Team Fairplex

Los Angeles County Fair Association Board of Directors

Heidi Hanson
Chairman of the Board
Joined Fair Association: 2008

Heidi Hanson was named Director in 2014 and has served as Chair of the Board since June 2019.   She has also served on the Finance committee for the Child Development Center at Fairplex and the Career and Technical Education Center’s agriculture advisory committee, a program of The Learning Centers at Fairplex.   Mrs. Hanson has worked at Rain Bird for over 20 years and is Finance & Administrative Manager for Rain Bird International.  She also serves on the Board of Directors of Rain Bird Corporation.  Mrs. Hanson has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from Lafayette College, a Master of Accounting with a Concentration in Tax from the University of Southern California, and an Executive MBA from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.  She is married with three children, all of whom attended the Child Development Center at Fairplex.

 

John Landherr
Vice Chairman of the Board             
Joined Fair Association: 2013

John Landherr was named Director in 2015 and Vice Chair of the Board in 2021. He also serves as the LACFA Finance Committee Chair. Mr. Landherr is Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of A-Z Bus Sales Inc., a transportation dealer-distributor serving the education, government, public sector, commercial, and private fleet markets with a broad portfolio of bus solutions in several states. He has over 28 years of experience in executive leadership roles at multiple companies. Before joining A-Z he served as President of Certified Aviation Services (CAS) where he was responsible for leading its growth from a regional provider to an international aircraft services company with 25 locations across the US serving all major commercial airlines both domestically and abroad.

Mr. Landherr served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a CH-53 Super Stallion weapons and tactics instructor pilot at the Marine Corps’ aviation squadron, MAWTS-1, where he was the subject matter expert for combat search and rescue operations.

Mr. Landherr additionally serves on the Pomona Valley Hospital and Medical Center Board, on its Executive and Finance Committees, as founding Board Member of Chino Hills Aquatics, public address announcer for the Chino Hills High School Varsity Football Team, a Blue and Gold Admissions Officer for the US Naval Academy Admissions Office, and as an usher for Inland Hills Church in Chino Hills. A native of Temple, Texas, Mr. Landherr earned a bachelor’s degree from the US Naval Academy and an MBA in Finance from Texas A&M University. He is married with three children.

 

 

Linda Bosserman   
Secretary of the Board
Joined Fair Association: 2001

Linda was named Director in 2016 and has served as the secretary of the Board of Directors since 2017. She also serves as Vice Chair on the Audit Committee, as well as serving on the Finance and Compensation committee. Dr. Bosserman is a Professor of Medical Oncology and Director of Value-Based Care and the Center for International Medicine. After practicing oncology in our community for 26 years her practice joined City of Hope in 2014. Dr. Bosserman focuses her professional work with academic and community clinicians to deliver the latest cancer care and clinical trials through collaborations and technology. She served four years on the board of directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), was elected Fellow of ASCO, and was chosen and served three years as Editor-in-chief of ASCO’s Oncology Practice journal. She has served on many other boards and committees for regional, state, and national oncology organizations including the California American Cancer Society. She has been recognized by her peers as one of the top 4 percent Best Doctors in the US annually since 2005. She writes and lectures for professionals and the public on high-quality, value-based cancer care incorporating personalized precision cancer therapies. Dr. Bosserman is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford Medical School, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School Oncology Fellowship program. She is a former faculty member at Stanford and Harvard Schools of Medicine. Outside of LACFA and her career, Dr. Bosserman enjoys delighting guests with delicious, healthy cooking, as well as for her family, eight grown children, and 13 grandchildren. 

Michael Driebe   
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2005

Michael Driebe was named Director in 2019. He serves on the Audit, Finance and Compensation, and Executive Committees.  He is Chair of the LACFA Investment Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors of The Learning Centers at Fairplex. Mr. Driebe is President of the Methodist Hospital Foundation, a sole support foundation for Methodist Hospital of Southern California. He is an active community member and has served the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Los Angeles Chapter as Treasurer, Secretary, and President. Mr. Driebe is a member of the Rotary Club of San Marino, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University. He received a master’s degree in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. 

Richard Martinez
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Richard Martinez was named Director in 2017 and is currently Chair of the LACFA Governance and Nominating Committee. He is Superintendent of Pomona Unified School District, which serves 23,000 students in the cities of Diamond Bar and Pomona. Since becoming superintendent in 2009, Mr. Martinez has focused diligently on closing the achievement gap for inner-city students. Under his leadership, PUSD reported record acceptance for its students from notable colleges and Ivy League universities throughout the United States. Mr. Martinez was recognized by former President Barack Obama for implementing innovative digital learning initiatives and is a recipient of the prestigious Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award of Los Angeles for his tireless advocacy for children’s rights. Mr. Martinez is a graduate of Cal State Los Angeles and the University of La Verne and is a sought-after expert in the field of Urban Education. Additionally, he has served on many local, county, and state boards and committees in the areas of leadership, finance, legislative policy, and child welfare. He currently serves on the Boards of Child360, The Music Center, and the Pomona Community Foundation. He also supports many other notable nonprofit organizations that benefit children.  

