2004-2005
JOY AGCONGAY
Marketing Consultant, Writer, Entrepreneur
Joy was born in Athens, Georgia, and, as a Navy brat, lived in several states before settling down in San Diego at age six. She came to Santa Cruz by way of UCSC, where she earned a B.A. in Economics and an M.S. in Applied Economics. After UCSC, she worked as a marketer for several local companies including Borland and Starfish Software, as well as several high tech companies over the hill. Burning out on commuting Highway 17 every day, she decided to seek a simpler life of a professional dabbler. Turning to writing, she has had a number of features in national and local publications, including the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Joy is back commuting the hill as a marketing consultant, but hopes to soon start enough small businesses in her home to keep her there full time. She lives in Aptos with her orange cat, Dexter, and husband, Jeff.
CAROL BERG
Housing and Community Development Manager,
City of Santa Cruz
Carol came to Santa Cruz in 2001 as the Housing and Community Development Manager for the City of Santa Cruz. Carol feels she has returned “home”, having grown up in Bozeman, Montana, another university town surrounded by natural beauty. Before settling here, Carol lived in Seattle, Barbados, New York, Cambridge, Denver, back to New York, and Southern California. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Washington and has a master’s degree from Harvard. Carol began her planning career as a consultant, switching to the public sector upon moving to California in 1991. Carol has traveled to Asia, South America, the Caribbean, Israel, Egypt, and Europe. She has a special affinity for Tibet and has studied Buddhist practices. Carol sees Leadership Santa Cruz County as a great opportunity to become more deeply involved in the community, giving back some of what she has gained along her life’s journey.
LORRIE BREWER
Deputy City Clerk, City of Santa Cruz
Lorrie was raised in Redding, California. After graduating from Shasta High School in 1978, Lorrie moved to Campbell, California. Just a few weekend trips over the hill was enticing enough to lead Lorrie to move to Santa Cruz in 1981, where she worked for the law firm of Comstock, Yonts, Coyle and Black until May, 1989. Although she left the law firm to become a domestic engineer, caring for husband, Michael, and son, Casey, that career was short-lived due to the 1989 Earthquake, when Lorrie took a temporary position with the City of Santa Cruz, City Manager’s office. She joined the City of Santa Cruz family on a regular basis in June, 1990, and promoted to Deputy City Clerk in August, 2000. Lorrie has managed the “The Usual Suspects” co-ed softball team since 1981 and, when time permits, works on mosaics, or can be sighted at a Giant’s game.
VAIDEHI CAMPBELL
Water Education and GIS Assistant,
Soquel Creek Water District
Vai works at Soquel Creek Water District with the conservation department, coordinating water education outreach to schools and teachers in the District, and assisting the Engineering Department in maintaining and developing the Geographic Information System. She is the president of the Monterey Bay Water Works Association, which promotes educational and networking opportunities for the local water works industry. Vai grew up in Santa Cruz, leaving for four years to earn a BA in French and Environmental Studies at Scripps College in Claremont, California, and to experience life “outside the oasis” of Santa Cruz. Vai appreciates the opportunities Santa Cruz County offers and gives back to the community when she can. She enjoys teaching, meeting new people, languages, swimming, singing alto in the Pacific Voices Choir, being outside, traveling to French-speaking countries, eating and cooking good food and, most of all, spending time with her husband, Sarma, and friends and family.
MARY ANNE CARSON
Santa Cruz County Bank
Mary Anne was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Her affinity for Santa Cruz County began with her family’s summer vacations to the beaches of Santa Cruz County. Later she attended UC Santa Cruz, receiving a BA in Psychology. Mary Anne began her banking career as a teller and then progressed to Operations, Lending, Marketing and Management. In 2003, Mary Anne was asked to help start the county’s only locally owned and headquartered community bank, Santa Cruz County Bank. She is the Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing and Community Relations. Mary Anne serves on the Board of Directors of Aptos Chamber of Commerce and as Board Vice President and Fund Development Chair for Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Mary Anne enjoys photography, fine wine, dining, performing arts, and any outing involving the beach. She is affectionately known as “Aunt Mini” to five nieces and nephews. She resides in Aptos.
RICHARD CROWE
Director, Saint Francis Soup Kitchen
Richard was born and raised in San Francisco’s Sunset District. At 25 he left to supervise California Conservation Corps crews near Crescent City. The crews received the Smithsonian’s National Environmental Achievement Award for salmon habitat restoration during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Richard went on to work with the U.S. Forest Service doing backcountry trail work and hand-line firefighting. He arrived in Santa Cruz in the mid 1990s and spent eight years as foreman for a PG&E sub-contractor maintaining trees and storm clearance. Richard has been the director of St. Francis Soup Kitchen for almost three years and feels this is the most challenging and engaging of any work experience he has had. One of his great passions is amateur bicycle road and track racing. His leisure time is spent in the saddle or with his greyhound, a professional racer until he was retired a year ago.
BRUCE CHRISTOPHER
Executive Director, Above the Line
Bruce moved to Santa Cruz in 1982. Before graduating from Cal. Lutheran University in 1977 with a BS in Psychology, Bruce had visited Capitola Beach and decided this was where he wanted to live. He bought his first house near the lighthouse, later moving to the Soquel hills. After college he worked with IBM in LA, then joined Hewlett-Packard in Silicon Valley. Bruce spent 25 years in electronics and software development with local companies Mountain Computer, Ferranti Interdesign, and Lutris Technologies, and was a founder and board member at Aeris.net. He and his business partners started Extenex Corp in Soquel where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2003, Bruce became Executive Director of Above the Line, a community-based organization serving at-risk girls. He and his wife have three daughters aged 12, 19, and 24. He enjoys surfing, snowboarding, coaching his daughters’ softball teams, and being a dad.
