CEO
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF ORANGE COUNTY
WHY: Leads one of the region’s most critical non-profits, overseeing a massive food distribution network that provides nutritional security to hundreds of thousands of food-insecure children, seniors and families throughout Orange County.
IN THE NEWS: Spearheading large-scale fundraising and community outreach initiatives to address the rising demand for food assistance driven by the current economic shifts and rising inflation.
NOTABLE: Before philanthropy, spent 18 years in the fashion industry, leading marketing and public relations for Orange County brands such as Vans and St. John Knits.
QUOTABLE: “More and more of our Orange County neighbors will face food insecurity and financial stress at some point this year. They will turn to the charitable food network for assistance and we must find the resources to be there for them when they need help the most. We must find the financial resources to match our resolve.”
ROLE MODEL/FUN FACTS: Plays organized soccer in a women’s league in OC; a certified Master Gardener and a globetrotter. Credits, Veronica Melvin, CEO at the LA Promise Fund, for lessons on leadership; and Roman Bowser, executive vice president for the Western States Region at the American Heart Association, for his belief in her to make the jump from the private sector to the non-profit space.
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