Ciriaco "Cid" Pinedo
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Cid was named Director in 2012. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board and currently serves on the LACFA Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Pinedo is the President and CEO of Children’s Fund in San Bernardino. He is also active in the community, serving on the board of the Riverside Art Museum, and is a San Bernardino County Housing Authority Commissioner. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s Seminary and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne. 

 

Heidi Gallegos, IOM
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Heidi L. Gallegos, IOM was named Director in 2020. She is currently the President of Aligned Insight Consulting. As a former Trustee for the Rowland Unified School District in the San Gabriel Valley, Ms. Gallegos understands the connection between K-12 education and business. She started a non-profit organization to aid seniors, for both high school and persons over the age of 55, to seek entrepreneurial opportunities as a way of finding one's true calling in life. Ms. Gallegos studied Organizational Management at Biola University and earned certification with the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management, a four-year master's course program on non-profit management. Ms. Gallegos lives in Temescal Valley with her husband Bob. She enjoys time with her five adult children and seven grandchildren.

 

Peter Hidalgo
Director
Appointed: 2021

Peter Hidalgo was appointed as a Director in 2021, representing LA County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. He is a seasoned government affairs and communications leader, elected official, youth mentor with more than 20 years of experience in the private and public sector. Mr. Hidalgo is a Spectrum government affairs executive with responsibility for local government relations throughout greater Los Angeles County. As an elected official, Peter is a member of the Walnut-based Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees. His previous employment includes the City of Los Angeles as Council Chief of Staff and as Mayor’s Press Secretary. He has held leadership roles in corporate communications with Southern California Gas Company and was part of the start-up team that launched the region’s long-distance commuter rail system, Metrolink as Director of External Affairs. 

He serves on the Boards of the LA’s BEST, Just Us 4 Youth the San Gabriel Valley Public Affairs Network, The Learning Centers at Fairplex, Los Angeles County Business Federation and the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. Peter was born in Ecuador and is fluent in Spanish.  He holds a Bachelor and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.  

 

 

Dr. Devorah Lieberman
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2011

Dr. Devorah Lieberman was named Director-Elect in 2020 and named Director in 2021. She is the University of La Verne’s 18th and first female president. She brings more than 30 years of higher education experience, scholarship, and leadership to the institution. Dr. Lieberman is currently Chair-Elect of the New American Colleges & Universities (NAC&U), and serves on the Boards of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and the LA Chamber of Commerce. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Humboldt State University, a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communication and Gerontology from the University of Florida. She and her husband Roger Auerbach have two daughters, Alicea and Emery.

 

Margarita Luna
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2019

Margarita Luna was named Director in 2021. She is a Senior Program Manager at The California Endowment who focuses on developing health and racial equity investment strategies in underserved communities, particularly in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Ms. Luna also serves as Chair for the Inland Empire Funders Alliance, organizing and leading five collective impact and pooled fund efforts. She attended the University of California Los Angeles, where she earned a Master of Social Welfare in Health Services and a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences. 

 

Gil Ivey
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2008

Gilbert F. Ivey was named Director in 2021. He retired from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California as the chief administrative officer. He serves on numerous boards and commissions, including executive boards of the Los Angeles Central City Association, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. He was re-elected as the Vice Chair of the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM). He is a member of San Diego’s prestigious Catfish Club, Greater San Diego and Los Angeles Area Chambers of Commerce,  and serves on the city of La Verne’s Youth & Family Action Committee Executive Board. Mr. Ivey is a recipient of the American Society for Public Administration Los Angeles Metro Chapter’s Tom Bradley Equal Opportunity Award in 2004, and the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce award in 2005. Mr. Ivey earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills and numerous professional designations and certifications in management from both Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California.

 

Tamela Omoto-Frias
Director
Appointed: 2021

Tami Omoto-Frias was appointed as a Director in 2021, representing the LA County First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. She is the Senior Budget Deputy to Supervisor Hilda L. Solis of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Since 2018, Tami‘s responsibility include oversight of the County budget, operations, audit, labor issues, and other policy areas. Prior to serving Supervisor Solis, Tami worked for 13 years in the County’s Chief Executive Office, primarily in budget and legislation, as well as risk management and special projects. She began County service in 2000 in the Department of Human Resources in the Employee Benefits Division. Mrs. Omoto-Frias is a graduate of California State University Northridge and currently a resident of Montebello in the First District.  However, she and her husband will be returning next year to the City of Los Angeles where she was born and raised.  

Kiana Webb
Director
Joined Fair Association: 2009

Kiana Webb was named Director in 2018 and currently serves on the LACFA Finance Committee. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Webb Family Enterprises, a management company that oversees numerous business lines through the lens of pursuing parity. Ms. Webb leads passionately, always striving to attain a higher degree of excellence, with the intention for those around her to reach their ultimate potential. She is an active participant in professional and social organizations, is an inspirational leader, a motivational speaker, and a community philanthropist. Ms. Webb is an advocate for improving the lives of women, children, and people of color, and is the proud mother of three children. 