RACHEL JUNE DANN
Field Representative, Congressman Sam Farr,
17th District, California
Rachel has worked for four years in the Santa Cruz District Office of Representative Sam Farr. She thoroughly enjoys working with constituents and representing the Congressman throughout the 17th Congressional District. Rachel grew up in San Francisco, attended public schools, and involved herself in local politics, including a two-year internship with Representative Nancy Pelosi. She received a B.A. in history from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in history from UC Santa Cruz. Rachel moved to Santa Cruz eight years ago and became involved in local politics and community issues. In October 2002, she was invited by Councilmember Scott Kennedy to accompany a Fellowship of Reconciliation delegation to Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. She was recently appointed to the Women's Commission in Santa Cruz County. She loves her downtown neighborhood and treasures time with her husband and fifteen-month-old daughter, Micol. They don't plan on ever leaving Santa Cruz.
PAUL DAVIS
Visitor and Trade Services Supervisor,
Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council
A native of the San Francisco Area, Paul attended college in Southern California, receiving a journalism degree from CSU, Northridge. Paul subsequently spent a year living and working in Switzerland. Upon returning to the U.S., he embarked on a 15-year career in public relations, living in San Francisco and Boston. In his most recent public relations position, Paul managed media relations at Lotus Development Corporation (part of IBM Software). After 10 years in New England, he left PR and big-city life, and took time off to travel, pursue hobbies, volunteer, and return to California. He chose Santa Cruz for its abundance of natural and cultural amenities. Paul has volunteered in endangered species protection, AIDS education, and recording text for the blind. He enjoys having a job that involves sharing the bounty of Santa Cruz County with others. Paul volunteers at the Seymour Center, and enjoys hiking and beaching.
SERENA DIONYSUS
College Programs Coordinator, University of California, Santa Cruz
Raised in Concord, California, Serena was advised by her 4th grade teacher to "move to Berkeley when you grow up; you'll like it there." Instead, she found Santa Cruz as an undergraduate at UCSC and knew she was "home." Since then, Serena has engaged herself in learning about the Santa Cruz area and volunteering. Her learning is motivated by a deep interest in understanding the larger context for events in our community and world. The breadth and depth of topics covered by the LSCC seminars will provide a significant opportunity to contemplate interconnections and intersections that shape this county on a daily basis. In her position as an event planner at UCSC and advisor to student leaders she hopes to open younger minds to this idea of deeper contemplation. Helping others find their context here in Santa Cruz can't help but benefit whatever community they eventually choose to call "home."
LARRY DRURY
Executive Director, Go Kids, Inc.
Larry serves as Executive Director of Go Kids, Inc., a child development agency providing childcare for over 1200 children annually within a network of 7 child development centers and over 125 licensed home providers. He grew up in Illinois where he started his 33-year career in services to children including foster care, adoptions, childcare, residential care for children, maternity home care, and child abuse investigations, as well as the supervision, coordination and administration of child welfare programs and agencies. He has a B.S.Ed in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Larry has worked 18 years as an Executive Director, providing strategic direction, leadership, organizational restructuring and human service program design. Larry is the chairperson of both Santa Cruz County Child Care Planning Council and Future Families, Inc, a foster care and adoption agency. He has four adult children, four grandchildren and resides in Aptos.
SHAW DUNTON
President and Co-Founder, APEX Adventures, Inc.
Shaw grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where he developed a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for group interaction. He focused his studies at CSU Chico on group dynamics and team development by creating his own degree through a combination of majors in Outdoor Recreation and Interpersonal Communications. Shaw and his brother, Brent, created their company, APEX Adventures, to work with both non-profit and for-profit organizations, youth and adults, with the intention of building positive connections between people, and stronger leaders through experiential training and development activities. Shaw enjoys rock climbing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, bird and wildlife watching, sharing those pursuits with others and, most of all, loving his wife and two boys. Shaw thrives on helping people learn while having fun, which is evident from his company’s tagline: “Growth Through Adventure!”
BILL FITLER
Personal Computing Coach
Having attended UCSC in the 1970s, Bill was both an engineer and a manager in software development companies working on PC and internet applications, security and infrastructure. He is transitioning from a corporate career to one more focused on personal and community service. Bill has been a member of Toastmaster clubs throughout the Monterey Bay Area for over a decade, and enjoys the program’s public speaking and leadership training. He is active in the Santa Cruz Chapter of the American Red Cross, training in Disaster Services and assisting with the chapter’s website and IT needs. Bill and his wife moved to Watsonville in 1987 and are proud parents of four girls by birth and adoption. He is the webmaster and a member of the board of FAIR (Families Adopting In Response), a Northern California adoptive families support group. He enjoys disc golfing, bicycle touring and walking tours.
