The nominees have been announced for the 54th annual 2020 Santa Clarita Valley Man and Woman of the Year Awards, with 21 nominating organizations naming 13 men and 14 women as candidates for the honor.

The Awards Dinner is set to be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.

2020 SCV Man of the Year Nominees

Hunt Braly Partner, Poole, Shaffery, & Koegle, LLP

Nominating Organization Bridge to Home

Organizations: Bridge to Home, Years of Service: 2010-2020: Positions Held: Board Member, 2010 – 2020, Board Chair 2013 – 2017, currently member of Executive Committee • Homes 4 Families (formerly Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys) • Years of Service: 2013-2020, Positions Held: Board Member, Fund Development Committee Co-Chair, Board Chair 2017 – 2020 • Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, Years of Service: 1997 – 2018 • Positions Held • Board Member 1997- 2003, 2006-2012, 2017 – 2020 • Member of the Executive Committee, Chairman or Co-Chairman of Government Affairs Council (formerly Government Affairs/Transportation Committee) continuously since 1999, 2005 Received the Political Advocate of the year from the Chamber • Friends of Hart Park, Years: 1993-1996

Other Organizations: WISH Foundation, Years of Service: 2011 – 2018, Positions Held: Inaugural Board Member, Advisory Committee member • Santa Clarita Congress of Republicans, Years of Service: 1989 (founding) – 2020 Positions Held: President, Vice President and Treasurer • Organization: Santa Clarita Chapter of the Los Angeles Lincoln, Years of Service: 2008 – 2020, Positions Held: President • Organization: SCV Domestic Violence Center, Years of Service  2011, Positions Held: Received the Above and Beyond Award.

Organization Impact Hunt led Bridge to Home as Board Chair during the transition to a new Executive Director from one who had served for more than 20 years. Hunt also led BTH in the expansion from a small winter shelter to a year-round team of social workers providing case management and helping people find and retain housing.

Hunt is generous with his time and expertise as a land use attorney, saving BTH thousands of dollars. In 2019 BTH was able to transition to a year-round shelter and is now actively working toward the building of its Homeless Services Center. Hunt has led the fundraising efforts for BTH’s annual Soup for the Soul for 4 years, growing the income from $44,000 in 2016 to $140,000 in 2019. Hunt has helped BTH take on new events and raise several million dollars in capital funds for the new facility.

Other Contributions Hunt is consistently named one of the most influential persons in the Signal’s annual list of the 51 Most Influential Residents. He has been instrumental in helping the SCV begin to address the need for affordable housing. Under his leadership, Homes 4 Families’ 78-unit development for low-income veteran families is the first of its kind here. Many community groups have participated in this project, raising consciousness about the need for affordable housing. As Chair at BTH, Hunt led the board as they established affordable housing as a strategic initiative. Hunt’s expertise as a land use attorney has been especially valuable as BTH has accepted the City’s donation of property. BTH is planning to build a year-round shelter and to consolidate case management services on the property. Hunt’s efforts will result in people being able to stay in the SCV where many work and go to school.

Biography Hunt Braly is a partner in the law firm of Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP and heads its Land Use and Governmental Affairs practice groups. He has a strong record of success in resolving client’s issues with various governmental entities and in obtaining land use approvals.

Mr. Braly graduated from the University of Southern California in 1977 and Loyola of Los Angeles Law School in 1980. From July 1983 until December 1992, Mr. Braly served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Ed Davis, the former Los Angeles Police Chief and Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In that capacity, Mr. Braly was integrally involved with the drafting and successful passage of legislation and initiatives.

When Senator Davis retired in 1992, Mr. Braly established his own law and lobbying practice in Santa Clarita. In May 1999 Mr. Braly became a founding partner of Hacker, Kanowsky & Braly, LLP, a full-service law firm in Santa Clarita. In 2004, the firm changed its name to HackerBraly, LLP. Mr. Braly specialized in land use, development, and real estate law, along with lobbying matters with the firm until the firm disbanded in July 2011. Mr. Braly assisted Golden Valley Ranch’s commercial and residential development (which was approved in 2002), and Gate/King Partners’ 4.5 million square feet commercial development in Newhall (which was approved unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote by the Santa Clarita City Council in 2003).

In 2008 Mr. Braly was retained by Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital to assist in its’ effort to obtain approval of a 15-year Hospital Master. After a contentious two-year process, the Master Plan was approved in December 2009 by a 4 to 1 vote. Mr. Braly provided counsel to Vista Canyon Ranch, a mixed-use project in Canyon Country, which was approved by the City of Santa Clarita in 2011. Mr. Braly is a registered lobbyist for numerous clients in the City of Santa Clarita and County of Los Angeles.

In addition, he is a registered lobbyist in Sacramento for the Castaic Lake Water Agency, which is now the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency. In 2019 Mr. Braly represented BLC Tesoro in obtaining Los Angeles County approval of the 800 home Phase 2 Tesoro Highlands project. This approved project is now being processed for annexation along with the Phase 1 Tesoro community into the City of Santa Clarita.

In January 2020 Mr. Braly assisted Westfield and Valencia Town Center in obtaining the approval from the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission of the Costco, Movie Theatre and Fitness Center. Braly has been a resident of Santa Clarita since 1989, where he resides with his wife, Pamela. They have two adult daughters, Alexandra and Morgan.

 

Dale Donohoe President, Intertex General Contractors

Nominating Organization Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation

Organizations: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital: 9 yrs: Board member, Capital Campaign Co-Chair • SCV Boys and Girls Club: 6 yrs: board member • SCV Child and Family Ctr: 19 yrs: board member • VIA: 6 yrs: board member • American Heart Association: 3 yrs, board member • SCVEDC: 5 yrs: board member

Organization Impact: Dale Donohoe has helped improve the community in which he was born and raised in many ways. His contributions are numerous and impactful. We’d like to share something Dale has done quietly, without fanfare, which has made a significant impact in the lives of those around him.

When an employee at Dale’s company, Intertex, suffered a heart attack, his staff performed CPR while they waited for the paramedics. After he was stabilized, Dale accompanied the patient at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital where he went into surgery to receive a stent. He recovered and is alive and well today.

Dale’s company Intertex built our Cath Lab. As an advocate of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Dale knows the importance of making sure the healthcare needs of our community are not only met—but also surpassed. His gifts and vision for the future expansions of the hospital demonstrate this dedication.

Other Contributions: Donohoe’s leadership skills also benefit his community. Dale is active in his church and has served as a deacon and an elder. He and his wife Tamara quietly donate to local charities and to his employees and their families when they see a need. He has served as a former Board Member of the following not for profit organizations: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, SCV Boys and Girls Club, SCV Child & Family Center, Valencia Industrial Association, and the American Heart Association. He currently serves as a Board Member for the SCVEDC. Through personal and corporate donations he continues to support many Santa Clarita non-profit organizations.

Biography: Dale Donohoe has resided in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 56 years and has been married to his lovely wife Tamara for the last 30 years. Together they have four children: Beau, Morgan, Jordan and Chad.

Dale was raised in Santa Clarita and went through the local school system: Cedar Creek Elementary, Sierra Vista Jr. HS, Canyon HS and College of the Canyons. Dale graduated from College of the Canyons and with honors from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in Economics & Mathematics and was inducted into Claremont’s Athletic Hall of Fame for Basketball in 2010, into the College of the Canyon’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2017 and into Canyon High School’s 50 for 50 in 2018.

Dale takes pride in making meaningful contributions that benefit his community. He founded Intertex General Contractors, Inc. in 1984 and Intertex has become one of the largest general contractors and commercial developers in the area. Through Intertex he has developed numerous retail, office and industrial projects in and around Southern California with a focus on Santa Clarita. These projects have brought jobs to the area and have benefited the local community.

To date, the value of completed construction project exceeds $1,000,000,000 and total development square footage is in excess of 2,000,000 sqft. He has developed relationships with key community stakeholders and put deals together where others could not. He also started and eventually sold Intertex Barriers & Booths (IBB). IBB manufactured and installed perimeter security systems for Federal & State governments, foreign governments, embassies, and for high profile buildings. Dale helped design an anti-terrorist vehicular gate that received a patent.

Donohoe’s leadership skills also benefit his community. Dale is active in his church and has served as a deacon and an elder. Dale coached all four (4) of his children in youth sports and was an elementary and Jr High basketball coach at Santa Clarita Christian School. He has served as a former Board Member of the following not for profit organizations: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, SCV Boys and Girls Club, SCV Child & Family Center, Valencia Industrial Association, and the American Heart Association. He is currently serves as a Board Member for the SCVEDC. Through personal and corporate donations he continues to support many Santa Clarita non-profit organizations.

Alan Ferdman Retired, Aerospace Engineer and Department Manager Litton Guidance in Woodland Hills, Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena

Nominating Organization Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc.

Organizations: Canyon Country Advisory Committee – 20 years Member, Membership Chair 17 Years • Santa Clarita Community Council 7 years: Board Member and CEO • Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. – 6 years • Rubber Ducky Festival Event Committee Chair (5 years) Board of Directors, Treasurer (3 years) Santa Clarita Senior Center Advisory Council – 4 years • Vice-Chair 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) SCV Salvation Army Advisory Board – 2 years – Past Member • Signal Newspaper Community Activists – 2 years – Past Member: Signal Newspaper Advisory Committee – 1 year – Member • The Gazette SCV Free – 3 Years – Weekly Columnist • Sunrise Rotary – 3 years – Member • Old Town Newhall Association – 4 Years – Board of Directors 2 Years, 2019 Vice-chair • Whittaker-Bermite Citizens Advisory Group – 4 Years – Member • North Oaks Park – 4 years – Volunteer 1979-1983 • Santa Clarita Elks – 10 Years – Member • Mint Canyon Moose – 11 Years – Member • E Clampus Vitus – 4 Years – Member • Old West Masonic Lodge – 12 Years – Member; Al Malaikah Shrine – 11 Years – Member • American Motorcycle Association – 54 Years – Member • Al Malaikah Motor Patrol – 11 Years – Member • City of Santa Clarita – 5 years • Open Space Financial Accountability and Audit Panel – Past Member • City of Santa Clarita Adult Sports – 13 years Committee Chair – Past Member • City of Santa Clarita – 5 Years – Community Activist Group – Past Member • Single Purpose Ad Hoc Committees – Bridge to Home Shelter Task Force (Site Selection) – LACO Emergency Winter Shelter Site Selection Committee • Santa Clarita Valley Open Space Committee • Hart School District Committee for Measure SA • College of the Canyons Canyon Country Site Selection Committee • City of Santa Clarita Material Recycling Facility Site Selection Committee • City of Santa Clarita 2006 “Police Chief” Selection Advisory Committee • City of Santa Clarita 2006 “City Council Member” Selection Advisory Committee.

Organization Impact: SDFHC was established in 1980 in response to the lack of healthcare services available to low-income and under-served communities. Today there are health center sites in Val Verde, Canyon Country, Newhall, outreach programs at Cal Arts and COC and a new mental health office in Valencia. Over 9000 visits occur annually.

For the past five years, Ferdman has chaired the Rubber Ducky Festival Committee, which has raised over $330,000 to support healthcare, dental, and mental health services to the most vulnerable in the community. His efforts allow us to offer care and never refuse services to anyone in need regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. Ferdman has also served as the Treasurer of our Board since 2017.

Other Contributions: Alan Ferdman has been a resident of Canyon Country since 1965 and has been a committed and active member of the community. His volunteerism and memberships with many non-profits, service organizations and committees have had a significant influence on the community and the thousands of individuals and families who have benefitted from Ferdman’s belief in giving back and his commitment to lend a hand.

Ferdman has received various recognitions throughout the years such as “Top 51 Most Influential People” and nominations for “SCV Press Club Newsmaker of the Year” and “Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year”.

Biography: Alan and his wife Pamela have been residents of Canyon Country for over 50 years, having raised their 2 children. Together with his mother, children and grandchildren, the Ferdman family has 4 generations living in Santa Clarita. Alan is a retired Aerospace Engineer and Department Manager.

He holds a Master of Science degree in Software Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. During his career, he held senior positions at Litton Guidance in Woodland Hills, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and as an adjunct faculty member at National University.

Alan has always believed in giving back to the community. He volunteered for LACO Parks and Recreation, served on numerous City of Santa Clarita Panels and Committees and is most well known as CEO of the Santa Clarita Community Council and Chair of the Canyon Country Advisory Committee, a position he has held for the last 18 years. In this role, Alan has devoted a great deal of time interacting with City Staff and helping residents deal with city-related issues.

Alan’s commitment to lending a helping hand continues to grow. He is also currently serving as the Rubber Ducky Festival Event Committee Chair for Samuel Dixon Family Health Center (5 years) and Santa Clarita Senior Center Advisory Council (5 Years). Alan’s love of country, community and helping Santa Clarita residents is well known and reflects his motto, “Together We Can Make a Difference.”

