Board of Directors

2024 board members (l to r): Kirk Gafill (Chair), Elsa Mendoza Jimenez (Vice Chair) Jesse Lopez, CPA (Treasurer), Kathleen Lee (Secretary), Dr. Rolando Cabrera, Mary Claypool, Robert Cullen, Deneen Guss, Romero Jalomo, Giff Lehman, Adriana Melgoza, René Mendez, Larry Oda, Colby Pereira, Joe Pezzini, Francine Rodd, Julie Roth, 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.

2024 Board of Directors

Kirk Gafill (Chair), President/Chief Financial Officer, 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
Kathleen Lee (Secretary), Executive Director, Point Lobos Foundation
Dr. Rolando Cabrera, Medical Director, La Gloria Medical Clinic
Mary Claypool, Owner, Claypool Consulting
Robert Cullen, Owner, Robert Cullen Insurance & Financial Services Agency, Council Member City of King
Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools
Romero Jalomo, Vice President of Student Affairs, Hartnell Community College
Giff Lehman, Founder, Integris Wealth Management (Retired)
Adriana Melgoza, Familias Con Mas Director, Ventures
René Mendez, City Manager, City of Watsonville
Larry Oda, Community Volunteer, 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
Jennifer L. Walker, Attorney/Principal, Leach & Walker
Tyller Williamson, Mayor of Monterey