MICHAEL GARDNER
Founder/Owner, Grey Wolf Computer Systems
Michael began working on computers in 1974 as a U.S. Navy Submarine Sonar Technician. Since then, he has worked in computer maintenance and repair, product development, international sales and marketing, and training. Michael started Grey Wolf Computers as a garage-based business in 1995. In 2000, he opened a repair shop in Live Oak with a singular focus on customer service. “We talk to the customer, not at them” is Grey Wolf’s secret for success. Michael is a member of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce as well as the Aptos Chamber, serving on its Executive Board for the last couple of years. He is also the Technology Department Head for the Santa Cruz County Fair and Director of Marketing and Public Relations and Executive Board member for the Northern California Renaissance Faire near Hollister. Michael is married to a Kansas native and has two grown sons, ages 22 and 24.
SHARLENE GIANOPOULOS
Claims Operations Manager, Central Coast Alliance for Health
Sharlene is the Claims Operations Manager at Central Coast Alliance for Health, a local Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan. The Alliance insures Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and, most recently, local Healthy Kids members. Sharlene has been with the Alliance since 1997. The Claims Department’s mission is to accurately process all claims in a timely manner, respectfully respond to all Provider inquiries, and effectively interact with all Alliance colleagues. This increases provider satisfaction and participation in serving members' needs, ensures appropriate access to health care services for local members enrolled in the Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, and Healthy Kids programs, improves medical outcomes, minimizes unnecessary suffering and cost, and promotes self care and wellness. Sharlene grew up in Daly City, and moved to Santa Cruz County 20 years ago. She has worked in the healthcare insurance field for over 20 years. She has two sons: Shane, 25 and Troy, 13.
JALENE GLADSTONE
Training Manager, Bay Federal Credit Union
Jalene was born and raised in Watsonville. She attended Cabrillo College, then transferred to UCSC where she received a BA in Biology. Jalene’s hobbies are reading, caring for her one-year-old son, and anything Disney, especially Disneyland! Jalene has worked for Bay Federal Credit Union for over seven years and loves the organization. It is a fun, family-oriented company that supports the community. Jalene is the training manager and is excited to see how she can use the knowledge she gets from Leadership Santa Cruz County, and pass it along to the staff. Jalene is looking forward to learning more about the history of the county she grew up in.
KAREN GOSLING
Physical Therapy Supervisor, Dominican Hospital
Karen was born and raised in England. After graduating with a BS in Sport Science, she moved to Syracuse, New York, to play volleyball and complete an MS in Health, Recreation and Physical Education. After sustaining a severe ankle injury, Karen transitioned to the field of athletic training and rehabilitation. In 1993 she obtained her second MS in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. Karen’s hobbies of mountain biking, hiking and snowboarding drew her to the natural beauty of Santa Cruz. Karen began working at Dominican Hospital in 1996, continuing with her clinical interests in neurological rehabilitation. She works primarily with patients with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Karen has collaborated with hospital and community members to develop health and wellness programs. She wishes to strengthen her position as an advocate for the disabled and senior populations, ensuring that wellness and rehabilitative services are provided for everyone.
LOUISE GREENAWAY
Loan Adjustment Service Manager, Bay Federal Credit Union
Louise was born and raised in Watsonville. She graduated from Watsonville High School and attended Cabrillo for a short time. Louise moved to San Francisco in 1982, and returned to Watsonville in 1996 to be near her family. Louise joined Bay Federal Credit Union in 1996 and is currently the Loan Adjustment Service Manager. Louise is very proud to work for Bay Federal and enjoys participating in all of the community events that Bay Federal supports. Louise has been married for eight years to the best bass fisherman in our county.
JAMES HART
Sergeant, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Cabrillo College Division
Jim has lived in Santa Cruz County since the age of three. He attended the local Scotts Valley schools and graduated from Harbor High School. After high school Jim received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Nevada-Reno. After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree, Jim moved back to Santa Cruz County and was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 1988. Jim has worked a variety of assignments at the Sheriff’s Office including patrol, investigations and community policing. Jim lives in Scotts Valley with his three daughters, ages 17, 12 and 8. He enjoys cooking, hanging out with his daughters and a variety of sports activities.
LISA HOLLIDAY
Branch Manager, Bay Federal Credit Union
Lisa has lived in Santa Cruz since she was two days old, and absolutely loves living in such a wonderful place. She is the mother of two great daughters, who are both in elementary school. Lisa works at Bay Federal Credit Union, starting as a part-time teller and working her way up to the Branch Manager of the fabulous River Street Branch. When she started at Bay Federal, she was uncertain if she could work full-time and raise her two children alone. Bay Federal helped her get on her feet, and she is grateful to work in a place that actually cares about its employees, and takes care of them. Lisa loves Santa Cruz and wants to know absolutely everything there is to know about it. She has already started gathering information from her grandfather, who established Whiting’s Foods at the Boardwalk (he has lived here all of his life).
JEANNE HUBER
Director of Community Giving and Marketing,
United Way of Santa Cruz County
Jeanne was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from the University of New Orleans with an MBA, and from Regis University with a Masters of Nonprofit Management. She is professionally certified in both fundraising and marketing. Jeanne and her husband, Mark, have lived in New Orleans, Cincinnati, Ohio, Green Bay Wisconsin, and Columbia, South Carolina, before moving to Santa Cruz. She has worked in nonprofits for over 15 years (mostly in United Way) and has held volunteer leadership positions in many nonprofit organizations. Jeanne joined the Leadership Santa Cruz Program because she wants to become acquainted with the area, make new contacts, and give something back to the county in which she lives. Her first love is animal welfare and she volunteers most weekends at a local animal shelter. She lives in Watsonville with Mark and their three dogs Max, Gomez and Ginger.