Jeff Hacker Attorney, Hacker Law Group

Nominating Organization Carousel Ranch

Organizations: Carousel Ranch – Board of Directors/Board Attorney (8 years); Los Angeles County Fire Foundation Founding Director; College of the Canyons Paralegal Studies – Board of Directors; Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital – Advisory Board; Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation – Board of Directors; College of the Canyons Foundation – Board of Directors; Silver Spur Award for the College of the Canyons – Chairperson (5 years); Child and Family Center – Operating Board of Directors (Treasurer); Child and Family Center Foundation – Board of Directors SCV Repertory Theater – Founding Board of Director – Board; The Painted Turtle Camp – Advisory Board • Boys and Girls Club Foundation – Board of Directors; Santa Clarita Valley Attorney Association – Past President; Valencia Optimist Club – Past President; Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce – Counsel for over twenty (20) years; VIA – Counsel during the 1990’s Awards; SCV Press Club- Special Award -2001; Boys Scouts of America– Leaders of Character -2012; President’s Award;

Others: Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Professional: Legal Commentator – KHTS and KBET; Organized Pro Bono legal services for victims of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake; Pro bono Mediator – Los Angeles County Superior Court; Judge Pro Tem – Los Angeles County Superior Court; Pro bono Arbitrator – Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Organization Impact: Jeff became involved with Carousel Ranch in 2006, during a time of great need. We had just purchased our “forever home” and faced an unexpected situation difficult neighbor during the process of acquiring a Conditional Use Permit. Jeff stepped in as a volunteer and represented us pro-bono, throughout what became a long battle. His donated legal services were the only thing that got us through the process and in 2008 we were indeed awarded our CUP.

During that time, Jeff came onto the board as our board attorney and has been an integral part of the team ever since, not only handling anything within the legal realm, but also participating in all aspects from governance to events and everything in between. From the beginning, Jeff’s continued guidance and support whenever needed have been so important. But, more than that, his passion for our work is always evident.

Other Contributions Jeff’s contributions don’t stop there, as he is involved in every event and undertaking that we have. From the legal arena to his own personal contributions (whether the donation of his time, talents and of course dollars, to cases of his favorite bottles of wine for our annual auction). When asked to help in any way, the answer is always YES. It’s hard to describe someone who gives so much, for all the right reasons. It is never to be recognized, (which makes this nomination all the better). At Carousel Ranch, we are blessed to have Jeff by our side. And as you can see, he is no stranger to helping organizations in this valley and beyond. He is committed to the Ranch’s continued success.

Biography Jeff opened his law office in the SCV in 1984, after moving to our Valley. He is a seasoned veteran and suc- cessful trial attorney. He is recognized by his peers and judges as preeminent, “AV”, for his strong legal ability and high ethical standards, by Martindale Hubbell, the gold standard in attorney ratings for more than a century.

He founded Hacker, Kanowsky, and Braly, LLP in 1998, which later became HackerBraly, LLP, upon the cornerstone principle of giving back to our community. Jeff founded Hacker Law Group in 2011. His diverse practice focuses on helping people and business solve their problems in real estate and business, as well as helping victims of catastrophic accidents.

Jeff has been married to his wife Kiki for 37 years. His children, Alysha and Mitchel, both live in Santa Clarita. Alysha is a teacher, while Mitchel is the marketing coordinator for a local neonatal and pediatric medical device manufacturer, Neotech Products. Jeff and Kiki currently live in Valencia with Huxley, their 135 lb. Pyrenean Mastiff. Jeff and Kiki have always believed that it is important to work toward the betterment of the community, with a long-term passion for helping children in need.

In his own words, Jeff was drawn to the Ranch because “Carousel’s mission of improving the lives of children and young adults with special needs using equine therapy struck a nerve.” Jeff was inspired to become involved with Carousel Ranch because of his niece, Mindy, and his sister, Sandra. Sandra’s love and passion for horses became her daughter’s life work. Mindy founded a non-profit organization outside of Ocala, Florida in 1994 – “Horses N Heroes” – whose mission is to provide an equine learning experience to young girls who are financially disadvantaged.

Taylor Kellstrom, The Book Exchange Owner and Realtor at RE/MAX of Santa Clarita

Nominating Organizations Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, JCI Santa Clarita, Circle of Hope

Organizations: Circle of Hope, 9 Years • 7 time event chair “Bowling for Hope for Circle of Hope, raising $23,520.07 to date • 2016 – Present “Vine 2 Wine” event chair for Circle of Hope, raising $150,933.05 to date • Board Member 2013 – Present • Vice President 2015 – 2016 • President 2016 – 2019 • Immediate Past President 2020 • Events committee 2013 – present • Public Relations Ambassador 2013 – present • Afternoon Tea Committee 2014 – Present • “Vine 2 Wine” Committee 2014 – Present • 2013 – 2014 Circle of Hope’s Walk Committee • 2017 Hope Haven’s Can- cer Wellness Center Founder • 2017 and 2019 Galpin’s “Share the Love” event contact raising $ 51,595 for Circle of Hope • 2017 Southern California Annual employee raffle partner/organizer raising $ 1,260 for Circle of Hope • 2017 Kellstrom Real Estate Campaign chairman/organizer raising $3,244 for Circle of Hope • 2018 -2020 Hope’s Haven Advocacy Council • 2019 31 Days of Hope Event – Chair – Raised $25,000; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 9 Years • 8 Time event chair “Bowling for Kids” for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, raising $35,290.11 to date. • Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Ambassador • Professional Mo- tocross Racer Day Chair -Taylor was responsible for setting up professional motocross racers to come visit the Children’s Hospital to talk with the kids, sign autographs and bring posters/hats/stickers, etc. to try and brighten up the families and kid’s time at the hospital • 2015 Dancing with our Stars participant for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, raising $4,312. • 2020 LA Marathon Ambassador for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles JCI Santa Clarita, 7 Years • – 2013 – Present • JCI Member • 2013 JCI’s 40 under Forty winner • – Santa Clarita Junior Chamber International Member • 2018 – JCI SCV 40 Under Forty- Co-Chair -Raised $23,078 for JCI SCV • 2018- JCI SCV Santa’s Helpers – Co-Chair- Raised $4,109.33 for JCI SCV • 2019 JCI Santa Clarita’s “Santa’s Helpers” Co- Chair – Raised $3,400 for JCI SCV • Bridge to Home • 2019 Donation Drive Campaign Co-Chair • 2019 Bridge to Home Dinner Campaign volunteer • 2019 Random Acts of Kindness Campaign Committee, Coffee and Connections Mixer Co-Creator • 2019 – Present Board of Directors • 2019 President • 2020 Immediate Past President • 2020 Awards and Installation Dinner Child & Family Center • Co-Chair Child and Family Center, 2 Years • 2019 Child and Family Center “Taste of the Town” Committee • 2020 Child and Family Center “Taste of the Town” Committee Santa Clarita Cham- ber of Commerce, 6 Years • 2014 – Present • Chamber member • 2014 SCV Chamber of Commerce “ Young Business Person of the Year” award winner at the Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Awards • 2015 Leadership Academy graduate with the SCV Chamber of Commerce • 2015 – Present Chamber Member • 2019 Next SCV Committee • 2020 Next SCV Committee • American Cancer Society, 3 Years • 2017-2020 American Cancer Society “ Relay for Life” Volunteer • 2017-2018 American Cancer Society “ Hoe Down” Volunteer MAX Relief Foundation, 1 Year • 2020 MAX Relief Foundation Co-Founder and Vice President Avon Foundation, 1 Year • 2014 Volunteer -AVON walk for breast cancer One Fund Boston, 1 Year • Event chair “ Bands for Boston” in 2013 for One Fund Boston, raising $1,007 for the victims of the Boston Bombings • SCV Senior Center, 1 Year • 2020 Celebrity Waiter Volunteer Misc., 12 Years • Speaker to the local high schools • 2016 SCV Gazette’s Hero of the Week (August 12 – 18) • 2016 Signal’s Top 51 winner in the Emerging Leaders Category • Speaker at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Cal Central Seminar in 2014 and 2015 • 2017 Signal’s #1 award winner at the Signal’s Top 51 • 2019 Los Angeles Marathon Finisher • 2019 Ventura Marathon Finisher Total amount raised for nonprofits = $325,488.56

Organization Impact: CHLA Taylor has a passion for philanthropy and is very engaged with his community. Taylor has not only made personal donations to CHLA, he has also volunteered his time to speak at our Junior Ambassadors events and offered to mentor them through their philanthropic efforts. This is very admirable as he is training the next generation of philanthropists.

Organization Impact: JCI The Santa Clarita Valley JCI Chapter has going through it seasons of ample participation to winding down to just a few members. Over the last 3 years Sharlene has played a strong leadership presence in helping maintain the chapter while bringing in fresh faces. In the last 2 years, Sharlene along with Taylor Kellstrom and myself have been able to grow the chapter, establish new process, map out a development calendar and develop and unleash the potential in others resulting in multiple chapter projects.

Those projects have assisted singles mothers & families in need in our valley, provided food to the homeless in a time of need, raised funds for local schools and highlighted the contributions of other young leaders making a difference. The focal point has always resided with helping people find their gifts, develop them and let them share those gifts.

Organization Impact: COH Taylor is a committed and integral part of COH helping shape the organization into one of the top nonprofit organizations in our community. His passion for our mission and dedication to our clientele shows in the impact he has made. Under Taylor’s leadership, the Cancer Wellness Center at COH became a reality enabling cancer patients in Santa Clarita to receive over 23 wellness therapies all at no charge.

As a public figure, his positive reputation has repeatedly benefitted Circle of Hope. Taylor speaks at numerous community events as a COH ambassador. He chairs annually our signature event, as well as a bowling fundraiser and participates on all other event committees. Taylor’s efforts have helped raise thousands of dollars that support the organization.

Other Contributions Taylor has contributed and supported CHLA in many ways, from personal donations to mentoring to volunteering and participating in CHLA events and hosting fundraisers. We are so grateful for his active engagement with the hospital.

Biography Taylor Kellstrom is a 30-year-old entrepreneur, philanthropist, real estate agent and motivational speaker. He was born and raised in SCV. Taylor is a West Ranch High School and COC graduate. Taylor met his wife in 2013 and was married in 2018. Taylor and Becca had their firstborn child in September 2019, name Jaxson Martin Kellstrom.

He opened The Book Exchange – an off-campus college textbook store for College of the Canyon students. He is a Realtor for RE/MAX of Santa Clarita. He is an ambassador for CHLA; he created “Bowling for Kids” an event in its 9th year now, raising $35,290.11. In 2015, his wife and him danced in “ Dancing with our Stars” for CHLA, raising $4,312. Taylor will be running the LA Marathon for CHLA, raising funds for the hospital. Taylor chaired “Pro Motocross Day” for riders to come visit CHLA to talk with the kids, sign autographs and bring posters/hats/stickers,etc. to brighten up the families and kid’s time at the hospital.

Taylor started out on the board of directors for Circle of Hope and then gradually took on every role in the organization including event chairman, served on every committee, ambassador, VP, President and is now the current past president. Taylor is the creator of “Bowling for Hope” in its 7th year, raising $23,520.07 to date. He chaired 31 Days of Hope in 2019, raising $25,000 for COH. Taylor has been on Circle of Hope’s “Vine 2 Wine” committee since 2014 and is the current chairman of the event from 2016 to now. With Taylor as the chairman, the event has raised over $150,933.05 to date. He’s created and partnered in fundraisers with Edison, Kellstrom Real Estate, and Galpin raising $56,099. Taylor is one of the founding members of “Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center.”

Taylor was the event co-chair in 2018 for JCI SCV’s “40 Under Forty” event raising $23,078 along with co-chairing JCI SCV’s “ Santa’s Helpers” event in 2018 and 2019 that helped 560 underprivileged kids from Single Mothers Outreach, Child and Family Center, Boys and Girls Club, and Bridge to Home that raised $7,509.33 for JCI SCV. Taylor served as JCI President in 2019 and now as Past President. He’s a winner of JCI’s 40 under forty award in 2013 and a current member of the Santa Clarita Junior Chamber. Taylor graduated from the SCV Chamber’s Leadership Academy and is a current member of the SCV Chamber.

In 2017, Taylor was named #1 as the Signal’s Top 51. Taylor in 2018 was the co-chair for West Ranch High School’s first-ever 10-year high school reunion. Taylor served on Child and Family’s Taste of the Town committee in 2019 and 2020. Taylor is a co-founder and serves as VP for MAX relief Foundation. Taylor is a part of the Hart District/College of the Canyons Advisory Board, College of the Canyons Foundation’s Alumni Committee. To date, Taylor’s efforts and leadership have raised over $325,488.56 for the non-profits he serves.