Directors of Emeriti

Bernard Bernstein
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1997

Bernard Bernstein was named Fair director in 2004 and became an emeritus member in 2016. He is managing partner of Bernstein and Rathman Inc., certified public accountants in Pomona. He is affiliated with a number of service organizations including treasurer of Pomona Rotary Club and a trustee for Cal Poly Associates. He is also on the board of directors at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and American Red Cross in addition as a trustee of Pomona Valley Hospital Foundation. Bernstein is past president of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, California Jaycee Foundation and serves as a member of LeRoy Haynes Finance committee and city of Pomona investment committee. His firm was named Small Business of the Year in 1996 and he was awarded Pomona’s Community Service Award in 2001. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and a native of Phoenixville, Penn.

Robert Burwell
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1982

Bob Burwell was a Fair director from 1982-02 and named director emeritus in 2002. He is the retired president of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. He served as a board member of Pomona Chamber and won the Chamber’s Community Service Award in 1992. Burwell earned a bachelor of arts degree and master’s degree in business administration at University of Michigan.

Richard Crean
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1997

Rich Crean was LACFA chairman of the board 2008-2012, having served as vice chairman 2002-07. He was named director emeritus in 2013. He is vice chair of The Learning Centers at Fairplex and serves on several TLC committees. He is retired CEO of Averbeck Company Insurance Brokers and currently a senior financial advisor with California Financial Partners in Glendale. Crean is a member of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation Board and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Board. Crean served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Board of the National Orange Show during the 1990’s, grows olives and produces olive oil.

Robert Dukes
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1990

Robert Dukes was named Fair director in 2003 and director emeritus in 2015. He currently serves on the hall of fame committee, Claremont community committee, as a board member of The Learning Centers at Fairplex.and a member of several TLC committees. He is a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge and formerly had a private law practice. Dukes served as Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney from 1976-1981. He is a member of the board of directors at Haynes Family of Programs Center forFamilies and Children in La Verne. He is a former Adjunct Professor Law, University of La Verne Law School. Dukes earned a B.A. from University of Redlands and a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law. He is a native of Pomona, Calif.

Juan Gamboa
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1979

Juan Gamboa became a Fair director in 1993 and named director emeritus in 2011. He is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate and retired from special sales and leasing at Citrus Motors Ford in Ontario. He serves on the LACFA emeritus outreach committee. He is former president of Gamboa Enterprises Inc. Also past president and current member of Pomona Kiwanis Club; served as 1987 lieutenant governor for Division 15 of Kiwanis International; board member of Inland Valley Economic Development Corp.; past board member of Pomona Red Cross; Claremont Community Foundation; President's Society of Western University of Health Sciences; Pomona Valley Historical Society; and Pomona Chamber of Commerce. Gamboa holds an accounting degree from Escuela de Ensenanzas Especialis No. 24 in Tijuana.

Sue Hyland
Director Emerita
Joined Fair Association: 2004

Sue Hyland became a director in 2009 and was named director emerita in 2015. She serves on The Learning Centers board. She previously served on the Capital Campaign Cabinet for the Child Development Center, celebrating the results of the Center’s first capital campaign, with donations of more than $2 million. She is owner and chairman of the board of The Claremont Club; and, named Business Woman of the Year in 2002-03 and awarded Claremont Chamber’s nationally recognized Athena Award. She served on Foundation Board at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and on the board of Claremont Red Cross.

Molly Johnson
Director Emerita
Joined Fair Association: 1979

Molly Johnson was inducted into the Los Angeles County Fair Association’s Hall of Fame in 2005 for outstanding leadership, counsel and dedication. She was the first woman to serve on the Fair board when named director in 1979. She was named director emerita in 2001. Johnson was the first chairwoman of the Child Development Foundation in 1999 and the first woman president of the board for Pilgrim Place in Claremont. She attended Stanford University, Rockford College in Illinois and graduated in field studies in Harlem, NY, in group work administration.

Linda Keagle
Director Emerita
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Linda Keagle was named a Fair director in 2003 and director emerita in 2015. She is chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, a member of LACFA investment committee, vice chair of the community committee and co-chair of the Upland community committee, and is a member of the MSCA Art Advisory committee. She has served as a judge in the Fair’s Creative department and the Wines of the World packaging design competition. Linda is a restaurateur and an owner and founder of Cask ‘n Cleaver restaurants and also owns the historic Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga. She was named a Woman of Distinction in the California 63rd Assembly District in 2006 and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Riverside Press Enterprise in 2011. Linda is a former grower of wine grapes. She currently farms 8 acres of avocados in Upland. She has served on the board of the Upland Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Governors of Webb Schools. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Upland. Linda is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and is a native of Evanston, IL.

Hugh La Bounty
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1984

Hugh La Bounty became a Fair director in 1990 and was named director emeritus in 1997. He is retired president of Cal Poly Pomona, a position he held 1977 to 1991. La Bounty earned a bachelor of arts and master’s degree from Redlands and doctorate from University of California, Los Angeles.