SUSAN HUFF
Community Relations, Watsonville Community Hospital
Susan was born and raised in Saratoga, California, when it was mostly miles of orchards. She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in Nutrition Science and has worked equally in Restaurant/Hotel management/ownership and Healthcare. She has lived in Aptos and, currently, Watsonville for 15 years. She has been happily married for 25 years. Susan’s current job in Community Relations at Watsonville Community Hospital gives her the opportunity to interact daily with the community. She views Leadership SCC as an opportunity to increase community contacts and involvement, and to gain a broader perspective on the county. Through the course of this class, she will become more effective in her hospital and community roles. Susan views Leadership as part of the kick-off into the next stage of her personal and professional life. An empty nest is right around the corner. Could this be why she is calling 2004-2005 "New Beginnings"?
MARCELA JIMENEZ
Payroll Specialist, Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
Marcela was born and raised in Watsonville, California. She joined Driscoll’s in 2001 after working for Couch Distributing Company, Incorporated, for 12 years. Marcela enjoys spending time with her husband, Jesse, and extended family member, Chiquita (Pomeranian). Her hobbies include reading and photography. Marcela joined Leadership Santa Cruz County to network with others and pursue opportunities to help build a better community.
FRANCIS KASHINO
Director of Physician Services, Dominican Hospital
Frances was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Santa Cruz in 1980 with her husband, Dean. Frances received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting at Cal State Long Beach. Having worked for Sears while attending school, she was offered a management position and eventually became the Controller for the Sears in Santa Cruz (they actually paid her to move here!). Shortly after her first child was born, she left the "retail hours" at Sears and became the Office Manager at her husband's Family Practice office. Last year she became the Director of Physician Services at Dominican Hospital, and enjoys recruiting physicians to the Santa Cruz area. She lives in Aptos with Dean, her husband of 26 years, her parents and three cats. Her children, Sean and Stephanie, live at home when they aren't at school in Santa Barbara or San Francisco.
NATASHA KOWALSKI
Senior Health Educator, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
After receiving her Masters in Public Health from UCLA in 1993, Natasha left her native Southern California to begin a career at the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA). Natasha is currently a Senior Health Educator at HSA and manages the HSA Employee Wellness Program, focusing on exercise and nutrition. She also oversees HSA's dental disease prevention programs that serve young children and their parents. On the weekends, Natasha and her husband enjoy the ocean sports and open space of Santa Cruz County.
JEFFREE LEE
Financial Consultant: Personal Estate
and Financial Planning Services
Jeffree is a Registered Principal and Investment Advisor with Foothill Securities, Inc. He is a US Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and cum laude graduate of the University of Oregon with degrees in Psychology and Communications. He climbed Mount Shasta twice. Jeffree taught at Shasta College before changing to a financial services career. He has volunteered for a Suicide Prevention Services hotline, and is a past President of Project Scout. In 1987, as President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Santa Cruz County, Jeffree initiated the Foster Children’s Christmas Gift-Giving Party, now an annual event. Jeffree is President of the Above the Line/Group Home Society Board, a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team, serves on the Bond Oversight Committee for Santa Cruz City Schools, and is a certified teacher and facilitator of Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills. He is passionate about his work and community.
KIRSTEN LISKE
Director of Programs at Ecology Action of Santa Cruz
Kirsten's goal in life is to inspire all segments of the community to work together to achieve a high quality of life for everyone. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies (Honors) in 1991. Her work has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors, and she has gained experience in each of these approaches in preventing pollution and managing natural resources wisely. Kirsten returned to the region in 1999 to work for Ecology Action. She is delighted to serve on the management team, developing new programs and supporting project managers in their delivery of excellent community service and meaningful project outcomes. In addition to her fulfilling work, Kirsten enjoys living a creative life in Santa Cruz, backpacking, salsa dancing, tai qi, yoga and cooking up a good organic meal for friends.
CHRISTINA LOPP
Web Designer and Artist, Kapiolani Design
and Illustrated Watercolor Journaling
Christina Lopp, raised in the Summit area of the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1972, now resides in the Seabright area. Christina is the owner of Kapiolani Design, a web design company in downtown Santa Cruz. Her BA in Communications from UC San Diego and studies in the UC Santa Cruz Extension Graphic Design program gave her an early design edge when the internet became a powerful marketing force. Hired by Hewlett-Packard in 1995, she worked as a web designer in the User Interaction Design group for five years. Christina then took two years off, living in Dublin, Ireland, where she learned about traditional Irish music and culture. Christina regularly teaches “Illustrated Watercolor Journaling” to fulfill her core passion of encouraging individual creative expression with pen, ink, and watercolors to journal, collage and sketch. Christina hopes the challenges of LSCC will connect her to a wider web of Santa Cruz leaders.
STEVE LUSTGARDEN
Program Manager, Health Projects Center
In 1985, after graduating from Washington State University with a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences, Steve visited, and was intoxicated by, Santa Cruz County. A decade of world wanderlust later, Steve rooted himself here and can’t imagine living elsewhere. Since fleeing a topsy-turvy career in journalism, Steve has devoted himself to a variety of non-profit organizations. He is presently the Program Manager for the Health Projects Center. For 24 years, HPC has met the special and emerging needs of family caregivers (tending to loved ones with some form of mental impairment) and the health professionals who serve them throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. Steve is an avid outdoorsy type, a mountain-loving backpacker, a life-long bicycle commuter, a fine vegetarian chef, an obsessive gardener, and a loose-limbed dancer. Steve is passionate about serving Santa Cruz County to make an already progressive and culturally rich area even better.