Brian Koegle Attorney, Partner Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, LLP

Nominating Organizations College of the Canyons Foundation SCV Senior Center SCV Chamber of Commerce

Organizations: College of the Canyons Foundation, Years of Service: 12, Positions Held: • Board Chair (2018-present) • Board Member (2008-present) – Executive Committee (2016-present) Finance Committee (2017-present) • Vice Chair of the Board (2016-2017) • Silver Spur Award Committee, Member (2014-2019) – Silver Spur Award Committee, Co-Chair (2017-2018) • Silver Spur Event Master of Ceremonies (2017-2019) – Alumni Hall of Fame, Inductee (2015) • College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita Community College District), Years of Service: 12 • Positions Held: Measure “E” Co-Chairman (2016) – Measure “M” Citizens’ Oversight Committee (2007-2011) • HandsOn Santa Clarita (formerly Santa Clarita Valley Volunteer Resource Center), Years of Service: 14, Positions Held: Chairman of the Board (2011-15) – Board of Directors (2005-2019) – Various committees and events chair (2010-2019) • Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Years of Service: 5, Positions Held: Celebrity Waiter Committee, Chairman (2016) – Celebrity Waiter Committee, Member and Master of Ceremonies (2017-2020) – Celebrity Waiter “Stanley Award” Recipient (2007, 2009) • Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project, Years of Service: 8, Positions Held: Board of Directors (2007-2015) – Executive Committee – Secretary (2008-2010) • Junior Chamber International (Santa Clarita Valley Chapter), Years of Service: 7, Positions Held: Member (2005-2012) – Director of Government Affairs (2007) – Chair, “SCV Politics 101” Program (2007) – Vice-President of Marketing (2006)

Organization Impact: COC As an alumnus, Foundation board member and volunteer within the College of the Canyons Foundation, Brian Koegle’s leadership has been nothing short of revolutionary. Brian’s influence within the Foundation has resulted in an unprecedented level of impact for our students and the community. Through his many leadership roles within the Foundation, currently as Board Chair, Brian has been able to inspire others, solve institutional challenges and raise funds.

Under Brian’s leadership as board chair, the Foundation achieved an aggressive $500,000 goal to fund the innovative First-Year Promise scholarship program. Through his meticulous talent as an attorney, Brian has also directed the board to make significant improvements in policy and procedure. Most of all, Brian cares about the mission and the work of the Foundation to empower others.

Organization Impact: Senior Center Brian Koegle has been a driving force throughout a multiple number of organizations within the Santa Clarita Valley, consisting of youth and senior services, educational growth, professional and business development, to only name a few. His passion and commitment for creating a community dedicated to its residents, businesses and visitors is unparalleled. Within the last few years, Brian has helped to raise the visibility of the SCV Senior Center in the community and continues to ensure the success of our largest fundraiser, Celebrity Waiter. There is no question that Brian’s commitment to promote quality of life, not just for seniors but also for all residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, makes him the perfect candidate for Man of the Year.

Organizational Impact SCV Chamber of Commerce Brian has volunteered some of his professional services to the SCV Chamber on several critical issues as we rebuilt the organization over the last 3 years. It was vital to have solid legal counsel to ensure the organization is successful and on solid footing.

Other Contributions Brian has consistently given of his time, treasure and immense talent to further the mission of the COC Foundation. Brian has donated his time as a keynote speaker, served as a committee member and volunteer at multiple Foundation golf tournaments, mentored students and young professionals and served as co-chair of the Silver Spur Award Committee.

Brian’s philanthropic history and volunteer record within Santa Clarita serves as an example that all volunteers and nonprofits can emulate. As COC celebrates 50 Years of service, Brian’s leadership and involvement has paved the way to providing support to our community for decades to come. We believe choosing Brian Koegle as the 2020 SCV Man of the Year, sends a positive message—simply put, volunteerism, philanthropy and community spirit is valued in the SCV.

Biography Brian Koegle is a partner in the employment and labor law department of Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP. After attending College of the Canyons from 1992 to 1994, he transferred to The Ohio State University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Economics. He returned to Southern California realizing how much he really hates Midwestern winters to attend law school at Southwestern University School of Law where he participated in the widely acclaimed SCALE program, the nation’s only fully accredited two-year legal education program.

After passing the California State Bar Examination in 2001, Brian opened his own law firm, focusing on employment law and business litigation, until 2004 when he joined Poole & Shaffery, LLP. With a focus on labor and employment law, Mr. Koegle provides counsel to employers across various industries regarding hiring practices, employment contracts, wage and hour issues, compensation, discipline and termination matters. He represents employers in mediation, arbitration, litigation, and various administrative hearings, defending a wide range of employment discrimination and fair employment practice cases.

He also assists employers in the design, drafting, modification and implementation of personnel policies, procedures and employee handbooks and conducts personnel policy audits. Mr. Koegle guides employers with respect to all aspects of wage and hour compliance, including overtime calculations, meal and rest period requirements, and statutory penalties arising from non-compliant policies and procedures. Brian also has written several published articles on labor and employment-related matters and is a frequent speaker on these issues, including COC Foundation Chancellors Circle events.

Brian is a member of the Labor and Employment Sections of the California State Bar and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers/Los Angeles Magazine in 2010 – 2015 and as a Supper Lawyer in 2016-2020. Brian has also been recognized as one of the “40 Under Forty” by both the San Fernando Valley Business Journal (2005) and the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal (2009). He was also a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Santa Clarita Valley Program, presented by the COC Employee Training Institute.

Brian has served on several non-profit boards throughout the community, including the College of the Canyons Foundation, HandsOn Santa Clarita and the SCV Youth Project. Brian also worked tirelessly on the Measure M campaign, and later served on the Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee until he completed his term in 2011.

Dr. Alan Pollack President, SCV Historical Society; President, St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation

Nominating Organization Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society

Organizations President, SCV Historical Society, 12 years • St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation, President since inception • Director, Community Hiking Club

Organization Impact See biography

Other Contributions See biography

Biography Many people are responsible for the St. Francis Dam Disaster site in Saugus becoming a National Monument within the last year, but two people stand out: Alan Pollack and Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel.

It was during a trip some years ago to a similar disaster site back East, which was a full-blown National Memorial, that Alan realized the 400-plus residents of the Santa Clara River Valley who perished in the wake of L.A.’s thirst for water – including nearly the entire student bodies of three Saugus elementary schools – had been unduly swept under the rug of history. So, he identified partners, created a coalition, and ultimately testified before Congress in support of his brainchild – the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and National Monument – which legislation was signed into law in 2019.

Today, Pollack heads the Foundation board that is raising funds to create a physical memorial to honor the victims, tell L.A. ‘s water story, and show how the disaster impacted future dam construction throughout the United States and beyond. As longtime president of the SCV Historical Society and a 2016 nominee for Man of the Year (when the National Memorial was but a dream), Alan’s work to preserve the history and share the fascinating stories of our community are legendary.

He has written monthly articles and co-authored books on local history, contributed to the SCVHistory.com archive, established a local history speaker series at the Santa Clarita Public Libraries, delivered lectures to numerous organizations, promoted SCV history in the local and national media, and advocated for passage of a Historical Preservation Ordinance that received City Council approval in 2013.

A Newhall resident since 1991, Alan developed an interest in history as a young boy in the San Fernando Valley when he began collecting newspapers that chronicled important historical events that occurred during the turbulent 1960s. His collection grew into a world-class assortment of original newspapers dating back to the 1600s and covering most of the significant events in American history as they were originally reported.

Alan received a B.S. degree in biochemistry from UCLA where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society; he attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and made the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He did his residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and has been an internal medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City for 30 years. He is the primary care physician for approximately 2,000 patients from both the SFV and SCV and has been honored with Kaiser’s Leon Cohen Award for exceptional contributions to his colleagues and patient care.

Dave Reeves Owner, Reeves Complete Auto Center 

Nominating Organization Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: Rotary Club of Santa Clarita 2009 • Board of Boys & Girls Club • Boy Scouts • Lloyd Sreden Scholarship Board • COC Scholarship • Triumph • Wish • SCV Senior Center • Beacon House for Men 

Organization Impact: Continues to organize, chair, and/or volunteer, at every event. Organized and planned the first Rotary and Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament in Dec. 2019 which raised over $10,000 for each organization.

Other Contributions: Organizational skills, leadership, guidance, goal setting, management, follow-through in service to Rotary and was named 2019 Volunteer of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club.

Biography Born in San Fernando Valley. Attended Poly High School in Arleta, Calif. Opened Reeves Complete Auto in April 2008. Joined Rotary in 2009. Married to Cindy and has 3 boys. Has served as Sergeant-of-Arms and President-Elect of Rotary June 2020. Dave also organized a golf tournament in December 2019, which was held to benefit the Rotary Club and the SCV Boys & Girls Club. The first-time event raised close to $25,000 with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club and SCV Rotary.

In the mid-80s, Dave began building race engines, working for a professional who had developed a NASCAR-recommended restrictor plate engine for Chevrolet. That experience led to associations with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress, and the chance to attend NASCAR races all over the states and in Canada. In the early 1990s, Dave held a paid track position as a weekend crew chief at the Saugus Speedway and got the chance to drive in some of the officials and mechanics races.

Then in 1994, Reeves worked on the Hobby Stock car driven by local resident John Schultz, who won that year’s Saugus Speedway championship. In 2015, Reeves began sponsoring stock cars in the Southwest Touring Series and Modified Series. His Auto Center became a personal endorsement sponsor in 2018 for racer Derek Thorn, who drove a Sunrise Ford to a championship in the NASCAR K&N Touring Division.

He has also sponsored Linny White in the Spears Southwest SRL Tour, and Rod Johnson Jr. (grandson of Donnie Johnson, owner of one of the cars driven by Saugus Speedway legend “Roarin’ Oren Prosser”) in the SRL and Modified Touring Divisions.

Josh Rivas, Salon Owner, Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist 

Nominating Organization Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Fashion Show Co-Chair, volunteer, donor. CASA, Years of Service: 5+, Positions Held: Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care, Spokesperson, DWOS 2016 • Single Mothers Outreach, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Volunteer, Board Member, Development, Donor, DWOS 2018 • Junior Achievement, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Mentor, Student Entrepreneurship Competition Judge, volunteer, Donor • Covenant House of CA, Years of Service: 4+, Positions Held: Volunteer, Mentor, Donor • My Friends Place, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Emerging Leaders Council Member • Hollywood Homeless Youth Partnership, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Speaker, Mentor, Volunteer • Faith Community Church, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Youth Leader for Junior High and High School • Bridge to Home, Years of Service: 6+, Positions Held: Volunteer, Donor, DWOS 2014 • Grace Missions International, Years of Service: 15+, Positions Held: Overseas Conversational English instructor, Volunteer Hair Stylist • Dream Center LA, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Volunteer, Mentor, Donor • Soroptimist of Valencia, Years of Service: 10+, Positions Held: Volunteer, Donor, Gentlemen for a Cause 2017 • Senior Center, Years of Service: 1, Positions Held: Celebrity Waiter 2019 • Sebastian Velona Foundation, Years of Service: 2, Positions Held: Volunteer, donor.

Organization Impact: Josh has always been willing to donate very generous packages for our events. He volunteers every chance he gets and this year he co-chaired our fashion show. He restructured our fundraising outline and literally raised more than twice as much as any fundraiser in our history.

Other Contributions: For years, Josh has shutdown his entire salon and done hair and makeup for our entire fashion show. He has donated thousands of dollars worth of services and products to our silent auctions. He attends and donates at all of our events.

Biography Josh Rivas is a world-class hairstylist and color specialist with his salon based in Santa Clarita. Clients from around the world consult with him to create styles that enhance and define them. Despite some early childhood challenges, traumas and being raised by a single mom, Josh was fortunate to have incredible mentors in his life. He learned from an early age that pouring into others and giving back are what make him truly happy.

From the time he could walk, he worked, never asking for anything knowing he could earn it himself. By fourteen he got his first “real” job. Even at this age, his ability to see beyond the present, create a strategy and see it through to success was already active. He started detailing cars in his neighborhood where he worked hard, hired staff and built a strong business. In high school, he was a member of multiple clubs, cross-country and track. He also carried a full load of classes. In addition, he worked over 40 hours a week and received his diploma and license from beauty school.

Recognizing his unique skill sets and drive, he was quickly promoted to management by his employers. In 2003 his career as a professional hairstylist was launched. In 2004, his responsibilities at home were prioritized when he became caretaker to his quadriplegic grandmother. Josh immediately took her in and has been supporting her and caring for her ever since. Ask him where his joy and ultimate reward is and he will tell you it is in the day-to-day caring of this gracious woman. Theirs is a mutual relationship as she, in turn, counsels him with the wisdom of her years and gratitude.

In 2011, he partnered with the Dream Center to reach out to the homeless population on Skid Row. As a result of his involvement, he met a very practical yet seemingly insignificant need – socks. As a result, the donations and participants have multiplied exponentially every year. One year he collected nearly 2,500 socks and took a team of youth to pass them out on Skid row.

He was on The Congressional Small Business Board of Advisors, On the Board of Single Mothers Outreach, and a member of the Emerging Leaders Council for My Friends Place. He was the first male to be a member of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs and the only male member of Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita. He is a former President of Business Connections, a local business group. In addition, he has been a part of several committees in Downtown Newhall.

He bought his first salon in 2007 and in April of 2013 he opened Tribute Beauty Lounge in Old Town Newhall. He decided that the heart of this salon was going to be about giving back and showing gratitude, hence the name Tribute. In 2012 Josh took a stand-up comedy class just for fun. He has since won multiple contests and launched his career in stand-up comedy where he not only performs, but also produces shows. In 2013 he was among the recipients of the prestigious 40 Under Forty Award.

