Board of Directors

Dave Canny

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Senior Manager

Dave Canny is North Bay & Sonoma Divisions Senior Manager at PG&E. In this capacity, Dave has matrixed responsibility for a team of cross-functional local leaders working together to coordinate the Company’s work, drive efficiency and processes improvement, and partner with local customers and communities in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties and the communities of Vallejo and Benicia. Dave has been with PG&E since 2006; until March of 2014, his focus was on the design and implementation of a variety of customer programs, with a focus on partnerships, including those with big box retailers, water agencies, and other program implementers and utilities. In the late summer of 2014 while serving as the interim Director of Customer Impact, he led PG&E’s customer outreach response to the Napa Earthquake. He serves on the executive board of the Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership and the board of the Marin Economic Forum.

Dave received his Masters of Environmental Policy and Management from Duke University and his BA from Dartmouth College. He is also a graduate of the Utility Executive Course at the University of Idaho. He lives in San Anselmo with his wife and two daughters.

Charlie Clifford

Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Bank of Marin

Charlie is a Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Bank of Marin and is responsible for managing the San Francisco commercial banking office and a middle market commercial banking group in Marin County. His banking groups focus on developing commercial lending relationships with companies that have annual revenues from $10 million to $100 million. Charlie has over 20 years of commercial banking experience where he has developed and managed relationships within many different industry segments including manufacturing, distribution, professional firms, construction, and real estate investment. He holds a B.A in international Studies from Vassar College and an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. Charlie lives in Mill Valley with his wife and three kids.

Supervisor Damon Connolly

Marin County Supervisor, District 1

Prior to serving the people of Marin County’s District 1 as County Supervisor, Damon spent seven years on the San Rafael City Council, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Dixie School District. Damon also was a founding member of the Marin Clean Energy Board of Directors, serving as Board Chair from June of 2011 to November of 2014.

A Bay Area native, Damon attended college and law school at UC Berkeley. He has lived in San Rafael for the past nineteen years with his wife, Dawn, and their two daughters. Before opening his own law practice in San Rafael, Damon was a Supervising Deputy California Attorney General, prosecuting the energy companies that gouged our state during the energy crisis of 2000-2001.

Damon’s priorities on the Board of Supervisors include ensuring that county agencies and government are responsive to the public, efficient and effective with their budgets. He is also dedicated to securing a healthy range of housing opportunities in Marin that fit within the character of our communities, addressing homelessness with every tool at our disposal, maximizing mobility and connectivity through effective transportation policy and planning, implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and preserving our open space.

Mary Friedman

Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development, Marin General Hospital

As the Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Marin General Hospital, Mary Friedman oversees strategic planning initiatives and leads new program and service development. This includes establishing relationships with outside organizations that enable Marin General Hospital to offer a greater breadth of services, as well as increased access to cutting edge technology, and medical expertise in the community.

Prior to joining Marin General Hospital, Mary worked at UC San Diego Health System leading their reference laboratory business operations and pricing strategy efforts. Mary also spent time at Accenture in the Health and Life Sciences Consulting Practice working with payers and providers to implement health information technologies where she helped establish the Center for Technology Integration at El Camino Hospital. Mary holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in Economics and Political Science and a master’s degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Healthcare Policy and Management. Mary grew up in the Bay Area and in her free time loves to be outdoors with her family.

Steve Fox

Chief Financial Officer,EO Products

Steve Fox is Chief Financial Officer for EO Products, an all-natural consumer products manufacturer based in San Rafael, CA. He has 25 years of experience helping companies operate more efficiently. Prior to EO, Steve was the Chief Financial Officer of Zocalo, an international furniture designer and wholesaler. He was the President of Start to Finish, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trek Bicycle Manufacturer where he successfully implemented a corporate turn-around. Steve also spent four years in international operations; two years with Premark International and two years with Fortune Brands. He began his career at Ernst and Young in Chicago.