KEN McCRARY
Information Systems Manager, Big Creek Lumber Company
Ken is a 5th generation resident of the Swanton area where he, his wife, and two daughters live. He attended the one-room Seaside school and later received a B.S. in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Except for two and one-half years as a Marine Corps supply officer, he has worked at Big Creek Lumber Company as a mechanic, truck driver, door department manager, in sales, financial analysis, and computers. Ken has volunteered as a 4-H club project leader, choir member, and on boards of directors, including the Lumber Merchants Association, Santa Cruz County Fair, and Pacific Collegiate School. He successfully led a defense of local property owners against assault by the government. He hopes LSCC will help identify issues, and explore the many opinions regarding local challenges. He has been collecting, preserving, operating and sometimes restoring antique agricultural and construction equipment over the past 30 years.
ROBYN McINTYRE
Executive Assistant, Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County
Robyn is a lifelong learner and couldn’t resist the opportunity to learn more about Santa Cruz County, especially after hearing Sandy Lydon. Robyn is new to the non-profit world, having worked with computers since the days of IBM saying they weren’t interested in the desktop computer market. She enjoys putting her business experience at the service of the arts which, next to computers, is her favorite subject.
T. J. MORAN
Designer, Vice President of Local Retail Corporation
T.J. was born in San Jose in 1978. His mother, Jacquelyn, passed away shortly thereafter, leaving his father to raise him and his two brothers. His father worked long hours running his used car dealership, so T.J. turned to athletics to pass the time after school. A three-sport athlete throughout high school, T.J. landed a football scholarship at UC Davis, where he completed his Environmental Design degree. Interested in sustainable building, T.J. was the project engineer on Stanford University’s Jasper Ridge Field Station, Palo Alto. After a year in the construction management industry, T.J. was offered a position at Sun Shops, his wife’s family’s business. He is now vice president of Sun Shops Incorporated, one of Santa Cruz’ largest retailers. His wife, Marcella, completed her law degree at Santa Clara University and has since joined the business. T.J. and Marcella live in Soquel with baby daughter, Jackie, and pitbull, Star.
FRITZI NELSON
Public Health Nurse, Disease Control Manager, County of Santa Cruz
Fritzi was born in Livermore and raised in Carmel. She attended UCSC, receiving a BA in History in 1975. Life experiences led Fritzi to earn a BS in Nursing at UC San Francisco. She returned to Santa Cruz for a 20-year stint at Dominican Hospital, spending 15 years in Labor and Delivery. In 2001 Fritzi joined County Public Health in a challenging position as manager of the Disease Control Unit. The DCU responds to reports of communicable infectious diseases, including agents of bioterrorism and disease outbreaks, and investigates the source and spread of disease, and implements control measures. Fritzi and husband Brian Carroll, a Santa Cruz native, have enjoyed the challenge of raising children Peter, 20, a UCSC junior and Greta, 17, a SC High senior. Santa Cruz is home, but a sense that it has “outgrown its shoes” sometimes makes this family wonder if it will be home forever.
RICHARD NICHOLS
Administrator, Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center
Ric and his wife, Carol, were born in Southern California and have two grown sons. The family moved to Bellevue, Washington, in the late 1970's. Ric received his Bachelor's degree in Economics and his Master's degree in Healthcare Administration and Planning from the University of Washington. He has had a successful administrative career in academic hospitals, research organizations, and community hospitals and clinics. He is interested in ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare and is a member of the Health Improvement Partnership Council of Santa Cruz County. Ric was a member of the Board of Directors for Interplast and has volunteered with Northwest Medical Teams International in Mexico. He looks forward to learning more about Santa Cruz County, and will use that knowledge to enhance services offered by the Hospital and discover future volunteer opportunities. Ric enjoys being with his family, the outdoors (especially the beach), reading and cooking.
DANIELLE NILAND
Program Coordinator, Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County
Danielle grew up in Santa Cruz with her family. She graduated in 2002 from Hawaii Pacific University on the island of Oahu where she obtained a BA in Industrial Psychology. Following graduation and her return to Santa Cruz, she began a volunteer internship with the Human Resources Department for the City of Santa Cruz. While interning with the city, the position of Volunteer Program Coordinator opened up, and she jumped at the opportunity. Danielle currently works for the Volunteer Center coordinating the volunteer/internship programs for both City of Santa Cruz, and County government. She loves her job, her friends and family, personality theory, and trying anything new. She’s a fan of swimming, kickboxing, laughing hysterically, and any type of dance, music, food or drink. Her master plan includes obtaining a Masters in Career Counseling from San Francisco State in an effort to assist others in finding their passion at work.
CATHERINE PATTERSON-VALDEZ
Executive Assistant/Board Liaison/Quality Assurance Administrator,
Community Bridges
Catherine was born in Winslow, Arizona, and raised in Stockton, California, where she was a Commercial Property Manager for three years. She moved to Santa Cruz County in 1983. She owned and operated a successful state-licensed home day care center for 16 years. During that time Catherine also operated a bookkeeping service from her home. As a survivor of Hodgkin Lymphoma, Catherine was the Visiting Nurses Association spokesperson for the local United Way in 1987. She worked as the Fund Development Assistant for the VNA for three years. As a single mother she raised two young men, who are now in college, and worked as the manager for local staffing agencies for six years. She recently went back to the non-profit sector as the Executive Assistant/Board Liaison/Quality Assurance Administrator for Community Bridges.