Richard Sandnes Co-Founder and President, Mr. Stax 

Nominating Organization: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley 15+ years, Board Member and Donor • The Canyon Theatre Guild, College of the Canyons Foundation Student Scholarship Program • Donor Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (k-12) Arts Education Outreach Program

Others: COC Athletics Department • SCV Child & Family Center • Carousel Ranch • Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital Foundation • Bank of Santa Clarita Founders Group • Elks Lodge, past trustee • Santa Clarita Valley Congress of Republicans, Past President and Board Member • Make a Wish Foundation, 5 years, Donor

Organization Impact: Richard’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Club began with a 2-year term as a Governing Board member from 1974-1976. He became involved again in 2013 when Foundation Board President, Wayne Crawford, asked for his assistance to help lead the club through transition. Richard served on the foundation board 2013-2015, and in 2016 moved to the Governing Board where he continues to serve.

Richard’s business knowledge, passion for serving youth, and dedication to the community helped lead the club into a new era. Richard has mentored the club’s new leadership, introduced new training opportunities, and given of his time and home, including hosting special events. Since Richard’s time on the Board, over 10,000 local youth have been impacted by his service.

Other Contributions: Richard’s love for the Boys & Girls Club led to him introducing the organization to the Benevon fundraising model. Through this model, over 100 people have attended Great Future Tours at the club. On the tours, guests learn about the impact of the Boys & Girls Club organization.

The program culminates in the Great Futures Breakfast, which has now raised $300,000 in the last 3 years. As an ambassador, he continues to introduce new people to the organization. As a Board Member, he sets a high standard with excellent meeting attendance and committee participation. And if that isn’t enough, he loves to donate items for the club kids such as instruments and sports equipment.

Biography: As a business owner, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Richard is the co-founder and president of Mr. Stax Incorporated, a company he designed and built from the ground up. Mr. Stax currently owns and operates more than 70 restaurants and employs over 3,000 total employees in the states of California, Nevada, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. Richard also dedicates much of his time and resources to charitable causes and community engagement, particularly within the Santa Clarita Valley.

He has won the Samuel Dixon Award in 2006, Franchisee of the Year Award from IHOP Corporate in 2006, National Service to Youth Award from Boys & Girls Club of America in 2007, 51 Most Influential People of SCV from the City of Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal in 2011, Silver Spur Community Service Award from College of the Canyons in 2012, Leaders of Character Award from SCV Boy Scouts of America in 2012, and once again 51 Most Influential People of SCV by the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal again in 2012.

When Richard isn’t giving to the community, he is spending time with his wife Marian, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard’s home is the hub for family gatherings and is always filled with people who love and admire him.

Gordon Uppman Docent, Rancho Camulos 

Nominating Organization Rancho Camulos Museum 

Organizations: Docent, Rancho Camulos Museum more than 10 years; Docent • Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society; Docent • Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates (beginning 1998)

Organization Impact See bio below

Other Contributions See bio below

Biography Gordon Uppman loves local history, and local history loves him back – for sharing it and inspiring new generations of history lovers. Gordon brings the history of the Santa Clarita Valley and Southern California to live for busloads of schoolchildren who visit Rancho Camulos Museum at the western edge of our valley – in fact, Gordon is present for EVERY school group tour.

Giving them a peek inside the main 1853 adobe and often teaching them how to make adobe bricks, Gordon shows and tells them how, in the decades before Henry Mayo Newhall purchased most of the Santa Clarita Valley, the area was a Mexican land grant owned by the Del Valle family. He doesn’t do it alone.

Gordon keeps the schedule for the museum’s team of docents, and he recruits volunteers to fill spots in the tour schedule, both for special tours during the week and regular tours on weekends. Gordon has worked hard to keep the museum’s signage along Highway 126 up to date, and he was Rancho Camulos Museum’s first “Docent of Year” when the recognition event began several years ago.

Originally from Minnesota, Gordon graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in business management and worked in engineering at ITT Gilfillan, a Van Nuys-based unit of ITT Defense & Electronics, from which he retired. Despite his Midwest upbringings, Gordon’s knowledge of California history is encyclopedic, and he shares it not only at Rancho Camulos but also with visitors to Heritage Junction in Hart Park, where he is a docent at the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society’s Saugus Train Station Museum.

Even earlier, he was a valued member of the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates (PCNCA), where he participated both as a volunteer docent and a volunteer board member. He developed PCNCA’s first website – which was no trivial matter 20 years ago – and he provided inspirational leadership during some difficult times as a board member when the park was threatened with closure in the face of county budget cuts. Gordon helped out with numerous aspects of PCNCA’s activities over the years, from docent training to museum displays, gift shop operations and public presentations.

PCNCA President Ron Kraus described him as a great problem solver with a positive outlook and great personality that has made visitors feel welcome at the Nature Center. They are characteristics that travel with him wherever he goes.

John Vance, President and Founder of Vance Wealth Group 

Nominating Organization Single Mothers Outreach 

Organizations: Chamber of Commerce, 15 years, Member • Single Mothers Outreach, 6 years, Board of Directors/Board Chair • Several charities, several years, advisor/ financial assistance.

Organization Impact: John joined SMO Board in 2015. He hoped to add an entrepreneurial perspective, assist with process development and improve the donor experience. He has focused on creating revenue to strengthen families for a stronger community. He created a committee for our store. COM is key for the financial sustainability of the organization and his ability to work strategically on initiatives is a tremendous benefit.

He volunteers remarkable hours in creating plans for the store to generate revenue for program financing. He has been the Title Sponsor for our fundraising event, donating thousands of dollars and growing Empowering HeArts. John became the Board Chair last year and the driving force in moving the organization forward through the challenges of the non-profit industry. John continues to bring his skills, knowledge, dedication and his financial resources impacting hundreds of people.

Other Contributions As the executive director, I feel beyond thankful for John’s support. His skills and willingness to help others allow him to make himself always available to assist us. His outstanding leadership has set a high standard for an excellent board of directors with exceptional support and service skills. John is deeply committed not only to Single Mothers Outreach but to the Santa Clarita community.

His involvement includes participation in events, financial advisory, governance guidance, generous financial contributions not only to our organization but also to other non-profits such us: The Boys and Girls Club and Bridge to Home among others. He is an asset to SMO and a beautiful person with a genuine caring heart who has extend his resources (time, money, personnel, space,) to bridge the gaps and improve the city he has taken ownership of.

Biography: Financial planning and wealth management has been inherent to John since his childhood. Growing up, he was always interested in saving and managing money. Some may even call it an obsession. Equally important to him was connecting with people and being a source of help and inspiration. Driven by these two lifelong passions, he opened Vance Wealth in 2003 and began his relationship with Raymond James Financial Services with one vision in mind – financial services with a client-centric culture dedicated to caring for clients and their families.

Since that time, Vance Wealth has experienced tremendous growth and success through John’s comprehensive approach to financial planning. John is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner (CFP®) with Raymond James, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA™). His plan-driven approach has been a major factor in helping Vance Wealth’s clients reach their financial goals and have confidence in their financial future.

He has extensive experience working with individuals and families, listening and addressing their financial concerns and establishing trust through genuine caring and sound financial stewardship. This care philosophy is embedded in the Vance DNA, extending to the dedicated team that John has built over the years and continues to mentor.

A Los Angeles native, John currently lives in Valencia with his fiancé Carmen and their six children. John and Carmen love getting away and traveling to new places together. John enjoys a very active lifestyle including golfing, running, cycling, and yes, the occasional triathlon. In the Santa Clarita community, John has been a member of the SCV Chamber of Commerce for 15 years and was first appointed to the Board in 2019. He currently serves on their Finance Committee and this year John is serving as Chair-Elect and will become Chair of the Board in 2021.

Bill West Director, Friends of Hart Park and Museum 

Nominating Organization The Friends of Hart Park and Museum 

Organizations: Director, Friends of Hart Park and Museum, since 2007

Organization Impact: See bio below

Other Contributions: See bio below

Biography: Bill West is a real-life Imagineer. How’s that for a job title? More on that in a moment. Bill joined the Friends of Hart Park in the early 2000s as a volunteer giving tours at Hart’s hilltop mansion, and on one occasion serving dessert at the group’s major fundraiser, Silents Under the Stars. That did it: Bill was hooked. Bill loves history and film, so, supporting the people who manage silent film star William S. Hart’s property was a natural fit. Bill, like many wise men, followed his wife’s lead.

Santa Clarita Realtor and part-time model Liliana West, who had been volunteering at the Mansion, talked Bill into joining her there. Later, Liliana served on the Friends of Hart Park board of directors, and when she left the position in 2007, she convinced Bill to take her place. Bill has been serving on the board ever since, and he managed to get roped into maintaining the friendsofhartpark.org website and serving as editor of the organization’s “Hart of the Matter” newsletter.

Coming full-circle to his initial duties of dishing out ice cream at Silents Under The Stars, Bill is now one of the major planners of the event, and he cohosts the event with his co-conspirator, film historian E.J. Stevens. Outside of family and Hart Park, Bill and E.J. host a local SCVTV show about movies with Santa Clarita Valley connections called “SCV In The Movies” (scvinthemovies.com).

By trade, Bill is a software engineer. When Bill graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Computer Science, he had two goals: to work for NASA and to work for Disney. For the next 14 years, Bill worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he met his future wife Liliana, and then moved on to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), where he recently celebrated his 20th year. At WDI, he has worked on many Disneyland attractions including upgrades to classics such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain and the Matterhorn, as well as newer rides like Toy Story Mania and Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission Break- out!

He has also worked in Florida on Walt Disney World attractions like Pandora the World of Avatar, and Tokyo Disneyland’s Star Tours-the Adventures Continue. He’s contributed to both Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge lands, and focuses on Audio-Animatronic(™) robotic figures. What a life, right?

When Bill and Liliana’s son Josh was born in 2005, the Friends of Hart Park threw Bill and Liliana a baby shower, making them feel like the Friends of Hart Park were forever part of Bill’s family. Bill says he is most comfortable at home with his family and serving at William S. Hart’s ranch in Newhall with his fellow Friends of Hart Park and Museum. He is very thankful and humbled by the nomination.

2020 SCV Woman of the Year Nominees

Nola Aronson Owner, Founder, Advanced Audiology 

Nominating Organization Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita 

Organizations: Nola has been an active supporter of a variety of organizations including Circle of Hope • SCV Senior Center • Soroptimists of Greater SCV • the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Industry Association. Her contributions and support have been of great benefits to all.

Organization Impact: Nola’s support of the Valley Industry Association has been instrumental to the organization’s success. From membership to program and event planning to financial support – she does it all. She has been a Board member for 3 years, has Chaired the VIA Leadership Program for 2 years, is a member of the Marketing & Sales Academy Committee, an annual sponsor of the organization, a member of the BASH Committee and Title Sponsor in 2019, and a sponsor of virtually every event VIA produces each year. Anytime we need a volunteer, her hand is immediately in the air.

The benefit of her experience has been invaluable to the organization and to its membership. Nola’s leadership skills have helped us grow in leaps and bounds, and have assisted in attracting other, like-minded business professionals to help us continue our work in assisting businesses of the Santa Clarita Valley to grow and prosper.

Other Contributions: Nola’s consistent sponsorship of local programs and events is unsurpassed. She can always be counted on to support, contribute, attend and work tirelessly to better any program or event ongoing in the SCV – her time and efforts are not limited to the Valley Industry Association – she also supports the SCV Senior Center, the SCV Chamber of Commerce, Soroptimist International of the Greater SCV and Circle of Hope (among others).

She has worked actively with high-level professionals in the SCV to ensure healthy hearing, but also works tirelessly to make sure everyone in the SCV has the chance to hear better. She offers free screening tests on a regular basis to give back to the community. A breast cancer survivor herself, Nola additionally donates a portion of her hearing aid sales proceeds to Circle of Hope.

Biography: Nola Aronson received a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Hartford in 1975 and subsequently received her master’s degree in Audiology from California State University, Long Beach in 1982. Nola holds certifications of clinical competence from the American Hearing and Speech Association and the American Academy of Audiology. She is licensed by the state in Audiology and hearing aid dispensing.

She has practiced Audiology in Los Angeles County for 40 years, 33 of those have been in the Santa Clarita Valley. For several years, she served as Director of Audiology at Valley Hospital Medical Center in Van Nuys. She moved to Santa Clarita to raise her family in 1986. She purchased Audiology Services of Newhall and Audiology partners of Mission Hills and has locations in Mission Hills and in Northridge. She has been the teacher of many successful audiologists over the years and her staff has grown to 12 people as of 2017. Her professional affiliations include the American Academy of Audiology, American Hearing Aid Associates, American Speech and Language Association and California Academy of Audiology and the California Speech, Language and Hearing Association.

She is also a member of the California Academy of Audiology. Nola is also a philanthropist who donates 10 percent of her profits to a different nonprofit each month. As a breast cancer survivor, she does 2 events with the Circle of Hope and serves as vice president on the board of directors. Nola is also on the board of directors for VIA and Co-Chairs their leadership workshop. She also supports the Alzheimer’s Association, the Veterans and Boy Scouts, The Boys & Girls Club, HMNMH, College of the Canyons, Soroptimists for the education of women, domestic violence, Toys for Tots and in 2017 made a sizable contribution to the new senior center building and her business has a room named after them.