Fox received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and has taken Executive Management classes at Harvard Business School. He holds a CPA license. On weekends, Fox can be found on the squash courts, the yoga mat, his vintage 1996 Trek carbon fiber or exploring the world with his two amazing sons Aidan and Carter.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of San Rafael and Member of Marin Forum. Past Board Treasurer for Nepal Youth Foundation; Current Board Member – Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership; Global volunteer experience: disaster relief work in the Philippines, development work in Kenya and teaching in Thailand.

Nina H. Gardner, J.D.

Partner & Executive Vice President at Filice Insurance Agency

Nina Gardner is Partner and Executive Vice President with Filice Insurance. Filice Insurance is a large California based employee benefits consultancy that has offices in San Rafael, San Jose, Moraga, Sacramento and Orange County. Nina manages the San Rafael office and focuses on relationship management, strategic benefit planning, and new client acquisition. Prior to joining Filice, Nina was an employment law attorney with Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold and Littler, Mendelson, both large, national law firms. Prior to law school, Nina worked as a manager of a broadcast union, N.A.B.E.T and as a paralegal for Wild, Carey & Fife. Nina holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature with highest honors from U.C. Berkeley and a J.D. from Berkeley Law (Boalt Hall School of Law) at U.C. Berkeley. She is also one of the co-founders and board members of Marin Business Forum.

Debi Geller

Business Development Manager, Nelson Staffing

Debi has held the role of Business Development Manager for Nelson Staffing’s Marin office for over 6 years. She works with small and large companies of all kinds to help them make good decisions regarding hiring, temporary staffing, and compliance. Debi’s years of teaching, fundraising, ad sales, and writing have led her to a successful career in staffing, which combines her passions for education, negotiating, and team-building. Debi earned her BA in French Studies and an Emergency Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, a certificate of course completion from L’Alliance Francaise in Paris, and is a graduate of the San Rafael Chamber Leadership Institute. She holds numerous volunteer positions including Board of Directors for the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, Board Liaison for the San Rafael Chamber Leadership Institute, BNI Membership Team, San Rafael Chamber Women of Industry Co-Chair, past PA Co-President for JCHS, Marin IGI Committee of the Jewish Federation, Congregation Rodef Shalom Board Selection committee, Marin Human Resources past Membership Chair, Marin Forum member. Debi raised her two daughters in San Rafael, and is enjoying watching their success in college.

Karen Hawkey

VP, Retail Banking Manager, Opus Bank

Karen is a thirty year veteran in business and financial service and a twenty year North Bay resident; is a graduate of the USD, California Professional School of Banking and has served on various boards, before this the most recent appointment to the Marin Economic Forum. Karen currently represents Opus Bank as VP and Retail Banking Manager serving the North Bay and San Francisco markets. The previous seven years served as VP and Branch Manager for Citibank’s San Rafael Northgate Office while participating in her passion of local community outreach.

Sherie Hickman

Administrator, Novato Community Hospital

Sherie Hickman is the Administrator for Novato Community Hospital located in Novato, CA which is part of the Sutter Health system, a position she has held since January, 2017. With 47 licensed beds, Novato Community Hospital has the distinction of offering high touch plus high quality services. In November, 2017, the hospital achieved the distinction of being only the 6th in California and 58th in the country to attain Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement procedures by the Joint Commission.

Prior to joining Sutter Health, Ms. Hickman served at the Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer for Sequoia Hospital, part of the Dignity Health organization. Sequoia has 204 licensed beds and provides a range of specialty services including elective and emergent cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, cardiovascular and robotic surgery. The hospital is a Joint Commission certified stroke center and has achieved Gold Plus Quality status from the American Heart Association for its stroke program. During Ms. Hickman’s tenure, Sequoia Hospital attained many other special designations, including: (1) one of the 50 Best Hospitals for 2013 as measured by Healthgrades; (2) 2014 Consumer Reports #1 rating in California, and in the top 15 hospitals in the country for heart surgery; and (3) Birth Center voted as “best birth center” and “best hospital’ in 2014 by Bay Area Parent magazine. Ms. Hickman served as the Executive Sponsor for the 147,000 square foot, $290 million new hospital Pavilion which opened in October, 2014.