MARYANNE REHBERG
Executive Director, Community Television of Santa Cruz County
Maryanne wisely left the cold, snow and gray of Rochester, New York, 14 years ago, and is a proud Santa Cruz’n. She loved her six years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and supervisor for Santa Cruz County Child Protective Services, and was the Assistant Director of a continuing education program at SFSU’s School of Social Work. Maryanne is now the Executive Director of Community Television of Santa Cruz County and looks forward to leading this nationally renowned organization. She believes strongly in creating opportunities for the disenfranchised, and building and maintaining active, supportive, and inclusive communities. Her involvement with Leadership Santa Cruz County will help further this goal. Maryanne is an avid athlete and was a member of the gold medal softball team at the Gay Games in Sydney, Australia in 2002. She lives in Santa Cruz with her partner and her adorable 16-year-old Irish Wolfhound mutt, Kyle.
KRIS REYES
Director of Community Relations, Santa Cruz Seaside Company
Kris Reyes was born and raised in Santa Cruz where his family has lived for four generations. Upon graduation from Texas A&M University, Kris began working in politics, managing campaigns for the Texas House of Representatives, the California State Senate and the United States Congress. In 2002, Kris was instrumental in the creation of the Locally Owned Business Alliance of Santa Cruz (LOBA). As Director of Community Relations for the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, Kris coordinates the company's involvement in the local community in areas such as government and media relations. Kris is very active in the community as a member of Sunshine Rotary, Vice-Chair of the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Commission, Chair of the Citizen's Oversight Committee for Measure D, and Steering Committee member for the Cabrillo Advancement Program and LOBA. Kris lives in Santa Cruz and is engaged to be married to Angelica Cruz.
THOMAS RIDER
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau;
Partner, H. A. Rider and Sons
Thomas Rider is a 5th generation Santa Cruz County resident, born and raised in the Watsonville area. He graduated from Freedom Elementary School and Watsonville High (go Wildcatz!), and attended Cabrillo College. Thomas graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Food Technology. After graduation from OSU, he returned to Watsonville to become a partner in the family business. In 1982, he was involved in writing the legislation forming the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. He became the first board chairman and served as a director for the first eight years of the Agency. He has been married to Laura (LSCC class XII) for 33 years. They have one son who graduated from Cabrillo College (Associated Student Body President 2003-2004) and is attending University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
DIANE ROSSI
President and Founder of Shoreline Property Management, Inc,
Diane is a 3rd generation resident of Santa Cruz County. Her grandparents built Bryant’s Nursery in the 1930s, initially selling crop seedlings to area farmers. As a teenager, Diane worked alongside her grandparents, father, aunt and uncles, assisting customers with plant selections. With more than 20 years experience in property management, Diane works with Community Association boards and was elected to the Executive Council of Homeowners (E.C.H.O) in 2003. She volunteers as an educator and speaks locally, as well as in the Bay Area. Diane is “empty nesting” in Scotts Valley with her husband, Joe (LSCC Class XVIV). Married for almost 26 years, they have four grown children. They look forward to the day when the last child finishes college, closing the “Bank of Rossi” and planning for retirement. Diane enjoys traveling, gourmet cooking, hiking in the redwoods, playing dominoes with her girlfriends, gardening and camping with her dog, Roxy.
SHARLENE SANTOS
Teacher, Brook Knoll School
Sharlene has lived in Santa Cruz County most of her life, except for 10 years spent in Hawaii attending school, beginning a career as a paralegal, meeting her husband, and starting a family. After returning to Santa Cruz in 1988, she continued her paralegal work with the San Jose City Attorney’s Office until 1998. At San Jose State University and Bethany College, Sharlene did graduate work in public administration and education, which ultimately led to a career change consistent with her personal and professional passion – teaching! She now teaches at Brook Knoll School (where she attended school as a child), and lives in Scotts Valley with her family. She is a member of the district’s legislative action committee (LAC) and is involved in the start-up of a cross-age student LAC for 5th – 12th graders. She enjoys spending free time with her family and dogs, gardening, and cooking.
CARLA SIKAND
Owner & President, Bookkeeping Plus
Carla Sikand has lived in Santa Cruz County since 1984 and has 17 years of experience in the accounting field. She is the owner and President of Bookkeeping Plus, a leading-edge consulting firm specializing in bookkeeping and accounting systems. She has worked extensively with small business owners and is well known for her friendly and non-intimidating method of delivering her subject. In addition to operating her own business, Carla serves as a business counselor for the Small Business Development Center. She is a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and Vice President of the Santa Cruz County Bookkeeper’s Group. Carla’s hobbies include quilting and writing, as well as playing guitar, piano and tennis. Carla and her husband of 16 years, Armando, are avid animal lovers.
BARBARA SILVERTHORNE
Career Center Internship Program Manager, UC Santa Cruz
Barbara manages internship programs in the Career Center at UC Santa Cruz. Inspired by undergraduate experiences that combined academic and theoretical learning with practical application, Barbara is an experiential learning advocate. Her undergraduate internship included serving as a mediator and board member with the Rental Information and Mediation Service of Santa Cruz County. Barbara is a co-founder and trainer with the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County which opened in 1984. She earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration at California State University, Hayward. Her undergraduate work, completed at UC Santa Cruz, included a thesis comparing several mediation programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in Berkeley, California, Barbara has been an active member of the Santa Cruz community since 1978. Her husband, Michael Benack, and her daughter were born in Santa Cruz. She and her husband became entrepreneurs in 1997, founding horsefriendly.com, an internet retail business.