Nola’s group does free hearing screenings for the community to educate people regarding their hearing. This year they are reaching 2000 free screenings compared to last year’s 1000. Nola and her business have won many awards from the community and a year ago Senator Scott Wilk honored her with the business of the month award. From the Valley IndustryAssociation, she was nominated as a rising star in 2015.

From the Elite magazine, she was awarded best female business entrepreneur of the year, best audiologist and top 51 in the health care category. Also, she won best businesswoman of the year from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

Nola’s motto is she loves to help others in any way she can to lead better social lives and be able to communicate better in all life situations. Her focus is to help people hear well, no matter what, with a solution for everyone no matter what the budget is. Nola loves the community of Santa Clarita and couldn’t think of a better place to live and help the people in her community. She connects people to people by helping them Hear Better, Live Better.

Janis Ashley Director, Friends of Hart Park and Museum 

Nominating Organization The Friends of Hart Park and Museum 

Organizations: Volunteer and Director, Friends of Hart Park and Museum • Volunteer with Los Angeles Conservancy • Castaic Animal Shelter • Los Angeles Historical Theater Foundation 

Organization Impact: See bio below

Other Contributions: See bio below

Biography: Janis Ashley started volunteering at William S. Hart’s hilltop mansion in 1986 or 1987, soon after she moved to Canyon Country. She proved to be such an asset that the Natural History Museum hired her as the museum administrator in 2000. She left that position in 2006 but never left the premises: She has been volunteering with the Friends of Hart Park and Museum ever since.

Over the years, Janis has been involved in all aspects of the volunteer organization – from organizing Hart Park’s first Pet Fair (now known as “Bow Wows and Meows”) to serving as the current membership chair. She has given tours of the mansion, staffed the Friends’ Gift Shop, and coordinated volunteers.

She also helped build several Friends of Hart Park floats for the SCV Fourth of July Parade and has worked on all of the Friends’ special fundraising events including Silents Under the Stars and Bill’s Birthday Club (which she has chaired). Outside of Hart Park, Janis has volunteered with the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival (well, that’s in Hart Park now), and she has lent her time and skills to worthy causes locally and beyond.

She has helped out with the Santa Clarita Marathon, volunteered at the Castaic Animal Shelter, led walking tours for the Los Angeles Conservancy, worked as a special event docent for the Los Angeles Historical Theater Foundation, and helped build a home in Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity.

Janis grew up in the San Fernando Valley where she graduated from Granada Hills High School and Cal State Northridge. After the Hart, she worked in guest relations for the Nethercutt Museum. In 2007 she joined financial services firm Edward Jones and is currently the administrator of its branch office in Canyon Country.

Her invaluable contributions of time and talents have not gone unnoticed over the years: Both the Natural History Museum and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation have honored her as a Volunteer of the Year.

Ann-Marie Bjorkman Co-Owner of California Leasing 

Nominating Organization Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley

Organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, 21 years, Board President & Auction Chair • Legacy Christian Academy, 9 years, Fundraising Committee • Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Golf Tournament, 20 years, Committee chair/member • Old Town Newhall Association, 10 years, member • SCV Sheriff Foundation, 1 year, Board Member • Mothers Fighting for Others, 6 years, member • Soroptimist, 2 years, member • Chamber of Commerce, 20 years, member • 2020 Mom, 4 years, member

Organization Impact: Ann-Marie’s volunteerism has impacted the Boys & Girls Club in more ways than we will ever know. Not only is she the current Board President setting an example for current Board Members, but also she has her hand in almost every aspect of the club. She shows up for not only the staff, but she also supports the club members however she can.

Whether it is by attending the talent show and cheering on the kids, or coming to the club to help staff with a project or to drop off a treat, we all know that Ann-Marie will be there to provide comfort and support.

The connections Ann-Marie has in the community has done wonders for us in terms of fundraising and donor support. She isn’t afraid to approach potential donors to ask for the things the Club needs in order to succeed.

Other Contributions: Ann-Marie’s greatest contribution is her time and effort. She is always finding ways to involve the club in her conversations so that we are on the forefront of other people’s minds.

She truly donates the same amount of hours to the club that she would working a full-time job. Ann-Marie’s family also contributes monetarily, whether it’s by purchasing a table or an item at a Special Event, or by donating or making a pledge at our Great Futures Breakfast.

Her leadership is invaluable and her passion towards the club is priceless.

Biography: Ann-Marie Bjorkman was born and raised in Valencia, California and currently resides in Placerita Canyon with her family. Ann-Marie has 5 children (6 if you include her husband Mike Bjorkman), 2 humans, Andy and Maximus, and 3 fur babies, Lucky, Maverick and Jack-Jack.

Ann-Marie was first introduced to the club 21 years ago when Mike Bjorkman, her husband, shared with her his story of growing up in the club. Because of the role the Boys & Girls Club played in Mike’s life, Ann-Marie felt it was her calling to get involved.

She has seen first hand how the club can positively impact someone’s life and wants nothing more than to help provide that opportunity to the local youth. Her countless years of service have changed the lives of so many and her sponsors hope the community is blessed with her continued support for a long time to come.

Maria Christopher, Docent, Rancho Camulos Museum 

Nominating Organization Rancho Camulos Museum 

Organizations: Docent, Rancho Camulos Museum (2003 to date) • Director, Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau (2005 to date)

Organization Impact See bio below

Other Contributions See bio below  

Biography It’s fair to say Maria Christopher is the public face of Rancho Camulos Museum in the city of Santa Clarita. If there’s a festival with a pop-up tent for Rancho Camulos, Maria is behind the counter.

If there’s a meeting of the Santa Clarita Tourism Bureau, Maria is there, representing the “Home of Ramona.” The 1884 novel “Ramona” sparked a massive westward migration to California, and it was loosely based on the people and settings of Rancho Camulos at the western edge of our valley.

Today, when re-enactors recreate author Helen Hunt Jackson’s visit to the ranch more than a century ago, guess who portrays the wordsmith? Correct. Maria Christopher.

In 2003, Maria joined the team at Rancho Camulos Museum – which, she’ll remind you, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000. An employee the U.S. Census Bureau, Maria and her husband came to Valencia in 1997, and she quickly adapted to Santa Clarita’s spirit of volunteerism.

Maria has out with local events sponsored by the city of Santa Clarita (since 1997) and venues such as COC’s Performing Arts Center (2007 to date). She has lent her volunteer time and talents locally to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, the Amgen Tour of California and the SCV Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees (2015 to date), as well as to the LAHSA Homeless Count (2006 to date), the Hollywood Bowl Museum (2008-2018), and the Rose Parade (float decorator, 2010 to present).

But it was at Rancho Camulos Museum that she really found her niche. Maria has worn many hats at the museum – and not just Helen Hunt Jackson’s! She has served as a docent for public and private tours, facilitated Times 5th District of Los Angeles County.

Sharlene Duzick Member Services Director, Henry Mayo Fitness And Health 

Nominating Organization JCI Santa Clarita 

Organizations: JCI Santa Clarita Board Member & 2020 President (Years of Service: 20 years) • Friends of the Library Board Member (Years of Service: 2 Years) • Wish Education Foundation Board Member (Years of Service: 1) • College of the Canyons Foundation Board Members (Years of Service: 1) • College of the Canyons Alumni Committee Chair (Years of Service: 1) • American Cancer Society Volunteer (Years of Service: 5) • Students Off And Running Assistant Coach & Founder of Mardi Gras Madness (Years of Service: 6) • Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA (Years of Service: 6) • VIA Connecting to Success (Years of Service: 5 years) • NextSCV (Years of Service: 2) • Single Mothers Outreach Years of Service: 10 Years) • Various volunteer roles for the last 21 years with Carousel Ranch, American Cancer Society, Henry Mayo Hospital, Zonta, Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club, Child and Family Center, Michael Hoefflin Foundation, SCV Youth Project, Lions Club, City of Santa Clarita River Rally & Cowboy Poetry Music Festival

Organization Impact: The Santa Clarita Valley JCI Chapter has going through it seasons of ample participation to winding down to just a few members. Over the last 3 years Sharlene has played a strong leadership presence in helping maintain the chapter while bringing in fresh faces.

In the last 2 years, Sharlene along with Taylor Kellstrom and myself have been able to grow the chapter, establish new process, map out a development calendar and develop and unleash potential in others resulting in multiple chapter projects.

Those projects have assisted singles mothers & families in need in our valley, provided food to the homeless in a time of need, raised funds for local schools and highlighted the contributions of other young leadership making a difference.

The focal point has always resided with helping people find their gifts, develop them and let them share those gifts.

Other Contributions Sharlene’s focus has been centered on developing others; provide education and holding ourselves accountable. She ran for Saugus Union School Board to provide a parent’s voice to the board and was focused on improving education and allocation of funds to the 2 lowest funded districts in LA County. She lost by less than 200 votes against the Board President.

Augmenting her desire to learn and have an impact on the educational system, she serves on the William S Hart School District Measure SA Committee as well as Assembly Woman Christy Smith’s Education Committee. She stated, that in order for on to help support change, you much first learn what’s in place and how its effected.

She chooses to sit on boards or roles that have to do with leadership development and education to help with the aid in unleashing potential talent in others and creating succession plans.

Biography: Sharlene became active in the non-profit sector to have a positive impact on the welfare of those in Santa Clarita wherever possible early on in life. As a former Miss Santa Clarita and intern for Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, her service took the form of volunteering and fundraising for organizations such as Single Mothers Outreach, the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Student’s Off And Running and more.

In 2019, Sharlene served as the Manager-At-Large for JCI Santa Clarita, helping support the Executive team. Today is our JCI Santa Clarita’s 23rd President.

She also serves as a member of the William S Hart School District Bond Measure SA Oversight Committee and sits on several local boards and committees such as the WiSH Education Foundation, NextSCV, College of the Canyons Alumni Committee and College of the Canyons Foundation Board. Her quote that she lives by is, “the meaning of life is finding your gift; the purpose of life is giving it away.”

Peggy Edwards Consultant 

Nominating Organization Bridge to Home 

Organizations: Bridge to Home, 2010 to present (10 years) President, Board of Directors (2017 – present) – Volunteer interim Executive Director (2017 – 2018, 10 months) – Vice President, Board of Directors (2014 – 2017) Executive Committee (2011 – present) • Sisters in Time/Senior Shared Living – 2017 – present • Co-Founder City of Santa Clarita Task Force on Addressing Homelessness – 2018 – present – Chair, Housing Committee • Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley – 1996 – present – Club President & President-Elect (2001 – 2003) – Area Director (2006 – 2008) – Co- Chair – Project 50: Ending Violence Against Women in Los Angeles – 2007 – 2008 – 2011 District Conference Chair – Co-Chair Zonta Tribute Fundraiser – 1998, 2001, 2004, 2005, & 2009 – Trustee, Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley Foundation – 2001 – 2005 – Zontian of the Year – 2009 – 2010 • Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. – 2001 – 2004 – Executive Committee & Treasurer – 2006 – 2008 – Executive Committee & Board Secretary – 2004 – 2006 – Board of Directors – 2004 – 2008 • Girl Scouts of the Greater Los Angeles Council – 2008 – 2014 – Board of Directors 2012 – 2014 – Chair, Board Development Committee 2012 – 2014 – Board Development Committee, elected to represent North Los Angeles County 2008 – 2014 • Child & Family Center Foundation – 1998 – 2001 – Foundation Board of Directors – 1998 – 2001 – Taste of the Town Committee – 1999 – 2000 – Taste of the Town Silent Auction Chair – 2001 Voluntary Mediation Service – 1997 – 2004 • College of the Canyons Library Associates – 1998 – 2005 – Executive Committee College of the Canyons Women’s Conference – 1997 – 1998 – Program Chair 1997 – Conference Co-Chair 1998 • American Association of University Women – 1990 – 1998 – Vice President, Programs 1996

Organization Impact: Peggy brings people together, establishes common goals, and works to achieve shared outcomes. For example, for 10 months in 2017 and 2018, Peggy served as the volunteer interim Executive Director at Bridge to home while the ED was on medical leave.

During this time, a new staff team increased the case management staff, successfully applied for funding for a family shelter, hired and trained winter shelter staff, and opened and operated the winter shelter, despite the team having no previous experience with shelters.

Peggy’s willingness to take on this major responsibility put BTH on a growth path as the board expanded and took on more responsibility, the staff turnover stabilized, the number of clients served increased, and the number of clients housed increased.

Since then, under the direction of a new ED, BTH has made major strides and has grown from a $1M budget to almost $2.8M.

Other Contributions: For thirty years, Peggy has leveraged her expertise and time to assist many non-profits in the SCV. In addition to the leadership roles listed above, she has conducted pro bono strategic planning for the School & Business Alliance, Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, SCV Chamber of Commerce, Domestic Violence Center, Single Mothers Outreach, and the Committee on Aging, to name a few.

Peggy links people and builds networks. Her work to co-found Senior Shared Living with the SCV Senior Center is a current example. Her community service work was recognized by the Purdue University Alumni Association with the 2005 Community Citizenship Award for Outstanding Community Service.

In 2017, Neighborhood Legal Services awarded her the Community Service Award for Los Angeles County. In 2019, Supervisor Kathryn Barger named Peggy “Woman of the Year” in the 5th District of Los Angeles County.

