Staff

Alfredo
Camarena, Jr.

Communications Coordinator

559-825-6189

Role

Supports with the Foundation’s strategic communications efforts. Responsible for supporting CVCF’s graphic design and website management needs while ensuring consistent branding and messaging.

Education

B.A. Mass Communications and Journalism - Multimedia Production Fresno State

A.A. Administration of Justice Fresno City College

Fun Fact

Alfredo and 50 Cent share the same birth date; every year on that day, the first song Alfredo plays during his morning jog is “In Da Club”

Angela
Castellanos

Program Manager (Community Economic Resilience Fund)

angela@centralvalleycf.org

Role

Oversees the Valley CERF Coalition in Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare Counties.

Education

BA - Political Economy & Latin American Literature UC Berkeley

Fun Fact

Angela’s favorite hobby is learning new hobbies.

Artie
Padilla

Director of DRIVE Initiatives

artie@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 250-6860

Role

Coordinates the 14 DRIVE initiatives to reach the ultimate goal of an inclusive economy in the Central Valley.

Education

BA - Business Administration CSU Northridge

Certificates: CRI Trauma Informed Trainer, VORP Facilitation, ACE Fitness Instructor

Fun Fact

Artie appreciates all forms of recreation, including riding bikes and horses.

Ashley
Swearengin

President & CEO

ashley@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6185

Role

Oversees the overall management and direction of the Foundation.

Education

BS – Business Administration Fresno State University

MBA Fresno State University

Fun Fact

Ashley is not a native Californian. She was born and raised in the southern midwest and still has close family ties in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Her favorite pastime is doing anything with her family!

Blanca
Williams

Executive Assistant to the CEO

blanca@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 226-5600

Role

Provides administrative support to the executive office, board of directors, and Impact Team, including scheduling and coordination of events.

Education

BS – Kinesiology, Exercise Science Fresno State

Fun Fact

Blanca has over 20 house plants and has quite the collection of Starbucks coffee tumblers.

Caty
Perez

Senior Philanthropy Officer

caty@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6187

Role

Works with individuals, corporations, and foundations on strategic and purposeful giving to create a lasting impact.

Education

BA - Applied Mathematics Fresno Pacific University

MA - Education Leadership and Administration California State University, Fresno

Fun Fact

Caty is an expert in all things Bravo TV related and a big Taylor Swift fan.

Cesar
Lucio

Regional Economic Competitiveness Officer

cesar@centralvalleycf.org

Role

Responsible for providing coordination for the Fresno-Merced Future of Food (F3) Initiative to establish the infrastructure needed to support collective impact.

Education

BS – Accounting Valle del Bravo University, Mexico

MBM - Master of Business Management Phoenix University

The John Maxwell Team International Leadership Certification

Fun Fact

Cesar really enjoys spending time with his family and is passionate about cooking.

Chelsea
Chapman, PhD

Senior Research Analyst

chelseac@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 226-5600

Role

Develops and evolves measurement and evaluation infrastructure for CVCF initiatives, builds community partners' evaluation capacity, and uses data to tell the story of CVCF’s impact on inclusive economic growth.

Education

BA & MA - Communication San Diego State University

PhD – Public Health: Health Behavior UC San Diego & San Diego State University

Fun Fact

Chelsea is a big fan of heights! Last year, she enjoyed hanging over Toronto’s CN Tower Skyscraper above 1,000 feet. The next “height-adventure” of her dreams is Austria’s Stairway to Heaven Via Ferrata.

Christy
Patch, JD, PhD

Director of Collective Impact

christy@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6188

Role

Works to maximize the impact of investments made in the Foundation’s programs and initiatives and leads measurement and evaluation efforts.

Education

Ph.D. Public Health UC San Diego

JD UC Davis

MA - Kinesiology Fresno State University

BA - History UC Berkeley

Fun Fact

Christy’s favorite pastime is making homemade pasta dinners for friends and family!

Claudia
Ruiz Alvarez

Director of Donor Services

claudia@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6182

Role

Responsible for management of donor funds, customer service, and gift and fund intake.

Education

BS - Health Science Fresno State University

MPA - Public Administration Fresno State University

Fun Fact

Claudia has seen every episode of Law & Order SVU at least 20 times.