Arthur Ludwick
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1990

Art Ludwick was named Chairman of the Board in January 2012, having served as a Fair Director since 2002 and named Director Emeritus in 2014. He is currently Chairman of The Learning Center Board at Fairplex. He also serves on the Glendora community committee. He is retired Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Rain Bird Corporation and currently serves on its Board of Directors as non-executive Chairman of the Board. He is a member of Glendora Kiwanis and Chairman Emeritus of Foothill Hospital Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Citrus Valley Health partners. He formerly served as Chairman of the Glendora Parks and Recreations Commission. He is a graduate of Stanford University, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering and M.S. in Civil Engineering Administration. He and wife Sarah were named Citizens of the Year by the Glendora Chamber of Commerce in 1987, and were honored at the 2004 LA County Fair Premiere Party for their many years of community service and dedication to education.

Thomas Nuss
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1984

Tom Nuss was inducted into the LACFA Hall of Fame in 2005, honored for outstanding leadership, dedication and participation in the Association. Hi is currently on the LACFA Hall of Fame committee. He served as the first chairman of the Millard Sheets Gallery Foundation upon its inception in 1999. Also served as co-chair of Millard Sheets Center for the Arts advisory committee and on The Learning Centers board. He became a Fair director in 1990 and director emeritus in 2002. Nuss also serves as director on PVHMC board. He retired as full-time superior court judge in 1994 and currently serves as private judge for arbitrations, mediations and settlement conferences. Nuss is the former mayor of San Dimas and was named San Dimas 1965 Citizen of the Year. He is a graduate of Fordham University School of Law.

J. Michael Ortiz
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 2003

Michael Ortiz was named Director in 2011, Vice Chairman of the Board in January 2012 and Chairman of the Board in 2014. He served as chairman of the board and interim president and CEO of the LACFA until a permanent replacement was named following Jim Henwood's retirement in 2016. Now retired, he was the fifth President of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a position he held since August 2003. He serves on several board committees including By-laws, Visioning and Pomona Blue Ribbon Committee. He continues in an advisory role at Cal Poly Pomona on agricultural and education. He is currently teaching a leadership course and the Palm Desert campus of Cal State University San Bernardino.

Janet Paulson
Director Emerita
Joined Fair Association: 1982

Janet Paulson was named Fair director in 1992 and director emerita in 2003. Served as Chair PVHMC Foundation Chair Hillcrest Board of Directors Currently serve as director on PVHMC, IVHP and VNA Hospice and Palliative Care of Southern California boards. Serves as an Ambassador Volunteer and CDC Auction committee member.

James Piatt
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1975

Jim Piatt was named Fair director in 1981 and director emeritus in 2003. He retired as full-time Superior Court judge in 1993, where he served since 1984. He practiced law until 1971 before teaching business law and ethics courses at Cal Poly Pomona and University of La Verne Law School. He served on LeRoy Haynes board of trustees; is past president of Pomona Rotary Club; and member of California Judges Association. Piatt is a graduate of Pomona College and UCLA Law School.

Larry Rinehart
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1995

Larry Rinehart served as a Fair director from 2002 to 2009, named director emeritus in 2009. He retired as president and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange listed PFF Bank & Trust in 2006. Prior to retirement, Rinehart served on many local and national boards including president of the La Habra Neighborhood Association, president of the Pomona Downtown Business group, Chairman of the Pomona Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, Chairman of the Old Baldy Boy Scouts of America, member and treasurer of the board of trustees of the University of La Verne, board member Casa Colina Hospital, member of the board of trustees of Cal Poly Pomona Development Foundation, board member of the California Bankers Association and the United States Bankers Association, board member of the Inland Empire United Way, and several other local civic organizations. Rinehart earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of La Verne and was selected for their President's Award in 1996.

Jil Stark
Director Emerita
Joined Fair Association: 1979

Jil Stark served on the Los Angeles County Fair Association board of directors 2002 to 2010. She joined the Association in 1979 and was named director emerita in 2010. She currently is a member of The Learning Centers board, chairs CTEC steering committee and sits on The Reed Art Board. She has served on a number of committees including as chair of the Fairplex Education Foundation; community committees; Big Yellow Bus program; and FairKids Field Trips program. She is a member of Curtain Raisers of the Claremont Colleges, the Foothill Philharmonic, The Napier Council at Pilgrim Place and Campus Women of the Claremont Colleges. Stark is the former director of Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum at Claremont McKenna College and former lecturer and dean of freshman at Scripps College, Claremont. She has served on the Board of Trustees at Scripps College, was moderator of United Church of Christ, and was a founding board member of Claremont Community Foundation. Also served on the committee on aging, on the board of Mt. San Antonio Gardens, and on the board of Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. She was born in Tokyo, Japan.

Jack Todd
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1969

Jack Todd was named LACFA director in 1972, named director emeritus in 1997. He is chairman of the board Todd Memorial Chapel and retired owner and president of Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona. He was named Funeral Director of the Year by California Funeral Directors Association in 1987; named Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service and Boss of the Year award winner; and granted honorary life membership with Pomona chapter of the American Red Cross. Todd is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara and is a native of Pomona, Calif.