HOLLIE SMITH
Financial Consultant/ Business Development, ICG Financial
Hollie’s family moved to Santa Cruz County when she was five years old. They built their home in the hills of Corralitos and have lived there happily ever since. Hollie received her B.S. in Architecture and Design from UC Davis. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco, where she has lived ever since. She has had experience in many professions since graduating from Davis, including architecture, lighting design, sales, and now her most recent profession, Financial Services. Her inherent ability to connect with people, combined with her focus on the client’s needs, have attributed to her success with her company, ICG Financial. In her spare time, Hollie is a marathon “enthusiast”. It is essential for her to be active, whether it be exercising, hiking or dancing. She is also passionate about spending time with her friends and family because, in the end, isn’t that what life is all about?
ROBERT A. SMITH
Environmental Health Program Manager
Bob was born in Dearborn, Michigan, but grew up in San Jose prior to silicon. Upon graduating from high school he couldn't decide between going to sea or to college, so he did both. While a member of the Coast Guard at Monterey, he attended UC Santa Cruz where he received his degree in Biology. He pursued a Masters program at San Jose State, later leaving to work for the Environmental Health Department in Monterey County. After 15 years, he accepted a Program Manager position with Santa Cruz County Environmental Health where he presently manages numerous programs. Bob and his wife, Geraldine, currently reside in Salinas while they search for affordable housing in Santa Cruz County. They were active in their daughter Teresa's school and are currently looking for another outlet for their energy as she begins college and Bob faces retirement from the Coast Guard Reserve.
THOMAS STELLING
Investment Real Estate Specialist, Hirsch & Associates
Born in Santa Monica, Tom grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He has worked in commercial and multi-family real estate sales, leasing, management and ownership since 1984. Before coming to Santa Cruz, Tom traveled all over the world. He was a guide in the Canadian Rockies for four years, and a ski patrolman for five years. He has lived in Hawaii, and traveled throughout Europe. Tom loves to call Santa Cruz home. He is active in the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary and the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce. On weekends, Tom likes to surf, jog, and bike ride. He recently completed a 200-mile charity bike ride from Healdsburg to Santa Cruz. Tom has two wonderful children, Tommy 13 and Lizzy 11, and a cat named Max. Tom hopes to meet new people, gain a higher understanding of the community, and discover ways to contribute through Leadership Santa Cruz County.
ALICE TALNACK
Associate Superintendent, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Alice is a native of California and has been a resident of Santa Cruz for 30 years. Her passion for the field of education has taken her from teacher, to principal, director and, now, associate superintendent. She is very involved in the community and is proud to be on the Youth Council for the Workforce Investment Act, chairman of the Monterey Bay 99s Women Pilots Organization, and vice president for the Watsonville Air Show. She is a graduate of the Focus Ag Program, Class X, and looks forward to participation in Leadership Santa Cruz, Class XX.
JEAN TERAUDS
Vice President, Investments; Account Management, ICG
Jean grew up in the Mid-West. After high school, she was educated in Iowa, Maryland and Texas, where she received a degree in Communications and Business. During the education process, she married, had three children and helped put her husband through his PhD. Jean taught middle school in Quebec, managed the western regional sales force of Academic Press, San Diego, and Addison Wesley Publishing Company, Palo Alto, and has helped people realize their financial dreams in working for Merrill Lynch, Piper Jaffray and ICG Financial. Jean’s life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000 made her realize that life has been full of many blessings, including nine beautiful, healthy grandchildren. Living and working in Santa Cruz, she has realized her dream of living close to one of her daughters, son-in-law and two grandchildren. Leadership Santa Cruz County has been enlightening and rewarding, and Jean looks forward to applying her experiences and knowledge.
JEVON TODD
Materials Management Manager, Dominican Hospital
Jevon was born and raised in the Midwest and moved to Santa Cruz in 1977. She earned her BA in Business Management from St. Mary’s College. Jevon is the mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, traveling and dreaming. Professionally, she is most proud of the career growth she’s achieved and collaborative working relationships that have developed during her 24 years of employment at Dominican Hospital. Managing materials in a hospital environment allows Jevon to live her passion for learning, working with people, helping others and creative thinking on a daily basis. Through Leadership Santa Cruz County, she will learn more about the foundation, culture, services and needs of our community. Her goal is to identify community needs that she may be able to help meet in her role as Dominican’s Materials Manager and as a citizen volunteer.
BETH TRENCHARD
Executive Director, Survivors Healing Center
Beth was born and raised in the East Bay, California and has lived in Santa Cruz County for the last 14 years. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in Business Administration and earned her MBA at Santa Clara University. Beth spent the first 15 years of her career working in Finance and Marketing roles at General Electric Co. and Apple Computer. After the birth of her daughter, Beth did consulting work while enjoying her new role as Mom. Now that her daughter is in school all day, Beth is following her dream to contribute to her community. She is working in the nonprofit sector for Survivors Healing Center where her business skills have provided increased efficiency, exposure and improved financial stability to the agency.
