Our Team
Committed to
a Vibrant Future
President/CEO
Gary Byrne
Gary has over 30 years of nonprofit development and management experience. A native of Dublin, Ireland, he now lives on the central coast with his wife and two children. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, traveling (local and afar), skiing, and hiking.
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Director of Operations and Grants
Tracy Taggart
Tracy is a long-time Hollister resident, and is proud to raise her daughter in San Benito County. With a strong background in Accounting, Tracy is excited to have the opportunity to better serve the community.
[email protected]
Communications Coordinator
Kat Nobile
Kat was born and raised in Hollister and is part of a family that has been here for generations. She attended San Francisco State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Kat and her husband AJ enjoy raising their two sons in Hollister and working in the community.
[email protected]
Executive Assistant
Meg McCullough
Our "newest" addition to Foundation staff! Meg is actually a previous Community Foundation staff member that has decided to come join us once again, bringing back her previous knowledge and all she gained from working at the San Benito County Court House.
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Epicenter Manager
Carly Zanger
Carly is a proud Hollister local that grew up in a big family with four brothers. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communications at St. John’s University in New York and is eager to bring back what she’s learned to her hometown. Fun fact: In her spare time, you can often find Carly at the beach.
[email protected]
Our Board of Directors
Dedicated to Serving
San Benito County
Business Owner, True Value Hardware
Fernando Gonzalez, Chair
A lifelong resident having served on the city council and many other boards, Fernando is a business owner and respected community leader.
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Business Owner, Hollister Super
Chang So, Vice Chair
As the owner and operator of Hollister Super and a longtime resident of Hollister, Chang has served on various community boards and groups. Chang believes, “Giving back is how we build a strong community.”
[email protected]
Community Leader
Rebecca Medeiros Wolf, Vice Chair
Born and raised in SBC, Rebecca returned to Hollister full time after an absence of 30 years. Following a career in Silicon Valley she brings a wealth of new and innovative ideas to help with the Foundation's role in the community.
[email protected]
Principal, Grace & Associates, CPA
Mike Grace, CFO, Treasurer
With over 30 years of experience in public accounting, Mike lends his expertise with audits, business planning, taxation, accounting, valuation and other financial services. His local CPA practice, founded in 1986, became the partnership of Grace & Associates, CPAs, in 1988.
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Retired Business Owner
Alan Clark, Secretary
A retired CEO of a local manufacturing company he founded, Alan uses his 40 plus years of managerial capabilities to supplement the board's already considerable experience.
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Broker, Intero Real Estate
Marilyn Ferreira, , Past Chair
Marilyn has been involved in community activities for many years, from the SBC Realtors Association, to President of the Hollister Downtown Association.
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Business Banking
Phil Fortino
A lifelong resident, Business Banking Manager, and involved civic leader, Phil is active in Rotary, the Charlie Presser Memorial Fund, and many other service clubs.
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President, True Leaf Farms
Vince Brigantino
Vince resides in SBC with his wife and two sons. He’s a partner in True Leaf Farms, a local grower, shipper, and processor of fresh vegetables.
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Business Owner, Felice Consulting Services
Damon Felice
Damon is the owner of a construction management firm, and serves on the Executive Committee of the San Benito County Business Council. He is a fourth generation member of the Felice family and he and his wife have three sons. Damon has served on the Hollister Little League board for many years.
[email protected]
Retired School Teacher
Dohn Larson
Dohn was an educator for the Hollister School District for more than 33 years. Currently, he volunteers on the Community Foundation’s Grants and Compliance Committees, where he helps meet the current and future needs of San Benito County.
[email protected]
Community Leader
Beverley Meamber
Beverley worked for the Salinas Chamber of Commerce for 22 years, with the last eight years serving as the President/CEO until her retirement. She is a mother of three, and has lived in San Juan Bautista since 1982. Beverley is very involved in community services throughout San Benito County, and her professional background has been a major benefit to our Women’s Fund and National Philanthropy Day Committees for many years.
[email protected]
Business Owner, Redmond Transportation
Brent Redmond
Growing up near Gilroy, Brent moved to Hollister in 1986 and is the Founder and President of a local transportation company. He is a past board member of the Hospice Foundation for the Central Coast, and is also past President and current Treasurer of the Hollister Exchange Club.
[email protected]
Artist, Proud Working Grandmother
Kathleen Sheridan
A resident in San Benito County for 40 years, Kathleen has a background in nonprofit management and consulting. Kathleen is currently working as an artist and yoga teacher, but always saves time for her 12 grandchildren.
[email protected]
Community Leader
Mickie Solorio Luna
Mickie was born and raised in San Benito County, and she spent 30 years working in Hollister’s finance department. She has always been an active volunteer, but most notably as a former founding member of the League of United Latin American Citizens. In December, the Universidad Iberoamericana presented Mickie with the Honoris Causa Doctorate for her distinguished leadership and positive example to society.
[email protected]
Attorney, Farmer
Bill Tiffany
Bill has dedicated over 40 years of service as an attorney and business owner through his Law Firm, Balbas and Tiffany. He is a father (and grandfather,) of 3, has lived in Hollister since 1956, and has spent many years as an active community member and volunteer for San Benito County.
[email protected]
Past Board Members
Founding Board Members - 1992
Antonio Aguirre - through 1994
Richard Anderson - through 2006
Leonard Caetano - through 1995
Nenette L. Corotto - through 2011
Arnold R. Fontes - through 2008
Fernando Gonzalez - current
Raymond E. Mariottini - through 2003
Mary S. McCullough - through 2010
Madeline A. Nelson - through 1994
Irma Rodriguez - through 1994
Haven E. Van Huesen, Jr. - through 1994
Edward Stephenson - through 2017
Sonny Paullus - through 1996
Ron Domingues - through 2003
Gene Bourdet - 1993 - 1998
Susan Paura - 1999 - 2003
Bill Ladd - 2000 -2003
Paul Levy - 2000 - 2004
Bernie Furman - 2000 - 2010
Steve Perricone - 2002 -2004
Dori Hoyle - 2002 - 2006
Anne Morris - 2003 - 2013
Jim Paxton - 2003 - 2016
Steve Merrel - 2004 - 2006
Sandy Rose - 2004 - 2015
Millard Strohn - 2005 - 2007
Scott Fuller - 2006 - 2008
Bob Bianchi - 2006 - 2008
Kathy Johnson - 2007 - 2011
Diane Ortiz - 2010 - 2015
Mike Sanchez - 2010 - 2012
Kathy Flores - 2011 - 2016
Enrique Arreola - 2013
Ed Stephenson - 1992 - 2017
Steve Hudner - 2004 - 2018
Alfonso Castaneda - 2016 - 2018
Victor Gomez - 2018 - 2019
Gene Zanger - 2016 - 2019
Bob Tiffany - 2003 - 2020
Kay Filice - 2009 - 2020
Susan Schwabacker - 2011 - 2020
Chris Breen - 2015-2020