Ronald Vera
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 2001

Ronald Vera was named Fair director in 2002 and director emeritus in 2014. He is an attorney and partner in the law firm of Vera & Barbosa in Claremont. He served on the LACFA’s investment and audit committee and La Verne Blue Ribbon committee. He is a former adjunct professor of law at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Law and serves on the board of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and the California Community Foundation and the California Consortium of Education Foundation. He earned a B.S. from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate law degree from UCLA and is a native of Pomona, Calif.

Reginald Webb
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1990

Reggie Webb was named Fair director in 1997, named vice chair in 2007 and director emeritus in 2012. He is owner/operator of 12 McDonald’s restaurants in the Pomona area with the latest acquisition opened June 1, 2001, in La Puente where Webb was employed by McDonald’s more than 20 years ago. He is past chairman of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, after serving as chairman from 1994-1998. He opened his first two McDonald’s in 1985, followed by additional restaurants in 1988 and 1996, after beginning his career with McDonald’s in 1973, working his way from manager trainee to regional vice president. He served on the board of directors of McDonald’s of Hawaii and the Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities; serves on the board of the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and McDonald’s National Leadership Council; and is a member of 100 Black Men. He served in United States Coast Guard. The Webbs were honored at the 2006 L.A. County Fair Premiere Party for their philanthropy and community service.

Association Members

Bernard Bernstein
Director Emeritus
Joined Fair Association: 1997

Bernard Bernstein was named Fair director in 2004 and became an emeritus member in 2016. He is managing partner of Bernstein and Rathman Inc., certified public accountants in Pomona. He is affiliated with a number of service organizations including treasurer of Pomona Rotary Club and a trustee for Cal Poly Associates. He is also on the board of directors at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and American Red Cross in addition as a trustee of Pomona Valley Hospital Foundation. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and a native of Phoenixville, Penn.

Elizabeth Bingham
Life Member 2013
Joined Fair Association: 1995

Beth Bingham is president of Claremont Unified School District Board of Education and senior minister at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Pomona. Bingham serves as moderator of Calwest Congregational Churches and on the executive committee National Association of Congregational Churches. She is a member of Pomona Rotary Club. Bingham is a graduate of Cornell University and Yale Divinity School, and received a doctor of ministry from Garrett Seminary.

James Blancarte
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2011

Court Commissioner, Co. of Los Angeles. He is on the board of Claremont University Consortium. Blancarte is a graduate of UCLA School of Law with more than 30 years of business and intellectual property litigation.

Jon Blickenstaff
Life Member 2015
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Jon Blickenstaff is the former mayor of La Verne. He serves as chair of Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority. He is retired from 35 years in public education in the Azusa Unified School District as a teacher, assistant principal and principal for 27 years. He serves on several CTEC committees including as chair of AXC and CTEC Automotive Arts Advisors Committee and CTEC agriculture advisory committee. Blickenstaff is a graduate of University of La Verne and University of California, Los Angeles where he earned a master’s degree. He is a lifelong resident of La Verne.

Laura Bollinger
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2003

Laura Bollinger is a volunteer and supporter of the Millard Sheets Gallery at the fair. She is a long-time community volunteer, and has served on many boards locally, including Friends of the Claremont Library, Curtain Raisers of the Claremont Colleges and St. Lucy’s Parent Club. Currently she served on the board for the Los Angeles County Library Foundation. She belonged to 4-H as a child, entering in fabric arts and showing chickens at the LA County Fair. Bollinger is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in human resources.

Bob Bush
Life Member 1997
Joined Fair Association: 1979

Bob Bush is retired senior vice president of Donrey Media Group- Western Newspaper Division and former publisher of the Pomona Progress Bulletin. He is a member of Calif. Press Association and served on the boards of California Newspaper Publishers Association and the Pomona Valley YMCA. Bush is a member of Pomona Rotary Club and a graduate of Chaffey High School.

Charles Cable
Life Member 2014
Joined Fair Association: 2005

Chuck Cable is retired president and chief executive officer of Brethren Hillcrest Homes. He serves on the TLC board and on several committees and is a member of the La Verne community committee. He is a member of La Verne Rotary and the University Club of Claremont. He also serves on the board of San Gabriel/Pomona Valley Chapter American Red Cross and on University of La Verne’s School of Business advisory board. Cable earned a bachelor’s degree from University of La Verne and a master’s degree from UCLA School of Public Health.

Peter Clifford
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2015

Named the fourth president of the National Hot Rod Association in 2015, having joined NHRA in 1997. Clifford plays a major role in the development and execution of NHRA’s strategic planning, as well as the organization’s current growth initiatives. He was also responsible for streamlining the business relationship between NHRA and its national event facilities.

Soraya Coley
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2015

Named the sixth president of Cal Poly Pomona in 2015 and the first woman to serve in that role. Coley has more than 25 years of academic and administrative experience and is dedicated to creating access and opportunity to those who are the least likely to afford that an education is possible. She is often referred to as “community minded” and is recognized as building bridges between the university and the community through her service, her research and her work as an administrator.

