State San Bernardino’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration have risen to leadership at Stater Bros. Markets, one of Southern California’s most respected and recognizable grocery chains.

Alex Lemos, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting in 2006, has been promoted to vice president of accounting. Sonia Muñoz, who completed her MBA in 2024, has been named vice president of employee relations. Their promotions highlight not only their individual success stories but also the impact of a CSUSB business education on professionals shaping the Inland Empire’s economic future.

For Lemos, leadership began with the strong academic and professional foundation he built at Cal State San Bernardino.

“The instructors, campus facilities, as well as the other students helped shape my career trajectory forever,” he said. “The confidence those three things instilled in me made me believe that I could achieve all my goals with the right plan and the right effort.”

He credits professors Richard Savich, John Dorocak and Sung-Kyoo Huh for modeling professionalism and discipline — qualities that have guided him throughout his career.

While earning his degree, Lemos often walked through Jack H. Brown Hall, named after the late Stater Bros. executive chairman, unaware that the building’s namesake would one day play a defining role in his professional journey.

“I walked by his likeness every day at school – and little did I know that my future would be directly linked to him and what he contributed to our Inland Empire region,” he said.

After joining Stater Bros. Markets in 2014, Lemos steadily advanced through the company’s financial divisions, serving as controller, corporate controller and senior controller before being promoted to vice president of accounting. In his new role, he oversees all accounting functions, ensuring financial integrity and stewardship across the company’s operations.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to our company and community in more meaningful ways,” he said. “My role is focused on ensuring financial responsibility so that Stater Bros. can thrive and feed our communities for a long, long time.”

Just as Lemos’s story demonstrates the long-term value of a CSUSB education, Muñoz’s journey reflects the power of persistence and lifelong learning. Her career at Stater Bros. began in 1994 as a courtesy clerk, and over the next three decades, she rose through the company’s human resources division, holding positions ranging from human resources assistant to senior director.

Seeking to broaden her business perspective, she returned to school to earn her MBA at Cal State San Bernardino — a decision she says transformed her leadership approach.

“My graduate education at CSUSB expanded my human resources experience and provided a well-rounded understanding of core business functions,” Muñoz said. “This broader perspective has enabled me to better support the organization and align HR initiatives with the overall business strategy.”

She credits professors Maggie Boyraz, Craig Seal, Taewon Yang and Anna Long for their mentorship and dedication to student success. “All were willing to lend their experience and time in support of my development,” she said.

Now, as vice president of employee relations, Muñoz is focused on initiatives that connect people, purpose and performance. “I’m looking forward to leading HR initiatives that align with our company’s business strategy, strengthen our culture and create career opportunities for talented teammates,” she said.