David Hofele

President/Partner, International ProInsurance LLC

As President and CEO of ProInsurance, David is responsible for strategic planning, client development and carrier relations. David’s experience includes senior management positions with Willis-HRH, a leading global insurance broker, as well as managing partner and general counsel responsibilities with Palmer & Cay, a large privately-held brokerage firm based in Savannah, Georgia.

David has over 20 years’ experience building and managing insurance brokerage operations, developing client relations and overseeing production teams. David earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Marquette University and a law degree from St Louis University School of Law. He currently resides in Mill Valley with his wife and three daughters.

Tim Howard

General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Novato–Marin/Sonoma

Tim Howard has over 18 years in the Hospitality Industry with Marriott International. Tim attended the University of North Carolina studying Business Administration. He has been a General Manager with Marriott for over 14 years. Currently he is the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Novato; a hotel that offers services and accommodations to area transient business and leisure travelers. Tim moved to Marin in 2007 where he lived in Sausalito, San Rafael, Novato and now lives with his wife and family in Petaluma.

Tim served as served as a Board Member of the Novato Chamber of Commerce for 6 years, as Chamber Board President in 2015, as well as the Chairperson on the Novato Tourism Committee of the Chamber. He also is a Board Member for the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tim is a Past-President, and District Representative of the RotarACT Club of Novato, a Community Service based club affiliated with Rotary International for 18-30 year-olds. In his free time, Tim volunteers at the Marin Humane Society and the Novato Humane Needs Center. He likes to travel, cook and play sports. He enjoys socializing with friends, and visits his family in North Carolina whenever possible.

Kevin Kearney

Real Estate Professional

I am passionate about helping others. Whether flipping burgers at a neighborhood barbecue or serving on the board of a local non-profit. My job as a real estate professional has been no different. I’ve sold over 200 homes in the last 12 years with incredible success. I hope you’ll think of me when it comes time to sell your home or buy a new one. I’ll take great care of you.

Throughout my real estate career, I have specialized in San Francisco and Marin counties. I frequently guide sellers of single family homes and condos through the detailed selling process and customize their marketing programs. I also represent buyers who are first time home buyers, second home buyers and investors navigate the complex real estate market. My strong network of other real estate agents and service providers in the Bay Area will help you get where you wan to go.

Justin Kudo

Deputy Director of Account Services, MCE Clean Energy

Justin is the Deputy Director of Accounts Services for MCE, coordinating billing operations and account services, analyzing customer impacts, building data models, and providing expertise on PG&E programs. Over the last six years, Justin has worked with PG&E to ensure proper integration of the two programs, including maintaining customer access to services and improving billing and messaging. In particular, Justin works closely with impacts for solar customers and the future of Net Energy Metering Policies.

Prior to working with MCE, Justin worked as a political consultant specializing in renewable energy development and policy, serving clients including Florida Power & Light, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the California Solar Energy Industries Association. Justin also was a Planning Commissioner and Chair of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Davis.

Zachary Kushel

Director and Head of Business Development, Glassdoor

Zachary Kushel leads Business Development for Glassdoor, the world’s most transparent jobs and careers community. Glassdoor, based in Mill Valley, CA and founded in 2007, works to help people everywhere find jobs and companies they love. Zach joined Glassdoor in February 2015 and leads a team of Business Development professionals across North America and Europe that owns strategic partnerships for the company. In his role, Zach also oversees product partnerships and serves as general manager for multiple revenue-generating programs. Prior to joining Glassdoor, Zach spent three-plus years at Cisco in San Jose, CA, building partnerships with the global public sector and advising the company’s senior executives on public policy matters.

Zach earned his Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, focusing on International& Global Affairs. While at the Kennedy School, he was elected by his classmates to serve as Executive Vice President of the student government. Zach completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and American Studies. He currently resides with his wife in Corte Madera, CA.

Mary O’Mara, MBA

Executive Director, Marinlink & Co-Executive Director, Marin Arts

Mary Mariani O’Mara is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Marinlink. She has grown MarinLink from an idea to an effective nonprofit and fiscal sponsor umbrella for more than 100 Marin County based projects. She brings her teaching experience in both schools and nonprofits, and business acumen to create infrastructure and support for MarinLink community based projects, programs, and initiatives. She is currently a Core Adjunct with National University. Mary grew up in Marin County and is a graduate of San Domenico High School, San Francisco State University, and she holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Dominican University of California.