Danielle
Yoder

Compliance Manager

danielle@centralvalleycf.org

559-825-6195

Role

Implements CVCF’s systems to ensure proper project budgeting, oversight, compliance, and reporting from beginning to end. Collaborates across the organization, processes programmatic transactions, and supports grant intake, budget, and fund management responsibilities.

Education

BA - Psychology with a Minor in criminology Fresno State

Fun Fact

Danielle loves to read, watch horror movies, play on switch, and has recently taken up crochet. She's also a very big Taylor Swift fan.

Elize
Bradley, DrPH, JD

Senior Fellow - Health Equity

elize@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6181

Role

Responsible for ensuring that stakeholders across various sectors understand the health-related issues facing the region and are positioned to develop and implement strategies that address the needs of our most underserved communities.

Education

BA - Sociology Williams College

JD University of California, Los Angeles

DrPH - Health Policy and Management University of California, Berkeley

Fun Fact

Elize loves playing pickleball, Formula 1 racing, and doing anything near the ocean.

Heather M
Brown

Chief Operating Officer

heather@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6189

Role

Responsible for general operations, human resources, and board support. Leads the Impact Team.

Education

BA - Latin Language and Literature University of Richmond

MBA Averett University

Fun Fact

Heather is a West Coaster by way of Virginia.

Jaeden
Herms

DRIVE Fellow for Facing Fresno

jaeden@centralvalleycf.org

Role

Support the implementation of the Facing Fresno curriculum and campaign. Facing Fresno is a foundational component of the Fresno DRIVE theory of change that pursues the building of a shared understanding, analysis, and agreement on the impact of racism in Fresno.

Education

B.S. - Business Management, Teacher Credentialing Candidate in Social Studies Fresno Pacific University

Fun Fact

I have had the privilege of living in four countries across three continents: Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

James
Houston

Business Process, Systems and Data Analyst

james@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 226-5600

Role

Develops and maintains IT infrastructure, integrates process solutions, and analyzes data to improve performance.

Education

BS - Business Emphasis on Business Intelligence

Fun Fact

James can play the trumpet!

julie
vue

Senior Program Officer

julie@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6196

Role

Oversees racial equity and inclusion efforts and accountability for Foundation initiatives.

Education

B.A. UC Irvine

MA.Ed. CSU Long Beach

Fun Fact

In julie's spare time, she loves to cook and aspires to be a pitmaster.

Karanveer
Syal

Community Engagement Manager, DRIVE Initiative

kvsyal@centralvalleycf.org

559-226-5600

Role

Implement DRIVE's community engagement plan and strategies, develop original content to convey stories of the initiative's various components and community partners as to increase brand awareness by generating publicity, creating program content, and supporting implementation of public programs. Cultivate community and organizational partnerships to advance the foundation's mission and share its impact with the community.

Education

B.S. - Psychobiology UCLA

M.A. - Organizational Behavior Alliant International University, Fresno

Fun Fact

KV was born in Ohio, speaks 3 languages fluently, enjoys all forms of humor (especially standup), and appreciates learning people's life stories relating to their identity. Has danced in a bhangra performance (folk) and plays the tabla (classical Indian drums). He aspires to be an inspirational/motivational public speaker and is passionate about all things related to human behavior.

Karen
Quibal

Donor Services Associate

karenq@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6184

Role

Process payments, grants, and scholarships, for all externally advised funds.

Education

San Jose State University

Fun Fact

Karen likes to read, travel, and spend time with loved ones, and she recently got into playing video games.

Katherine
Schmarje Crockett, PhD

Senior Data Manager

katherine@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6186

Role

Evaluates CVCF initiatives, builds community partners’ evaluation capacity, and uses data to tell the story of CVCF’s impact on inclusive economic growth.

Education

BS - Health Sciences San Diego State University

MPH - Epidemiology University of California, Davis

PhD - Global Health San Diego State University & University of California, San Diego

Fun Fact

While conducting research in Uganda, Katie once had to challenge a troop of monkeys that were blocking her apartment building door. Thankfully, no monkeys or humans were harmed!

Kerri
Horn

Chief Financial Officer

kerri@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6180

Role

Responsible for fiscal compliance and financial management. Leads the Stewardship Team.

Education

BS - Accounting Fresno State University

MBA Fresno State University

Fun Fact

Kerri enjoys spending time with family on the coast.