Biography Peggy Edwards grew up in Redlands, CA, the daughter of an aerospace engineer and a professional Girl Scout. Her parents were very active in that community and Peggy and her two sisters thought it was normal that almost every weeknight after dinner, one or both would go out to a meeting.

Peggy graduated from Purdue University with degrees in English and journalism. She found a job working for the federal government in Washington DC and her career in training and development was launched. Two years later, she transferred to Los Angeles. Her husband Barry says she met him and decided to make the move permanent.

As Peggy tells the story, she had decided to stay in LA and their first date was looking at areas with apartments – all with a 2-mile radius of Barry’s place. Peggy enjoyed leadership training and completed a Master’s in Public Administration degree from the California State University system.

Once Peggy realized that she was not going to be able to change the federal government, she left to become the training director for Marriott at LAX. She moved to the division offices in Santa Monica and became the director of organization and leadership development. When her division was transferred to Marriott headquarters in Washington DC, she and Barry decided to remain in the Los Angeles area.

By then, they had moved to Santa Clarita. In 1993, she launched Ellis/Edwards with a business partner, working with clients in the U.S. and internationally. A bit later, her business partner roomed with a woman from Santa Clarita at the Girl Scout national convention, where they were both former national board members. She called Peggy to tell her that a woman named Mary Spring would be calling to find out why she wasn’t more involved in the community. Mary called and Peggy joined the Zonta Club of SCV!

As Peggy became more involved in the non-profit world of Santa Clarita, she began using her strategic planning skills to help several local agencies. In 1999, Peggy and Pam created a Pro Bono Community-Based Planning Award program and worked with agencies locally and around the country, primarily in areas such as child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice. Peggy was nominated several times by Sam Dixon Family Health Centers and the Zonta Club as SCV Woman of the Year.

In 2006, Peggy co-founded United Homeless Healthcare Partners, a network of several hundred healthcare, non-profit and government agencies in Los Angeles County. In 2011, she and others replicated UHHP to form Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, a network of agencies serving people returning from incarceration. She served as Executive Director of both and their missions included policy advocacy, capacity building, and service delivery innovation.

Peggy became a subject matter expert in both homelessness and reentry and has written several training programs for staff working with these two populations. She thinks that 2020 is the year she will retire.

Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel Director, Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society; President, Community Hiking Club; Vice President/Executive Director, St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation 

Nominating Organization Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society 

Organizations: Community Hiking Club, president, 20 years • SCV Historical Society, Director, approx. 5 years • St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation, VP, since inception

Organization Impact: See bio below

Other Contributions: See bio below

Biography Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel jumped at the chance to help Dr. Alan Pollack turn the St. Francis Dam Disaster site in Saugus into a National Memorial and National Monument, giving the 400-plus victims of the 1928 disaster the recognition they deserve.

Having worked with members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle to draft and pass critical wilderness-preserving legislation over the past two decades, Dianne had the experience and the connections to turn the dream into reality.

For 90 years, the St. Francis Dam Disaster was mostly a “local” story, told in the Santa Clarita Valley and the downstream communities where lives were lost and families uprooted – Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Saticoy, Montalvo – as the floodwaters swept local residents to the sea. In truth, it wasn’t just a “local” disaster.

Lessons were learned that impacted the construction of the Hoover Dam and altered dam engineering and approval processes forevermore. Had it been anywhere else, the disaster site would have been a National Monument long ago. But there’s no history in California, right? Wrong. Dianne drafted initial versions of “St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and National Monument” legislation and won the support of Buck McKeon, who introduced it in the House, and his successor Steve Knight, who saw it through.

With assistance from the City of Santa Clarita, Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein carried it in the Senate, and President Trump signed it into law in 2019. As a result, the Santa Clarita Valley is home to only the second National Memorial in California, and it is the only one in the country to be managed by the U.S. Forest Service. (Most are managed by the National Park Service.) As president and executive director of the Community Hiking Club for 20 years, Dianne has rolled up her sleeves to keep Santa Clarita beautiful.

She has spearheaded trash cleanups, graffiti removals, Santa Clara River cleanups, non-native plant removals and non-native fish removals. She has worked to keep wildlife corridors open and clean, documented all of the native flowers in the area and GPS’d local endangered species. She mapped and wrote an environmental report on Magic Mountain (the mountain, not the theme park) and Pleasant View Ridge, which resulted in them becoming wilderness areas.

She also worked on Piru Creek, which became a Wild and Scenic River as a result of her work, and she was involved in the effort to designate the San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument. The list goes on to include Rim of the Valley legislation, the Angeles National Forest Monument Plan and more.

Today she is working with the U.S. Forest Service on “next steps” for the St. Francis Dam site, and she serves as executive director of the St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation, which is tasked with raising funds for a physical memorial – something long overdue.

Janine Jones Chair, Community Leadership Council 

Nominating Organization American Cancer Society 

Organizations: American Cancer Society, Inc. Years of Service: 21 Positions Held: • Developed and implemented the Go Pink hair extensions fundraiser for ACS 2017-2020, raising over $15,000. Go Pink supports cancer awareness, cancer survivors and the American Cancer Society • Facilitated a Cancer Awareness Support Club on the College of the Canyons campus for students and their families. • Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, 2017-2019 C.A.R.E. SCV committee member, volunteer chair and ran ACS booth. • Leadership Council Chair 2018-2020 • Leadership Council Volunteer Co-lead – 4 years • Health Fair Facilitator • Open House Committee • Bark For Life Committee – 3 years • Chair of “Imagine More Birthdays Gala” in 2011 • Relay For Life Committee Member – 9 years • Hosted Relay Kickoff • Relay Recruitment Chair • Pasadena (CA) Relay For Life Gathering (strategizing on improving Relay) • Created new Relay For Life Luminaria fundraiser entitled Luminaria Art Contest – 3 years ACS CAN Activist – 8 years • Bras for A Cause: Created 2016 entry for American Cancer Society • ACS Representative Soroptimist International Bras For A Cause • Hosted 2014 Volunteer Recognition Awards Re- ception • Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) Facilitator and Committee Chair 2013 • Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Facilitator, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital 2012- 2018 • Supported ACS wig program providing free cutting and styling of wigs for patients • Relay For Life Luminaria Chair – 4 years • Relay For Life Sharing Ideas Event (Pasadena, CA) • Relay For Life Committee Volunteer Chair – 2 years • Recipient Heather Warrick Legacy Award 2016 • Recipient Special Recognition Award 2011 • Recipient Rookie of the Year Award 2009- 2010 • Implemented Go Pink (hair extensions) fundraiser for the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, 2017-2019 • Recipient of ACS Go Pink Special Recognition Award 2017 • Recipient of the 2017 Carmen Sarro Award, Women in Service, by the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita on behalf of service to the American Cancer Society  • Circle of Hope Years of service: Board member 2020 • SRD Straightening the Reins Years of service: 3 Positions Held: • Board member 2017-2019 • Organized first advisory board • Procured a new venue for stable animals and presided over the move to the new location. • Financial sponsor for two donkeys for the therapy program • SCV Nonprofit event Dancing With Our Stars Years of Service: 3 Positions Held: • Event non-profit dancer – Betty Ferguson Foundation – winner of funds donated to NPO • Event non-profit dancer – Diabetes Association – winner of funds donated to NPO, Event judge  • Soroptimist International of Greater SCV Years of Service: 4 Positions Held: 2015-2017 served as an organization member – Go Girls • 2017 assisting the Chair of the Fashion Show with Hair, Makeup, Model Costumes, and Décor Organization  • Soroptimist International of Valencia Years of Service: 1 Positions Held: Active Member  • College of the Canyons Foundation Years of Service: 1 Positions Held: • 2017 C.A.R.E. Committee Member (Cancer Awareness Recourse Expo) overseeing event logistics, including set up/take down, managing event volunteers, assembling 500+ swag bags, T-shirts, managing Green Room, welcome décor, Gift Baskets for the speakers, raffle baskets, and securing event vendors, representing ACS LGFB program during event with info table. • 2006-2017 Scholarship Donor in good standing  • American Diabetes Association Years of Service: 16 Positions Held: • Dancing With Our Stars American Diabetes Association (ADA). Dancer for two events, first lace winner both events, securing an additional $1,000 for charities. • Janine and her husband have hosted personal fundraising events raising nearly $10,000. ADA advocate, team participant, and event volunteer for “Diabetes Walk.” Created and distributed swag bags for the walk.  • Betty Ferguson Foundation Years of Service: 2 Positions Held: • Board of Directors • Fundraising Committee • Facilitated Vine to Wine fundraising event • Facilitated Women of Honor dinner including fundraising for auction items • Taught teenage girls power of a positive attitude/presence  • Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Women’s Philanthropy Advisory Council Years of Service: 1 Positions Held: • Support women’s health care in SCV by fundraising, education, gift giving, and special events. • Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation Years of Service: 2 Positions Held: Participated in the variety song and dance shows held at Hart Auditorium to fundraise for HMNMH Trauma Center. Created costumes for the shows.  • L.A.R.C. Ranch Years of Service: 3 Positions Held: • Fundraised for and performed in annual Christmas show Boys and Girls Club of America Years of Service: 16 Entertainment/auction spotter at the annual auction. Sold refreshments/raffle tickets during the event  • SCV Chamber of Commerce Years of Service: 4 • Dancer/performer/event volunteer for 4th of July Parade. • Participated in the Frontier Days Parade/Carnival and The Frontier Bell beauty contest. • Selected as the first runner-up to the 1982 Frontier Bell Queen and completed a year of duties required by the title.  • St. Clare Catholic Church Years of Service: 5 Positions Held: • Fifth- and sixth-grade teacher for two years • Organized Mothers’ Play Group at Blessed Kateri Church • Formed a prayer group that met once a week  • SCV Homeless Shelter Years of Service 1 • Donated bread and deli meat. Donated nutritious snacks to round out healthy meals assembled brown paper bags.  • Santa Clarita Ballet Academy Years of Service 11 Positions Held: • Parent Advisory Committee • Performed many duties including a letter campaign to secure funding for Performing Arts Center. Helped with new costumes and worked at concessions stand • Coordinated silent auctions and associated responsibilities.  • Saugus High School Booster Club Years of Service: 2 • Coordinated Dance Team • Dance team Booster Club  • Santa Clarita Valley Elementary School Parent Teacher Committee Years of Service: 5 Positions Held: • After-school Enrichment Coordinator • Co-assistant chair carnival and auction. • Taught The Great Works of Art program  • Painted Turtle Camp Years of Service: 2

Organization Impact Janine Jones has made it a mission in her life to help educate better the lives of individuals, businesses, schools, churches and other organizations. She strives to make a positive impact on the people and organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley. She uses her knowledge and passion to promote cancer awareness regarding health, wellness, and, most importantly, the free services that American Cancer Society provides in our community to cancer patients, survivors and their families.

There is no stopping this dedicated and passionate individual, and the American Cancer Society is proud to have Janine as a veteran volunteer fighting for a cure on behalf of our organization. Janine instills a sense of community to our volunteers and leverages resources to benefit the mission of our organization. Santa Clarita Valley is a better community because of Janine’s leadership.

Other Contributions Janine has been an active volunteer for many non-profit organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 40 years, beginning at age 13 as a performer and spotter for the Boys and Girls Club auction (held at Cal Arts) in 1980. Janine’s impressive volunteer career is reflected in her accomplishments and comprehensive, dedicated responsibilities. She gives of her talent, time and energy and generously supports all her projects and affiliations philanthropically.

When Janine sees a need or gap, she works to fill it. She sees every challenge as attainable and has a unique way of producing success after success.

Biography Janine Jones has been a resident of Santa Clarita Valley since 1972. She received her Bachelors from the University of California, Santa Cruz in Sociology and continued her graduate degree at California State University, Northridge. After teaching 4th grade for the Sulphur Springs School District, she moved into the business of insurance and became an Attorney Negotiator for State Farm, where she remained until her first child was born in 1993.

After 18 years as an active, civic-minded, and community volunteer and “Stay at Home Mom,” she enrolled in the Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School. Janine now works as a licensed makeup artist and hairstylist in Valencia.

Janine has been happily married to her husband, Daniel Jones, for 30 years, and together they have raised three amazing children and together they have raised three amazing children, Camille (25), Baily (23), and Stephen (20).

She has been an active volunteer for many not-for-profit organizations over the past 46 years and has been a board member of the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Betty Ferguson Foundation, Circle of Hope and SRD Straightening Reins.