Scott Dilley
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2009

Scott Dilley is president of Sanders Towing and Lock & Key Inc. He served on the board of directors for San Dimas Chamber of Commerce and served as commissioner city of San Dimas development plan review board. He was also treasurer for San Dimas Sheriff’s Booster Club and chairman for San Dimas Birthday BBQ. Dilley is a member of FairKids committee and the San Dimas Day at the Fair community committee. He was honored by San Dimas Chamber of Commerce as 2005 Businessman of the Year and 2008 Citizen of the Year.

Michael Driebe
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2005

Michael Driebe is president of Methodist Hospital Foundation in Arcadia. He serves on the CTEC steering committee. He is a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals – Greater Los Angeles Chapter, president-elect of Southern California Association for Healthcare Development, and a member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Greater Los Angeles. He also serves as president of Rotary Club of San Marino and chair of its foundation committee. Driebe served as chairman of the Pomona General Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee, president of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce and of Pomona Rotary, has twice received the Pomona Chamber’s President’s Award, received the Pomona Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award, and was honored with the California Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Californian Award. Driebe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science degree in leadership and management from the University of La Verne.

Robert Eggert
Life Member 2004
Joined Fair Association: 1990

Bob Eggert is retired public affairs manager for Southern California Gas Company. He served as Air Intelligence officer in the United States Navy. He volunteers for Recording for the Blind. He is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles.

Jimmy Espinoza
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2006

Jimmy Espinoza is president and managing partner of De Oro Properties LLC, a multi-million dollar real estate services firm in Ontario, recognized as one of the largest Hispanic-owned firms in the IE. He is president of Inland Valley Assn. of Realtors. He was awarded Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, as one of the top 10 Hispanic entrepreneurs in the nation. He established the Espinoza Scholarship Fund to assist students finish their education. Espinoza served as a U.S. Army flight engineer flying more than 1,000 hours on combat missions in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star. He is a graduate of University of California earning a degree in business administration.

Jeffrey Fairley
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2011

Jeff Fairley is owner and principal treating therapist at The Body Center Physical Therapy in Claremont. He serves on a number of committees and boards within the area. He earned a doctoral degree from University of Southern California and his residency and post graduate education at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.

William Fox
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2009

William Fox was named to the Association in 2009 and elected a director in 2012. He stepped off the Board in 2018. He is the former president of William Fox Group and William Fox Homes Inc. located in Ontario, CA. Bill is a graduate of University of Southern California with a degree in business administration. He is a resident of Claremont.

William Fujioka
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2015

Currently principal, WT Fujioka Consulting. Retired, CEO County of Los Angeles, since 2014, a position he held since 2007.During that time he was responsible for managing the largest county in the nation with more than 100,000 employees and was also responsible for countywide policy and program leadership. His career with the County of Los Angeles and the city of Los Angeles spanned four decades.

Donald Galleano
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2005

Don Galleano is president of Galleano Winery, a third generation Southern California winegrower and producer of Old Vine Cucamonga Valley Wines. He is a professional member Society of Enology and Viticulture; member Monday Morning Group; member Jurupa Chamber of Commerce; board member Wine Institute; and president Western Municipal Water District. Galleano is also a board member with Wine Institute and president Western Municipal Water District. He is past president of National Orange Show and a judge in international wine competitions. He is a native of Los Angeles.

Heidi Gallegos
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Heidi Gallegos is currently vice president of the Rowland Unified School District Board of Education. She serves as a delegate to the California School Board Association Region 23; is member of Regional Economic Association of Leaders of California’s Education Subcommittee; president and chief executive officer of Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley; and chair Mt. San Antonio College bond oversight committee. Gallegos is recipient of California PTA’s Golden Oak Service Award and California State Assemblyman Bob Huff’s 2008 Woman of the Year Award. She served in law enforcement for 12 years as a police officer and trainer at the Los Angeles Police Academy. She is a graduate of Biola University, Glendale Community College and the Los Angeles Police Academy. Heidi is a resident of Walnut.

Jimmy Gutierrez
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2003

Jimmy Gutierrez is an attorney in Claremont and a partner in the Law Offices of Gutierrez & Vera. He has been Chino’s city attorney since 1975. He serves on the board of Children’s Museum; Chino Boxing Club; and Kiwanis, Rotary and Chino Valley YMCA. He is a graduate of Pomona College with a bachelor of arts degree in government and earned a Juris Doctor from UCLA Law School. Gutierrez is a Pomona native with fond recollections of attending the L.A. County Fair each year of his life.

Roger Hanawalt
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2004

Roger Hanawalt is a longtime La Verne resident and La Verne dentist, in practice since 1980. He serves on La Verne’s Community Committee. He serves on the CDC finance committee. He is also chairman of fundraising for Bonita High School; is a longtime chairman and director of Inland Valley High School All-Star Games for La Verne Rotary. Hanawalt earned a bachelor of arts degree from University of La Verne and doctor of dentistry surgery from Emory University.