Kimberly
Garner

Merced Regional Director

kimberly@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 226-5600

Role

Responsible for managing the Central Valley Opportunity Fund which addresses the economic and social well-being of individuals and their communities in Merced County.

Education

BA & MA - Art Fresno State

Fun Fact

In Kim's household, dogs outnumber humans. She has five Central Valley rescue mutts.

Kristina
Solberg

Community Relations Senior Manager

kristina@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6191

Role

Cultivates and grows relationships with Friends of the Foundation and assists with donor relations.

Education

MPA Fresno State University

BA - Political Science Fresno State

Fun Fact

Kristina teaches an American Government course at Clovis Community College.

Lindsey
Mariano

Administrative Manager

lindsey@centralvalleycf.org

559-825-6199

Role

Working with the CA Jobs First team to build a regional economic development plan and fund projects that create good jobs and climate-positive outcomes.

Education

BA - Exercise Science North Park University

MA - Human Services and Exercise Science Concordia University, Chicago

Fun Fact

Lindsey moved to a small island off the coast of NC to open and run a coffee shop. She still has a deep love for coffee, hospitality and community investment.

Nhung
Pham

Accounting Associate

nhung@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6200

Role

Process and maintain accounts payable, vendors, documentation, and check preparation for donor services grants and payables. Audit and process employee expense reports and reconcile monthly credit card statements.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Fresno State

Fun Fact

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I have been cooking the meal for my family every year since I was in high school.

Renee
Delport

Director of Communications

renee@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6183

Role

Develops and delivers a strategic compelling communications, public relations and marketing effort to advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities.

Education

BA - Mass Communications and Journalism Fresno State

MA - Educational Leadership and Administration Fresno State

Fun Fact

Renee loves spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, cooking, and watching sports.

Taylor
Kimber

Communications Manager

taylor@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6198

Role

Develops external communications and plans major events.

Education

BA -Communications and Media Technology Academy of Art University

Fun Fact

Taylor’s family runs a local newspaper.

Terry
Graham

Executive Assistant

terry@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 226-5600

Role

Assists staff with variety of projects.

Education

High School Diploma

45 Years of Marriage

Fun Fact

Terry enjoys family time with grandkids, long walks on the beach.

Travis
Jeffus

Controller

travis@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6193

Role

Responsible for fiscal compliance and financial management.

Education

BS - Accounting and Finance Fresno Pacific University

Fun Fact

Travis enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Zakary
Jobe

Staff Accountant

zakary@centralvalleycf.org

(559) 825-6194

Role

Assists with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, credit card reconciliation, and month-end close.

Education

BS - Business Administration Fresno State University

Fun Fact

Zakary likes to fish, kayak, and camp.

Alfredo
Camarena, Jr.

Communications Coordinator

Angela
Castellanos

Program Manager (Community Economic Resilience Fund)

Artie
Padilla

Director of DRIVE Initiatives

Ashley
Swearengin

President & CEO

Blanca
Williams

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Caty
Perez

Senior Philanthropy Officer

Cesar
Lucio

Regional Economic Competitiveness Officer

Chelsea
Chapman, PhD

Senior Research Analyst

Christy
Patch, JD, PhD

Director of Collective Impact

Claudia
Ruiz Alvarez

Director of Donor Services

Danielle
Yoder

Compliance Manager

Elize
Bradley, DrPH, JD

Senior Fellow - Health Equity

Heather M
Brown

Chief Operating Officer

Jaeden
Herms

DRIVE Fellow for Facing Fresno

James
Houston

Business Process, Systems and Data Analyst

julie
vue

Senior Program Officer

Karanveer
Syal

Community Engagement Manager, DRIVE Initiative

Karen
Quibal

Donor Services Associate

Katherine
Schmarje Crockett, PhD

Senior Data Manager

Kerri
Horn

Chief Financial Officer

Kimberly
Garner

Merced Regional Director

Kristina
Solberg

Community Relations Senior Manager

Lindsey
Mariano

Administrative Manager

Nhung
Pham

Accounting Associate

Renee
Delport

Director of Communications

Taylor
Kimber

Communications Manager

Terry
Graham

Executive Assistant

Travis
Jeffus

Controller

Zakary
Jobe

Staff Accountant