Laura Kirchhoff Executive Director, Circle of Hope 

Nominating Organization Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: Castaic Animal Shelter Years of service: 1 year (1984-1985) Positions held: Shelter volunteer • SCV Girls Scouts of America (Santa Clarita Daisy, Brownies, and Girl Scout troops) Years of service: 13 years (1991-2004) Positions held: Cookie sales volunteer, Field trip driver/chaperone,Troop committees, Fundraising Committee, Annual donor and volunteer for all troop activities, events, fundraisers and service projects • Newhall School District-Valen- cia Valley Elementary School PTA Years of service: 9 years (1989-1997) Positions held: Room mother-every year, Board Member-Valencia Valley PTA Board, 6 years, School historian, Medieval Fair Fundraising Chair- man & committee, School Dance committee, Year round school calendar (multi-track) oversight committee, Chairman-school fundraising Luau, Recipient-Honorary Service Award-California State PTA, PTA Fundraising Chair, School Carnival Chair, School library volunteer, Women In History-coordinator & volunteer • William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Years of service: 10 years (1989-1999) Positions held Team Mom for both baseball and softball teams-10 years, Canteen worker-volunteer, Volunteer score keeper • City of Santa Clarita, SCV Dodger Night Committee Years of Service: 12 years (1989-2001) Positions held, Committee member for all 12 years, Liaison between the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and the schools of the Santa Clarita Valley, Responsible for promoting & organizing ticket sales for SCV Dodger Night to all SCV elementary schools • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Years of Service: 10 years (1989-1999) CCD Parent volunteer • United Methodist Church – Family Affair Pre-School Years of Service: 4 years (1987-1989,1990- 1992) Positions Held: Room Mom, Classroom volunteer, Chaperone • Santa Clarita Chapter AYSO Years of Service: 11 years (1989-2000) Positions Held: Team mom every year for one or two teams a year (team Mom for 15 different teams.), Chapter volunteer • La Mesa Junior High School PTA Years of service: 4 years (1996- 1998, 1999-2001)) Positions held: Library book drive committee, School fundraising committee, Front office worker-volunteer • Valencia High School Football Booster Club Years of service: 4 years (1998-2002) Positions held: Booster club member/volunteer, Fundraising committee, Game day event sales volunteer, Canteen volunteer, Game day meal preparation and server • Valencia High School Girls Volleyball Booster Club Years of service: 1 year (2001) Positions held: Booster club member/volunteer, Banquet Committee, Fundraising committee • Valencia High School Girls Softball Booster Club Years of service: 3 years (2000-2003) Positions held: Booster club member/volunteer, Casino Night Fundraiser Chairman, Volunteer on multiple fundraising committees • SCV Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Years of service: 1 year (2008) Position held: Fundraiser, Team organize, Event day volunteer • Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Years of service: 4 years (2007-2010, 2019) Positions held: Community Health Fair committee, Chairman-Community Health Fair- 2 years, SCV Business Expo committee, Chamber Ambassador, Chamber Oak Tree Golf Tournament committee, Chamber Installation & Recognition Dinner committee, Chamber volunteer at galas, fundraisers, mixers, golf tournaments, networking breakfasts, grand openings, and other networking events • Old Town Newhall Association Years of service: 2 years (2008-2010) Positions held: Committee member, Event planner • SCV Habitat For Humanity/Heroes Years of service: 4 years (2013-2017) Positions held: We Build volunteer and participant, Health Seminar presenter and facilitator • Michael Hoefflin Foundation Years of service: 5 years (2009-2011 & 2018-present) Positions held: Evening Under the Stars Auction Chair, Donation solicito, Auction prep volunteer, Volunteer-day of event Evening Under the Stars • Circle of Hope, Inc. Years of service: 9 years (2011-2019) Positions held: Board Member- COH Board of Directors, Founding Board Member-Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center, Auction Chair-Vine 2 Wine Fundraiser, Opportunity Drawing Chair-Vine 2 Wine Fundraiser, Walk for Hope-Volunteer, COH Dancer-Dancing With Our Stars-3rd place for fundraising, Bowling For Hope Fundraiser-Volunteer, Annual Ladies Afternoon Tea- Committee, 31 Days of Hope campaign volunteer, PedalFest volunteer, Table decorator for Ladies Tea, Public relations • Valley Industry Association (VIA) Years of service: 13 years (2008-present) Positions held: Board Member-VIA Board of Directors, VIA SCV Business Outreach Team, VIA Marketing Committee, VIA 35th Anniversary Gala committee, Business BASH Gala Committee, B2B industry Show event committee, Breakfast Club Committee, Connecting 2 Success workforce education program- volunteer and facilitator • Valley Industry Association Education Foundation Years of service: 7 years (2012-2017, 2020) Positions held: Board Member-VIA Education Foundation Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board-VIA Education Foundation Board of Directors, Chairman-VIA STAR, business and education program, VIA Star program judge, Connecting 2 Success workforce education program volunteer and facilitator • SCV Senior Center Years of service: 8 years (2013-present) Positions held: Celeb- rity Waiter Dinner-waiter volunteer, Auction donor • SCV American Cancer Society-Relay for Life Years of service: 4 years (2017-present) Positions held: Booth volunteer, Fundraiser, Event Volunteer and Participant • Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley Years of service: 12 1/2 years (2008-present) Positions held: Board member-SIGSCV Board of Directors-various positions held: Club Director, Parliamentarian, Wine Affair fundraising committee, Fashion Show fundraising committee, Auction Chairman, Nominat- ing Committee Chair, Blanket factory volunteer, Organization fundraiser, Dream It, Be It program facilitator, Soroptimist/Zonta Annual Dinner and Program Coordinator, Annual Installation of Officers program and dinner planner, Live Your Dream Award Luncheon planner • WiSH Education Foundation Years of Service: 2 years (2019-present) Position held: Volunteer waiter – Wine of the Roof, Dine on the Roof • Carousel Ranch Years of Service: 3 years (2017-2020) Position held: Supporter and connection who played integral role in making possible the donation of a Clydesdale therapy horse • William S. Hart School District Years of Service: 2 years (2019-present) Position held: Member of the William S. Hart Business Collaborative, Volunteer- William S. Hart Career & College Readiness Program

Other Organizations: SCV City Marathon, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, SCV Domestic Violence Center, SCV Boys & Girls Club, Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, Child & Family Center, Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Carousel Ranch, Single Mothers Outreach, LARC Ranch, Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, Thanksgiving meal delivery to the underserved, SCV Evan’s Family Baby Cuddler.

Organization Impact: Being a Soroptimist for 12 years, with passion and leadership Laura became immediately involved. She has been a leader serving on the board for 9 years. She supports all committees and programs through her countless hours of volunteerism and commitment.

Laura serves on committees for the Fashion Show, Wine Affair, Dream It, Be It Program giving career support for girls, Blanket Factory, Soroptimist/Zonta Dinner Program, Nominating Committee Chair and other programs and events within Soroptimist. Laura’s efforts not only benefit our organization, but also in turn have benefitted over 20 SCV nonprofit organizations that have received over $350,000 in funds creating a collaborative effort between Soroptimist and meaningful causes in our community.

Laura’s efforts and program involvement help to improve the lives of women and girls in our community leading to their social and economic empowerment.

Other Contributions Laura has a positive impact on people, organizations and the community volunteering and raising well over $2.1 million dollars benefitting non-profits. Her leadership roles with nonprofit organizations include Director of Marketing & Events-SCV Chamber of Commerce, event production-Samuel Dixon Family Health Center’s Rubber Ducky Festival, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Carousel Ranch-Heart of the West, and Child & Family Center-Development & Special Events Manager.

Laura donates financially and makes in-kind contributions to nonprofits, community programs & events, schools, shelters and church. Laura serves the business community through VIA and was honored as a leader in the business community as the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year. You will find Laura giving back to Santa Clarita by volunteering countless hours giving her time, treasures and talents for the betterment of the community.

Biography Laura Kirchhoff was born in Santa Monica and raised in Marina del Rey where she met the love of her life and married in 1981. Wanting to purchase a home and start a family, Laura and her husband Bryan found a new and upcoming community in 1982 and soon made Santa Clarita their home.

Living in a philanthropic family with parents who volunteered for numerous organizations and were involved in the schools their girls attended, it was not long before Laura began volunteering in Santa Clarita. Once her children were born, Laura found numerous ways to be involved in their education, volunteering at their schools, church and every sporting and youth activity they were involved in, finding new and worthwhile ways to give back to the community. For over 38 years, Laura has given countless hours of her time, treasures and talents through her volunteer efforts and leadership in Santa Clarita.

Laura has served in every capacity as a worker bee behind the scenes, to serving in a leadership capacity for numerous organizations. Being hands on in these capacities has made a difference to the organizations and individuals she has served in her community. Laura is currently the Executive Director of Circle of Hope, a cancer care organization where she volunteered for 9 years. Within her previous organizations, Laura brought the first Diabetes Prevention Program for children to Santa Clarita, worked in Development and Special Events for the Child & Family Center, was the Director of Marketing and Special Events for the SCV Chamber of Commerce first serving as a volunteer and Ambassador.

She was named Chamber Ambassador of the year in 2009 while working as a senior account executive at The Signal Newspaper. Laura serves the SCV business community as a member of the Valley Industry Association’s Board of Directors and is on numerous event & organization committees. She has served as Chairman of the VIA STAR Program and Chairman of the Board of the VIA Education Foundation. She is a member of Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley serving on their Board of Directors and on numerous committees, all dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our community.

Laura has worked with numerous non-profit organizations in Santa Clarita and throughout Southern California serving these organizations and the people that they serve. Laura brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to Santa Clarita organizations in the areas of fund-raising, business development, community relations, event management, marketing communication and volunteer recruitment.

Over the 38 years of Laura’s involvement and fundraising efforts with Santa Clarita organizations, Laura’s tireless efforts have raised over $2.1 million dollars benefitting local organizations and those that they serve. Laura resides in Santa Clarita where she has lived for the last 38 years with her husband Bryan where they have raised their two children Jeff and Amanda.

Mitzi Like CEO, LBW Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. 

Nominating Organization Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation 

Organizations: College of the Canyons Foundation: 4 yrs, 3x co-chair of Silver Spur Gala, Member, Chancellor’s Circle • Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation: 8 yrs, Foundation Board Member, Executive Board Member, Chair, Corporate Partners Committee, Co-Chair, 40th Anniversary • Gala Congregation Beth Shalom: yrs: 34, Co-Chair, Capital Campaign President, • Sisterhood SCVEDC: 6 yrs, Board Member; Member of Marketing Task Force

Organization Impact: We are fortunate to count Mitzi among our supporters. Her energy, her dedication and commitment to ensure her community has the best of everything is evident in her volunteerism. During her time as our Foundation Board of Directors Chair, her leadership and her philanthropic dedication to our hospital was evident in the additional roles she enthusiastically took on.

She co-chaired the 40th Anniversary Gala of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital during this time, and also was the chairperson for the Corporate Partners Committee. While working on the Corporate Partners Committee, Mitzi helped build and foster relationships between the hospital and the business community, always leading by example. Mitzi and her family are generous donors and dedicated volunteers for our hospital and its Foundation, and set the bar high.

Other Contributions: We all know someone who puts others ahead of themselves—every time. In our experience, there is no one who exemplifies this quite like Mitzi Like. Mitzi has been actively involved as a Henry Mayo volunteer and donor for more than a decade, and during that time has reached out to us on behalf of others countless times. Sometimes it’s a neighbor. Sometimes it’s an employee.

Sometimes it’s a congregation member. Sometimes it’s an employee of a friend. The variations of the people who cross Mitzi’s path who she immediately jumps in to help are endless. When someone is on their way to our ER, or is in the hospital, Mitzi immediately calls us, asking us to “keep an eye” on them, and offer what assistance we can. Yet not once has Mitzi ever called us asking for this assistance for herself—not once. She is always putting others first.

Biography: Mitzi Like is the President and CEO of LBW Insurance and Financial Services in Valencia. She has been a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley since 1980 and moved the business here in 2004. LBW is a family-owned independent agency with six or seven family members all working together under one roof.

Mitzi’s involvement with the Santa Clarita Valley community dates back to the 1980’s when she began lending her time and leadership to Congregation Beth Shalom. The San Fernando Valley Business Journal has recognized Mitzi as a “Business Woman of the Decade” and a top “Trusted Advisor”, and recognized LBW as a “Best Place to Work” and one of the “Fastest Growing Companies” in the region. She is a member of the National Association of Women Business.

Nancy Starczyk Realtor with Realty Executives 

Nominating Organization Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce 

Organizations: SCV Chamber – Chair of the Board, 8 years • SCV Youth Project – Executive Committee, 20 years.

Organization Impact: Nancy has been a tremendous leader who gives her all to every organization she is involved with. She has been active in Santa Clarita for nearly 30 years. She currently serving her second term as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors. She has also served in leadership with the SCV Youth Project for two decades.

Other Contributions: Nancy has also served in leadership positions with the Southland Regional Association of Relators and has been a vigorous advocate for business and realtors.

Biography: The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Nancy Starczyk as the 2019 Chair of the Board of Directors. A leader in the SCV business community, Starczyk has been an active public policy advocate and community volunteer for decades. Starczyk currently serves as the Regional Chair of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors (SRAR).

In addition, Starczyk has served on the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council for nearly 10 years and has been active in various business alliances and organizations throughout her career. A realtor for 30 years, Nancy has served several important roles at Southland Regional Association of Realtors.

Before becoming the Regional Chair, Nancy previously served as President of SRAR in 2017 and SCV Division in 1998, 1999, 2009 and 2014.