Gilbert Ivey
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2008

Gil Ivey is the retired chief administrative officer of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He serves on numerous boards and commissions, including executive boards of the Los Angeles Central City Association; the Valley Industry and Commerce Association; and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. He is a member of San Diego’s prestigious Catfish Club; Greater San Diego and Los Angeles Area Chambers of Commerce; and serves on city of La Verne’s Youth & Family Action Committee Executive Board. Ivey is the recipient of American Society for Public Administration Los Angeles Metro Chapter, Tom Bradley Equal Opportunity Award in 2004; and Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce award in 2005. Ivey earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills and numerous professional designations and certifications in management from both Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California.

Don Kendrick
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2003

Don Kendrick serves on the TLC board and on several committees and is a member of La Verne community committee; 11-year-president La Verne Friends of 4th of july committee; member; member La Verne Senior Advisory committee; member La Verne-Bonita Unified School District Liason committee; member La Verne University. He is a past member of La Verne planning commission; 28-year-member of La Verne SOLVE/Historical Society including 3 years as president; and 21-year-member of La Verne Youth and Family Action Committee; first vice president PVHMC Foundation; and chair PVHMC community committee. Kendrick is founder and president of Hands-On History grade school program with Bonita Unified School District. He is owner of Don Kendrick Real Estate in La Verne.

Chris Kersting
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2013

President of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) since 2002. He represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry which provides government affairs advocacy at the federal and state level and is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry.

Patrick Leier
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Patrick Leier is retired superintendent of Pomona Unified School District and currently an education consultant. He serves as commissioner of Technology in Education for California commission. He pioneered the Educational Village Construct, a nationally recognized model to meet the needs of students and the community. He is chairman of Pomona Valley Educational Foundation and the Pomona Valley Educational Joint Powers Authority; and chairman of YMCA United Way Campaign. Leier was recipient of 2003 American Association of School Administrators’ President’s Technology Award. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Fullerton.

Devorah Lieberman
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2011

President of University of La Verne since 2011. Lieberman is enthusiastic about connecting with the entire university and surrounding communities in a combined effort to foster an environment where all students, faculty and staff can achieve their greatest potential. She is the first woman to hold the office of president in the university’s 120-year history.

Felice Loverso
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Felice Loverso is president and CEO of Casa Colina Inc. He serves as chairman of the board of directors for American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate in speech pathology from the University of Colorado.

Kevin Lyman
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2011

Kevin Lyman is producer and creator of Vans Warped Tour, the longest running traveling music and extreme sports festival in the world currently. He also co-produces The Rockstar Energy Drink Taste of Chaos Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown. Lyman is active in a variety of philanthropic and eco initiative including founding Unite the United Foundation with proceeds from each of Lyman’s tours going to specified charities.

Daniel Manning
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Dan Manning is group vice president of Coca-Cola USA and responsible for sales and marketing organization of CC Fountain for 12 western states. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University.

Richard Martinez
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2010

Richard Martinez was appointed Superintendent of Pomona Unified School District in 2009. He has 27 years in education in various capacities and in many district, county and state committees. Served on the LA County Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Safety appointed by Supervisor Gloria Molina; Board of Directors of Child Alliance of Los Angeles; Board of Directors of Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP); Board of Directors of Shoes That Fit; Member of the Pomona Rotary and Optimist Group. He is a member of Junior Fair Board committee and the Pomona community committee. Martinez serves on Youth & Family Master Plan community board and ACSA Urban Education Committee, and as a member of PUSD PTA district council. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in social work

Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2015

State Administrator, Inglewood Unified School District. An impressive career in education includes awards including Hispanic Business Magaine’s 2010 Woman of the Year.

Robert Mendez
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2006

Attorney and Adjunct Professor, Whittier College. He serves on boards of Hispanic National Bar Foundation and Imagen Foundation. Mendez received a bachelor of arts degree from Pomona College and Juris Doctorate from University of California, Davis School of Law.

Karen Miller
Life Member 2004
Joined Fair Association: 1992

Karen Miller is retired director of athletics at Cal Poly Pomona. She was formerly member of the board of directors for Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce and Assistance League of Pomona Valley (Les Fleurs).

April Morris
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

April Morris is retired president and CEO of Associated Engineers and currently a member of Land Surveyors of California, Consulting Engineers and American Consulting Engineers Council. She is active in a number of organizations including Children’s Fund, Casa Colina Foundation and Ontario and Upland Chambers of Commerce. She is a member of board of directors and chair of the Building Committee for Casa Colina. She is also a wine judge for Jerry Mead’s International Wine Competition. Morris is a graduate of Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State Long Beach.

Iris Patronite
Association Member
joined Fair Association: 2012

A senior redevelopment manager with more than 13 years’ experience contributing to the economic growth of two Inland Empire communities. Worked with several organizations including Downtown Farmers Market, Discover Upland and Youth Leadership Program. She serves on the CTEC Junior Fair board advisors committee.

Rodri Rodriguez
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Rodri Rodriguez is president and CEO of Rodri Entertainment Group; a motivational speaker; executive producer, director and host of MARIACHI USA; and chairman of the board of trustees of the Hollywood Arts Council. Rodriguez is also a member of the Grammy Foundation National Education Advisory; Ford Theatre Foundation Latino Advisory Board; UNICEF Leadership Committee; National History Museum Advisory Council; and an instructor for the UCLA Extension Program. She is a native of Havana, Cuba.

