Charles Iwanaga is new to the board in 2025 but brings a lot of experience.

He is currently the Assistant to the Director of Athletic Bands with the San Jose State University Spartan Marching. He is also the group tour planner and assists with the management of Na Koa Ali’i—Hawai’i All State Marching Band, which recently appeared in the 2024 Rose Parade.

Charles was a 4-year member of the Santa Clara Vanguard as a baritone, trumpet, and tuba. He had been on staff for South San Francisco Conquistadors, Modesto Valley Fever, Vanguard B/Cadet Corps, and Blue Devils A corps. He held various positions in the Vanguard Alumni Corps as performer, conductor, staff, and travel planner/coordinator. In 2007 Charles appeared as the backfield drum major for the Anaheim Kingsmen Alumni Corps.

He had been involved with event management for DCI West/Stanford, Family Day, and Pacific Championships until 2019. He was previously active in the Vanguard Booster Club as treasurer and board president.

His recent volunteer activities include Vanguard Hall of Fame committee—event management and video production, San Jose State University Scholar Selection Committee, and playing saxophone for the Green Feather Society Jazz Ensemble.

Charles holds a BA in Music Education from San Jose State University, an MBA from Santa Clara University, and completed a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of the Pacific, Benerd College.

He resides in Gilroy, California, with his wife Nitha and son Kenichi.