NED VAN VALKENBURGH
Field Representative, Carpenters Union Local 505
Born and raised in Coronado, California, Ned moved to Santa Cruz in 1975 to continue his college education closer to the underwater world of the Monterey/Carmel coast. After teaching SCUBA for several years, he returned to construction to pursue a career as a carpenter. As a partner in a small, union company, Ned helped erect the Phoenix Pavilions following the Loma Prieta earthquake and worked on many projects at UCSC. Ned became more interested in the value and importance of unions and served several years as President of the local Carpenters Union. He has served as the chair of the local carpenters union apprentice program for the past 10 years. Ned became a Carpenters Union representative in 1997. Currently he is responsible for Union Contractor Sales and Promotion. Ned and his wife, Marilyn, enjoy sharing their love of ocean sports, the outdoors and foreign travel.
MARK WENZLER
Easter Seals Central California,
Family Services Manager for Monterey & San Benito Counties
Mark was born and raised in Hayward, California. His parents’ professions focused on helping people, nursing and social work, and their dedication to positively impacting others passed down to Mark. He attended UC Santa Cruz, obtaining a degree in History with a minor in Sociology, and enjoyed the area so much he decided to make it his home. After graduation, Mark began working with autistic children for Easter Seals Central California. Making a difference for these students profoundly affected him. He worked directly with kids with autism for about four years before applying for and receiving a promotion to Family Services Coordinator at ESCC. Last year, Mark obtained a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst Certification and was recently promoted to Family Services Manager for Monterey and San Benito Counties. Mark will use the networking, knowledge and skills gained in Leadership to more effectively help people and improve this community!
RACHEL WILLIAMS
Office Manager, Driscoll Strawberry Association, Inc.
Rachel was born and raised in California and recently moved to Soquel in August 2003. She has spent the last eight years working for Driscoll Strawberry Associates in various positions, including her most recent as Office Manager for the Blueberry Business and European Business expansion programs. She has been actively involved in Driscoll's annual employee philanthropic projects as a committee lead, participant and contributor. Through the LSCC, she will pursue involvement with a non-profit program or community project, where she can share her passion. She has quickly adapted to the Santa Cruz County lifestyle and intends to make the county her lifetime home with her new husband, John, and her 11-year-old son, Alexander, who attends Main Street Elementary in Soquel.
MATTHEW WOOD
Business Operations and Technical Unit Manager,
Division of the Arts, UCSC
Matthew Wood bicycled to Santa Cruz in 1988 from New York City where he had worked in the theater and then as a chef after attending cooking school. In California, except for moving to Los Angeles for two years to be near family, Matthew has lived near the Monterey Bay in Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz and Ben Lomond. While in Pacific Grove, Matthew received his BA and MBA from the Monterey Institute for International Studies, and worked for the Highlands Inn and Monterey Bay Aquarium. In Los Angeles, he was the Food Services Coordinator for the Getty Center. Matthew has worked in Santa Cruz with Planned Parenthood of Santa Cruz County and UCSC. Matthew has been married to Frances Ruiz-Wood for nine years: they met in Santa Cruz while working at Planned Parenthood. They both enjoy gardening, cooking, attending performing arts events, and the natural beauty of the coast.
ALLA ZELTSER-FITCH
Development Consultant,
Doran Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Alla Zeltser-Fitch was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. Thanks to her amazing parents, she ended up on the Central Coast. Alla grew up in Monterey and received her BS and her MBA from SJSU. She now calls Aptos home. Alla runs a consulting business specializing in all aspects of non-profit fundraising including community campaigns, event coordination, board development and strategic planning. Locally she works with the Doran Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an amazing program that helps people maintain their independence and dignity as they learn to live with vision loss. She loves her work and finds great satisfaction in bringing people together for a common cause. In her spare time Alla enjoys reading, cooking, and martinis. Alla has a wonderful husband and two beautiful little boys who make her life complete.
DALE ZEVIN
Director of Product Development, ToucanEd
Born and raised in New York City, Dale Zevin has been a County resident for 26 years. A published author of education and health-related instructional, training and marketing materials, Dale is Director of Product Development at ToucanEd, a Santa Cruz-based health education publishing company. She is also a trained Cognitive Coach and an Institute of Cultural Affairs group facilitator. Dale has served as a bilingual elementary-university level instructor, central office educational administrator, and corporate trainer. She hopes to share her knowledge of public education and health education resources with other LSCC participants and broaden her participation in other segments of Santa Cruz County. Dale enjoys meeting new people, learning about their lifework and passions, and introducing them to new resources. A recent passion is writing and performing original monologues. On weekends, you can find Dale strolling around museums and art festivals or taking long beach walks and hikes.
GARY SMITH
Executive Director, Leadership Santa Cruz County
Gary started his career as a firefighter in Davis in 1970. Gary and Barbara were married in 1974 and have raised three daughters, Amanda, Hollie and Meggie, and now have two grandsons, Eli and Luke. In 1979, Gary was promoted to Fire Marshall in Manteca. He received a BS degree in Fire Administration from Cogswell College in June 1984 and, in November, was hired as the Fire Chief in Watsonville. In 1991, Gary was asked to serve as Watsonville’s Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief. He accepted the position of Fire Chief, Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District, in February 1999. In July 2003, Gary “transitioned” from active duty in the fire service to a life of community involvement, serving on numerous local and national professional organizations. He was selected as Executive Director for Leadership Santa Cruz County in May 2004. Gary looks forward to building stronger leadership within Santa Cruz County.