Kiana Webb
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2009

Kiana Webb is chief operations officer of Webb Family Enterprises, operators of several McDonald’s franchises, since 2002. She also held positions of assistant manager, store manager, supervisor and vice president. She was previously employed as assistant buyer for Tall Etc. She serves on the Child Development Center board; is a member of Soroptimist International Pomona Claremont chapter; and has worked with Turning Point Staffing Services to find jobs for women on parole. Webb earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in hospitality management from University of San Francisco.

Michael Smith
Life Member 2004
Joined Fair Association: 1992

Mike Smith is a retired attorney with firm of Nichols, Stead, Boileau and Kostoff APC. He served on L.A. County Fair Claremont Community Committee; and as director and trustee for Pomona Valley Cemetery Association. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and University of California Hastings College of Law.

Jeff Stark
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2009

Jeff Stark is a partner in Fukagawa Stark & Associates, an investment advisory firm founded in 1994. He is on the board of Claremont Unified School District; board of The Claremont Senior Foundation; board of Claremont Educational Foundation; and L.A. County Fair Yellow Bus committee for Claremont. Stark has served on the boards of The Claremont Community Foundation; Asset Advisory Committee for Claremont Unified School District; and Claremont AYSO. He is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in economics.

Royce Stutzman
Life Member 2007
Joined Fair Association: 1990

Royce Stutzman is chairman of Vicenti, Lloyd and Stutzman. He serves on L.A. County Fair La Verne community committee. He is a member of American Institute of CPAs, California Society of CPAs, National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts and American Society of Appraisers. Stutzman is a graduate of University of La Verne.

Ben Su
Association Member
Joined Fair Assocation: 2014

President, Prosperity Wealth Management Property Group working with local as well as Chinese, Indonesian, Filipino and Hispanic communities in providing resource services. He serves on the CTEC Junior Fair board advisory committee. He also volunteers with a number of organizations including Foundation for Disabled Youth and is a mentor with Asian American Professional Association.

Emmett L. Terrell
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2004

Emmett Terrell retired in 2010 as deputy superintendent of personnel services with the Pomona Unified School District, a position he held since 1988. He is currently on the board of trustees for University of La Verne and serves on the CTEC steering committee and the LA County Fair Pomona Community committee. Terrell received a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of La Verne and a master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University.

Edward Tessier
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2004

Edward Tessier is the director of Designs for Independence since 1989. He is also a consultant for numerous organizations on ADA and urban planning issues. He is president of JEVED Management, an urban real estate firm and helped design and develop Pomona Arts Colony and Emporia Arts District in downtown Ontario. He serves on the CTEC steering committee. He is president and founder of School of Arts and Enterprise, a State of California charter high school serving the IE and a trustee and educator at Western University for Health Sciences. Tessier serves on the advisory board of Center for Disability and is a guest lecturer on disability, cultural arts and economic development. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Pomona College, graduating summa cum laude.

Gary L. Thomas
Life Member 2010
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Gary Thomas served as director Pasadena Tournament of Roses and as 2002-03 Tournament of Roses president. He worked for Southern California Gas Company until his retirement in 1997; is active in Pasadena Optimists Club; and a member of the Telecommunications Association. He serves as keeper for L.A. County Sheriff Departments Court Services. Thomas is a graduate of University of New Mexico.

John Todd
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 1992

John Todd is director of Todd Memorial Chapel. He is a member of Los Angeles County Funeral Directors Association, Orange Belt Funeral Directors Association and California Funeral Directors Association. He serves on the LACFA investment committee. Todd is past president and director of Pomona Host Lions Club. He is a graduate of Pomona High School and University of Southern California.

Ronald Vander Molen
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Ron Vander Molen is owner of Vander Molen Fine Art Gallery in Pasadena, as well as Vander Molen Estate Liquidations here in Pomona. He serves on LACFA Pomona community committee; and TLC Art Center Advisory Committee; and boards of Pomona Heritage Society and Fairplex Friends. He is a past President of the Ganesha Hills Homeowners Association. He is a former City of Pomona Planning Commissioner, and has served on several other boards throughout the City of Pomona. He is a member of the Pomona Rotary Club, California Art Club and Historic Council Collections.

Mark Warren
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 2002

Mark Warren is owner and operator of Mark Warren Realty and Investments, specializing in residential property management and is a licensed general contractor. He is the recipient of 2004 Pomona Valley YMCA P. George Kostoff Award. He is an active member of Pomona Valley YMCA for 30 years, serving as director and chairman of the organization and is currently on the board of directors for Pomona YMCA, Pomona Chamber of Commerce and PVHMC Foundation. Warren is a member of Pomona Kiwanis Club. He attended Pomona public schools, Mt. Sac and Cal Poly Pomona.

Richard Yochum
Association Member
Joined Fair Association: 1995

Rich Yochum is President and CEO of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. He serves on the Board of Voluntary Hospitals of America; IVHP, CHIA/OPTIMA; HASC; and the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. He is a graduate of Loyola University, Los Angeles and earned a master’s degree from Cornell University.

Team Fairplex