Board of Directors

2023 board members ( l to r): Kirk Gafill (Chair), Elsa Mendoza Jimenez (Vice Chair) Jesse Lopez, CPA (Treasurer), Loren Steck (Secretary), Deneen Guss, Romero Jalomo, Kathleen Lee, Giff Lehman, Adriana Melgoza, René Mendez, Larry Oda, Colby Pereira, Joe Pezzini, Francine Rodd, Julie Roth, Abby Taylor-Silva, Jan Vanderbilt, Jennifer L. Walker, Tyller Williamson

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is governed by a volunteer board of directors. These community leaders provide strong stewardship by establishing policy, setting priorities and approving final grant decisions. Members serve three-year terms, and their expertise, diverse perspectives and guidance drive our success.

2023 Board of Directors

Kirk Gafill (Chair), General Manager, Nepenthe/Phoenix Corporation
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez (Vice Chair), Director of Health Services, Monterey County Health Department
Jesse Lopez (Treasurer), Managing Partner of Bianchi, Kasavan & Pope, LLP
Loren Steck (Secretary), Entertainment Industry Consultant
Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools
Romero Jalomo, Vice President of Student Affairs, Hartnell Community College
Kathleen Lee, Executive Director, Point Lobos Foundation
Giff Lehman, Founder, Integris Wealth Management (Retired)
Adriana Melgoza, Director of Organizing and Education, Center for Community Advocacy
René Mendez, City Manager, City of Watsonville
Larry Oda, Community Volunteer, Former JACL National President
Colby Pereira, Chief Operating Officer, Braga Fresh Family Farms
Joe Pezzini, Senior Director of Agricultural Operations, Taylor Farms
Francine Rodd, Executive Director, First Five Monterey County
Julie Roth, Wealth Manager, Monterey Private Wealth
Abby Taylor-Silva, Executive Vice President, California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
Jan Vanderbilt, President, Vanderbilt Certified Public Accountants
Jennifer L. Walker, Attorney/Principal, Leach & Walker
Tyller Williamson, Mayor of Monterey