Karah Parschauer

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Ultragenyx

Karah Parschauer joined Ultragenyx as Executive Vice President, General Counsel in June 2016. In this role, she is responsible for leading the company’s legal, compliance, and corporate governance and government affairs functions.

Before joining Ultragenyx, Ms. Parschauer spent 11 years at Allergan plc, most recently as Vice President, Associate General Counsel. In this role, she served as Head of Legal and Compliance for Allergan’s Medical Aesthetic division and Chief Privacy Officer. Prior to joining Allergan, Ms. Parschauer was an Associate Attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP where she practiced in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate governance. Ms. Parschauer received her B.A. in Biology, magna cum laude, from Miami University. She received her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She is a member of the State Bars of California and Illinois.

Elizabeth Pratt ED.D.

Dean of Career & Technical Education and Economic Workforce Development at the College of Marin

Dr. Elizabeth Pratt is currently the Dean of Career & Technical Education and Economic Workforce Development at the College of Marin. She leads the Career Technical Education and Business, Computer Studies Divisions and oversees the Economic Workforce Department which administers over $4 million in annual workforce grants.

Beth has over twenty years’ leadership experience in the California Community College system as an administrator and adjunct business faculty at College of Marin, Napa Valley College, and Solano College. She has a passion for entrepreneurship and helping students of all ages to reach their career goals. She is an ardent community collaborator that strives to enhance community college, business and industry, as well as non-profit and K-12 partnerships.

Beth has been on the board of directors for the California Community College Association of Occupational Educators, served on numerous chambers of commerce, local workforce investment board, and brings with her strong statewide and North Bay connections in business and other sectors.

She has a bachelor’s degree in History from Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon, an MBA in International Business from the Monterey (Middlebury) Institute of International Studies, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Brandman University.

Jeff Scharosch

General Manager, Spinnaker Restaurant

Jeff has been actively involved in the Hospitality restaurant business for over 20 years with the past 15 years being in Sausalito as a general manager of the Spinnaker Restaurant. Additionally he is an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco Hospitality Industry Management Program.

Vivien Straus

Manager, Straus Ranch and Cheese Trail Map; Actress

Vivien grew up on her family’s dairy in Marshall. At first she ran away from the remote existence to become an actress. When her brother, Albert, transitioned the dairy to organic in 1993 and opened Straus Family Creamery, she came back to help in order to make sure the farm survived. She served as VP of Marketing of Straus Family Creamery for eleven years, worked as the Public Relations Coordinator at Cowgirl Creamery and currently manages Straus Home Ranch and its vacation rental. She created and manages the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail project and California’s CheeseTrail.org. In addition, she recently completed a run of her one-woman show “E-i-E-i-OY! In Bed with the Farmer’s Daughter”

Christian Thwaites

Chief Strategist, Brouwer & Janachowski

Christian Thwaites is Chief Strategist and partner at Brouwer & Janachowski, a Mill Valley, CA based investment management firm. He works on the firm’s asset allocation strategy, investments and with key clients from the legal industry. He writes the firm’s blogs on investment and wealth strategies.

Christian has worked in the investment management industry for three decades in the US, Europe and Asia. He started as an investment analyst, progressed to equity portfolio manager, business and sales development and general manager. He has experience in multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income, international and emerging markets. He has worked as Chief Executive & Investment Officer at Sentinel Investment, CEO of Skandia Global Funds, a London based fund company and head of marketing at American Skandia, a leader in the variable annuity and multi-manager fund business.

Christian was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel, which managed over $28bn in, fixed income and equities for institutional and retail clients. He managed the equity and fixed income investment teams, including oversight of the portfolio managers, analysts and trading operations.

Christian has written for Investment News, Forbes, Advisor Perspectives and Ignites and appeared monthly on CNBC and Bloomberg TV and radio from 2007 to 2013. He gave frequent public speeches sponsored by national broker dealers, Bloomberg and the CFA Institute.