Julie Sturgeon President, Julie M. Sturgeon, CPA 

Nominating Organizations SCV Senior Center Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: College of the Canyons Foundation Years of Service: 10+ years Position Held: Board Member, Audit Committee Member, Executive Committee Member, Finance Committee Member, Co-chair Wine Studies Room, Member of ICUE Capital Campaign • Child and Family Center Years of Service: 8+ years Position Held: Committee Member, Sponsor & Co-chair of Taste of the Town, Audit Committee • Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging Years of Service: 7 years Position Held: Board Member, Vice-President and Past Treasurer, Executive Committee Member and Finance Committee Member, and Co-chairing the Celebrity Waiter Dinner 2019 and 2020 • Rotary International Years of Service: 4 years Position Held: District Conference Women’s luncheon Chair • AYSO Years of Service: 7 years Position Held: Coached, Treasurer • Sulphur Springs School Years of Service: 6 years Position Held: Room Mom, Auditor, Room Mom Coordinator, PTA President (2 years), and Reflections Chair • La Mesa Junior High School Years of Service: 3 Years Position Held: VP PAC Organization: Canyon High School Years of Service: 3 Years Position Held: Secretary of PAC • Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Years of Service: 2 Years Position Held: Ambassador • Michael Hoefflin Foundation Years of Service: 9 Years Position Held: Board Member and Treasurer, Co-chaired Evening Under the Stars twice • SCV Theatre Group Years of Ser- vice: 3+ Years Position Held: Advisory Board Member • Betty Ferguson Foundation Years of Service: 5+ Years Position Held: Board Member, Treasurer and Chaired Woman of Honor dinner twice •  Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley Years of Service: 10 years Position Held: Board member, Chair Women’s Opportunity Award, Sponsored Fashion Show

Organization Impact: Julie has had a major impact on the SCV Committee on Aging (Senior Center). She has taken a variety of leadership roles since joining the Senior Center seven years ago.

As current Vice-President, past Treasurer and an active member of the Executive Committee, she has helped guide the organization through unprecedented growth. She makes sure the organization is staying true to its mission of supporting seniors.

Other Contributions Julie has had a long relationship with the Santa Clarita Valley. She started her volunteerism at a young age with Girl Scouts of America and Rotary International; she later jumped into the SCV with two feet assisting AYSO soccer and Sulphur Springs School. She continued contributing to the school system at La Mesa Junior High and then Canyon High School.

Simultaneously, Julie took on active role in both the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce. When the two chambers joined forces, she was an active Ambassador and commenced her work with the Michael Hoefflin Foundation. She continues to provide her expertise in the area of finance, business acumen and pro-bono assistance to non-profits. She believes it to be important to give back to the community that you reside in. Julie has contributed over 75 years of service to SCV Community Organizations.

Biography Julie Sturgeon is President of Julie M. Sturgeon, CPA. She has practiced in the SCV since 1990. Her focus has been tax preparation and tax planning for both individuals and businesses. Julie has clients in varying industries – restaurants, medical and entertainment. She has assisted families dealing with business succession in the sudden passing of principals, which has occurred too frequently in the last few years.

She has designed reports using a variety of software products for owners to use. She has also helped her clients with staffing accounting departments and training of accounting staff. Julie Sturgeon has also co-owned Confidential Data Destruction Company with her husband Steve.

Julie played an active role in the sale of Confidential Data Destruction Company in 2019. Julie is a 40-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, where she lives with her husband Steve. They have raised two children and who each have two gorgeous children – her precious grandchildren – Kayli, Addison, Hudson and Holland. Now, the cycle begins again – soccer and dance!

Teresa Todd Owner and Founder, Point of View Communications, LLC 

Nominating Organization Carousel Ranch 

Organizations: Carousel Ranch – 2015 to Present – Positions held: Member, Board of Directors; Chair, Communications Committee; Member, Heart of the West Auction Committee • Valley Industry Association – Years of service: 2006 – Present – Positions held: Immediate Past Chair (2020) VIA Breakfast Club Chair (2020) Chairwoman of the Board (2019) Member, Board of Directors (2016 – Present) Chair, Marketing Committee Member, Finance Committee • Santa Clar- ita Parade Committee – Years of service: 2001 to Present – Positions held: Trophy Wrangler, Street Marker, Audience Announcer, Publicity when requested, and other duties as assigned – Abstract: The parade committee celebrates the tradition of honoring our hometown spirit with the annual Fourth of July Parade. As committee members will share, it’s a lifetime commitment. • ADPROS LA (member of the American Advertising Federation) – Years of service: 2008 – 2019 – Positions held: President (Two Terms) Treasurer Lieutenant Governor, District 15 (Southern California and Southern Nevada) – Abstract: Designed to foster opportunities for professionals in the creative fields, AdPros LA served the Santa Clarita Valley and worked closely with the AdCats Club at College of the Canyons. In January 2019, AdPros LA disbanded and funded the AdPros LA Creative Arts Scholarship at College of the Canyons with its treasury. • Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley – Years of service: 2009-2010 (Returning in 2020) – Positions held: Charter Member (2009) Friend of Soroptimist (2010) • SCV Facilities Foundation – Years of service: 2002 – 2006 – Positions held: Member, Board of Directors – Abstract: At a time when school overcrowding topped every list of critical concerns in the Santa Clarita Valley, the SCV Facilities Foundation formed a private-public partnership with the Hart School District and the City of Santa Clarita to develop Golden Valley High School and Golden Valley Road, constructing a key segment of the cross-valley connector. All proceeds from the development project benefited the William S. Hart Union High School District, including transfer of real property, $100,000 donation to the WiSH Education Foundation, and $1,000,000 donation to the Hart District for the purchase and installation of shade structures at district schools. • SCV Council PTA – Years of service: 1999 – 2006 – Positions held: Chairman, PTA Partners; Chairman, Legislative Liaison, Sulphur Springs Governing Board Liaison, William S. Hart Union High School District • Los Angeles Coliseum Commission – Years of service: 2004 – Positions held: Member, Return of the Olympic Rings Ad Hoc Committee – Abstract: The Olympic Rings that once symbolized the glory of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games were found completely rusted in a maintenance yard 20 years later. Steve Soboroff, local businessman, philanthropist, and then-Parks Commissioner, enlisted the assistance of USC graduate students to help bring the rings back to their original luster, outfit with neon lighting, and install on the Coliseum Swim Stadium. • SCV Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee – Years of service: 2001 – 2003 – Positions held: Member, Elected Officials Policy Group • Sulphur Springs School District Board – Years of service: 1999 – 2003 – Positions held: Elected Member, Board of Trustees Clerk, Board of Trustees • SCV Trustees Association – Years of service: 1999 – 2003 – Positions held: Member • LA County School Trustees Association – Years of service: 2000, 2003 – Positions held: Board Representative • SCV School Coalition – Years of service: 2001, 2002 – Positions held: Board Representative Legislative Advocacy Subcommittee Communications Subcommittee • Valley View Elementary School PTA – Years of service: 1991 – 1999 – Positions held: President Treasurer Various Chair Positions

Organization Impact: Teresa is committed, insightful, passionate, and someone who gets things done. She has truly gone above and beyond for Carousel Ranch since joining our board five years ago and her expertise in PR and social media have brought Carousel Ranch to a new level.

As chair of our Communications Committee, Teresa has created campaigns, created new hand-outs, assisted with promotion of events and programming in general, which has led to a significant increase in community awareness, and an increase in funds raised, which in turn has enabled us to expand programs and serve more children.

She has been instrumental in the development of our Ready to Work! Program, our annual Valentine’s campaign and the success of bringing Heart of the West “home” to Carousel Ranch – seeing a major increase in guests and funds raised over the past 4 years.

Other Contributions: Teresa is simply extraordinary. She is a person willing to take on any challenge and always has a “we can do it” attitude even when it seems impossible. Her enthusiasm and commitment has been so important, and she too shares our passion for making a difference in the lives of our special children and young adults. But Teresa does this work, not only for Carousel Ranch, but so many non-profits throughout the valley as you will see from her extensive list above.
As a woman in business, Teresa sets an incredible example, not only of pursuing your dreams, working hard and creating a full and rewarding life, but in helping those around you as well. Her passion for teaching, community organizations and doing work for non-profits is certainly an example of how she works to better the lives of those in her community – a truly worth Woman of the Year!

Biography Teresa’s narrative is best defined by her Midwestern work ethic and parochial school upbringing where the high school motto of Ursuline Academy was Serviam, Latin for “I will serve.” She learned that service is a way to deepen concern for others and turn it into meaningful action. It’s a calling to use gifts and talents to help those in need, and creates an attitude and spirit that is life-long.

From local education initiatives to land use projects to fundraising campaigns, Teresa uses her words, wit and wisdom to accomplish organizational goals. In addition to leadership positions held in various organizations, Teresa has assisted others in furtherance of their mission. From funding announcement cards for a Circle of Hope event to assisting the Senior Center in prior years with its Celebrity Waiter event, Teresa has used her resources to publicize and create valuable exposure for charitable causes.

In past years, she has written commentaries to stoke a fire and give well-reasoned arguments to add her point of view. From support of the Five Knolls project (formerly Keystone) that included community amenities to Golden Oak Elementary School that turned developer dollars into a turnkey school in the Sulphur Springs School District, she has presented a compelling opinion that helps influence good policy.

Recently, Teresa has given voice as a ghostwriter to Carousel Ranch’s annual giving campaign “Carousel Wishes and Valentine Kisses.” But not everything has widespread public exposure. On January 25, 2018, Teresa was contacted to help a local family in need.

It was October 2017 when Katie Evans, a young mother of six, was killed by a drunk driver on Golden Valley Road as she returned home from visiting her premature twins at UCLA. The girls were born at only one pound each and never expected to survive. But they did survive and were released home to a family mourning the loss of their mother. The girls required constant care, oxygen tanks, nebulizers, and a feeding tube for one twin. The family was overwhelmed. Jacob Evans’ 19-year-old niece, who had been in her own tragic car accident four years prior that took the life of Jacob’s mother, suspended her education to become the girls’ full-time caregiver.

Quietly, privately, and without fanfare, Teresa met the family then went about setting up a platform to calendar help seeking speaking opportunities at service organizations to recruit “Cuddlers” as they became known. The web platform grew to 84 volunteers who consistently came to the house daily to spend time loving babies, providing respite for the teenage niece and helping a family heal. While the family situation has changed for the better and they have moved on, “Cuddlers” will always be part of the Evans’ story. Even with running her own business and teaching as a side gig, volunteerism in the service of others remains an essential part of Teresa’s work/live/give balance and is a defining trait of her character.

Laura Troost Chief Financial Officer, Saticoy Lemon Association

Nominating Organization Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley 

Organizations: Zonta Club of Santa Clarita: 2010 – Present Member: 2010 – Present President: 2013 – 2014 Treasurer: 2011 – 2012 Lunafest Event Chair: 2012, 2013, 2014 2016 Tribute Event Chair: 2014 Life Forward Instructor “Understanding your Taxes, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; Girl Scouts: Leader: 2003 – 2008 and 2013 – 2016; Single Mothers Outreach: 2010 – Present Treasurer: 2017 – Present Empowering HeArts Committee: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Water Festival Committee, 2010, 2011 Highlands Elementary School PFO 2009-2014 Graduation Committee Chair, 2012, 2014

Organization Impact: Laura arrived in Santa Clarita in 2008 with a newborn, two years later she was involved in the Zonta Club and Single Mothers. Laura has been a dedicated and respected member of both organizations, taking on numerous leadership roles. Laura’s Life Forward annual presentation is one of the best-attended sessions, because of her dedication to helping others. Laura is passionate about empowering young girls to be independent and reach their full potential.

Other Contributions: Laura became the chair of a new Zonta fundraising event, Lunafest, showcasing movies made by women, about women for women. Laura’s leadership resulted in this unique event becoming one of our signature events. If Laura says she is going to do something you can guarantee that she will follow through and it will be very successful. Laura has a no-fuss style of leadership that is successful and appreciated by all who work with her.

Biography: Laura moved to Santa Clarita in 2008 when her youngest child was born. In addition to raising three children and working, she has been an active volunteer in our community, particularly with organizations benefiting and inspiring self-sufficiency in girls and women. Laura participates in a variety of charitable events around town whenever possible and is always willing to lend a hand. As a long term member of Zonta Laura served as President, Treasurer and a committee chair for a variety of events and projects.

In addition, Laura represented the club at the Zonta International Convention in Italy, 2013. For the past several years, Laura has shared her professional knowledge to teach a class to help members of Single Mothers Outreach and the Domestic Violence Center understand their taxes. This invaluable class reviews income tax basics and gives the participants the tools necessary to prepare their own taxes or at the very least, have an understanding of what their tax preparer should be doing.

Through her work as a Girl Scout Leader, Laura spent countless hours running meetings, taking girls on camping and field trips, running cookies and nut sales and leading service projects. As a leader, Laura’s philosophy was to educate and empower the girls toward leading the troop entirely on their own. Laura has been a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 20 years.

Last year she left the public accounting (and her own practice) to accept her dream job as the Chief Financial Officer of a lemon packinghouse cooperative. Tyler, Blaine and Myava, Laura’s children have regularly attended and participated in volunteering opportunities in our community as a family and on their own. They have been raised to understand that doing for others is an important part of life that enriches the organizations they choose to volunteer for and good for them.