Meet Marc Longanecker | Chief Executive Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marc Longanecker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marc, what do you want people to remember about you?
Legacy matters deeply to me. This campus has been part of my family’s story for over 100 years. Over the decades, it has witnessed many transformations—once a thriving institution, then a bankrupt and defunct college, and for a time, abandoned and forgotten.

But today, we are writing a new chapter.

This campus is undergoing a remarkable rejuvenation. It is quickly becoming a vibrant hub of service and hope for our community. We now provide essential support to the underserved through food drives, medical assistance, back-to-school events, turkey giveaways, and youth athletic programs. These efforts are more than programs—they are signs of a deeper commitment to renewal and care.

I want to be remembered as a Brethren in Christ Christian leader who stood firmly for community and heritage. Someone who honored the past, served the present, and laid the foundation for a better future. I hope my legacy reflects a life of faith in action—where service, compassion, and commitment to others define not just what I did, but who I was.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been anything but linear, but it’s always been driven by a clear purpose—serving the community and preserving heritage.

What sets me apart is a deep commitment to restoration—not just of buildings, but of hope, dignity, and connection. I currently serve as a leader at the Pacific Community Center, located on a historic campus that has been tied to my family for over 100 years. This site has seen everything: it was once a thriving college, then went bankrupt, fell into disrepair, and was forgotten for a time.

But today, we’re in the midst of something extraordinary.

Through relentless effort, faith, and the support of an amazing team, we are transforming the campus into a dynamic community hub. We now provide food drives, medical assistance, back-to-school giveaways, youth athletics, and more. Seeing this place come alive again is one of the things I’m most proud of. It’s not just about facilities—it’s about people, legacy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The journey has not been easy. There were financial setbacks, staffing hurdles, and times when the vision felt almost out of reach. But I’ve learned that perseverance, prayer, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the mission can overcome just about anything.

A few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

Never underestimate the power of community. When people feel seen and supported, they step up in amazing ways.

Faith and hard work must walk hand in hand. Believing in something is only the start—rolling up your sleeves every day is what brings it to life.

Leadership is service. It’s about lifting others up, listening more than you speak, and leading with compassion.

What I want the world to know about me and this chapter of my life is this: I am a Brethren in Christ Christian leader with a heart for both heritage and hope. My brand isn’t about flash—it’s about faithfulness. I believe in showing up, serving others, and leaving a legacy rooted in love, community, and transformation.

The Pacific Community Center is not just a place—it’s a movement. And I’m honored to be part of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: San Diego Brewery Crawl & Nightlife
We’d kick off the trip with a brewery crawl through San Diego—this city is a craft beer mecca, and there’s no shortage of spots to explore. From Mcilhenney Brewing Co. to Modern Times and Societe Brewing Company, there’s something for every taste. After that, we’d hit up the Gaslamp Quarter for some nightlife. Whether it’s live music, rooftop lounges, or just a great vibe, the Gaslamp delivers every time.

Day 2: Padres Game & Pizza Port
No trip to San Diego is complete without catching a Padres game at Petco Park. Hands down, it’s the best MLB stadium in California—great energy, amazing views, and incredible food vendors. After the game, we’d refuel at Pizza Port. Between their rotating craft brews and their out-of-this-world pizza and wings, it’s a must-visit spot. Seriously, best in SoCal.

Day 3: Oceanside Beach Day
Time to unwind! We’d spend a full day soaking up the sun in Oceanside. The beaches there are some of the most beautiful on the West Coast—perfect for surfing, relaxing, or just walking the pier with a cold drink in hand. We’d wrap up the evening with a beach bonfire and some local tacos.

Day 4: Temecula Wine & Backcountry Drive
Midweek, we’d take a scenic drive out to Temecula for a day of wine tasting. Between Wilson Creek, South Coast, and Europa Village, it’s a peaceful change of pace. We’d follow it up with a sunset drive through the backcountry—windows down, music up.

Day 5: Inland Food & Culture
We’d stay local and hit up some Inland Empire staples—think Acevedo’s Market and Burritos for iconic Mexican food or The Whisper House in Claremont village for a classy night out. We might also swing by the Downtown Upland to visit Cooper Regional History Museum for some local flavor and a quiet afternoon.

Day 6: Local Hidden Gems & Community Vibes
I’d take them to Pacific Community Center to show off the amazing work happening right here—food drives, youth programs, all the heart and soul of our community. Then maybe a hike in Lytle Creek or a visit to Mt Baldy.

Day 7: Slow Down & Reflect
We’d wrap the week up with brunch at a cozy spot like Flos Airport Cafe in Chino and spend the rest of the day just relaxing, talking, and probably planning their next trip back.

There’s just so much heart and variety in this part of California—from beaches and baseball to hidden gems and hometown pride. That’s what I’d want them to remember most.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So when I think about who deserves a shoutout in my story, it’s without question the incredible team here at Pacific Community Center.

Building a thriving community center takes more than vision. It takes people caring, committed, and full of purpose.

Here at PCC, we are blessed with just that.

Barbara, our Administrator, brings exceptional talent to the table. Her leadership drives the many moving parts that make this place run, and her steady hand ensures we move forward with purpose.

Claudia, our Head Custodian, is the kind of person who meets every challenge head-on. No task is too big or too small—she simply gets it done with grace and reliability.

Celina, who cares for our Auditorium, keeps one of our busiest spaces in pristine shape. She’s organized, hardworking, and always ready to support our events and activities.

Paula, our Administrative Assistant, is not only efficient but incredibly gifted with social media. She’s a creative force helping us connect with the broader community and tell our story.

Each of these women brings heart, skill, and compassion to their roles. Together, their dedication forms the foundation of PCC, and the reason it continues to grow as a place of hope, service, and transformation.

I am deeply grateful for them. Their work is not just essential, it’s inspiring.

Website: https://www.pccbic.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacificcommunitycenter/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-community-center/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pccbic/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pacific-community-center-upland

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pacificcommunitycenter

Image Credits
From Pacific community center