Devin is currently pursuing a career in law in hopes to become a corporate lawyer. Devin has taken his initial leap into a world of challenges as he endeavors in various opportunities in the legal arena. Devin currently heads a civil law practice in West Hollywood, for attorney veteran Robert J. Russo, as he tackles his LSAT’s in the summer of 2009 in hopes to attend Law School in 2010. Devin works part time for criminal lawyer, Peter Knecht, veteran lawyer for over 40 years in Los Angeles and is also working on a legal document servicing company that aide’s individual with common legal matters like drafting a will; incorporating a business or filing a small claims action. In addition Devin is a college graduate of California State University Northridge with a BS in Health and Human Development and is a Certified Personal Trainer.

BIO COMING SOON

Vickie is the Director of Finance for Fleming Entertainment Centers, operators of Northridge Skateland, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, and Mountasia Family Fun Center. She has been with Northridge Skateland for over 20 years in numerous capacities. Aside from handling the financial side of the businesses, she is also the community relations spokesperson. Additionally, she is responsible for all large group and private reservations for profit and not-for-profit groups, schools, businesses, birthday parties and filming. Skateland is a regular venue for celebrity parties, tv commercials and shows, music videos and more.

Vickie has a Business degree from Cal State Northridge in Marketing, Finance, and Real Estate.  In her free time, she volunteers for many non-profit organizations including her National Women’s Fraternity, Alpha Xi Delta as an Area Facilitator for three Chapters, LAPD Devonshire Police Activity League Supporters as the Secretary, the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce as the Immediate Past Chairperson, and of course, the SFV Jaycees.  Vickie also enjoys participating in 5 and 10k’s that benefit local and national non-profit groups and plans to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this September for the third year in a row.

Chad G. Charton is the Vice President of Marketing Development for FMS Financial Partners, Inc.  He is responsible for conducting extensive marketing and outreach efforts to identify candidates for the sophisticated and resourceful expertise offered by FMS Financial Partners, Inc.  He's also a licensed life, health, disability and long term care insurance broker.

Chad attended California State University, Northridge where he achieved a bachelors of science degree in business administration with a concentration in financial services. While at Northridge Chad he served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Associated Students, Inc., the acting student governance organization at the University where he was responsible for advocating the interests of nearly 34,000 students. In 2006, Chad was appointed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve on the California Student Aid Commission. Further, Chad has served on the Board of Directors for the California State Student Association and the National Board of Directors of Consumers for Competitive Choice.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association for California State University, Northridge.  

Shannah Compton is a partner of Stanley L. Compton (SLC) Insurance Services, Inc., an innovative insurance and financial services agency that is privileged to represent over 80 Life, Disability, Health, and Long Term Care Companies. Based in the greater Los Angeles area, SLC Insurance provides specialized services combined with competitive products from highly rated insurance companies to offer our clients a distinct advantage for their short and long-term insurance and financial planning needs.

Shannah is also working hard to build a division dedicated to young professionals educating them about the principles of a strong financial foundation.

Shannah also has over 10 years of marketing and business consulting expertise in such diverse industries including Real Estate, Financial Services, and Entertainment.  One of her proudest accomplishments is her creation of a national student film festival, Hometown Cinema, Inc. in her sophomore year of college which she ran for over 5 years. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to think outside the box, and a passion for creating unique niche opportunities in all her business ventures.

Shannah holds a B.A. degree in Arts Management from Indiana University and an M.B.A. degree from Pepperdine University.

Richard Congersky
Senior Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch, Inc.

BIO COMING SOON

Megan Cottier is a Field Deputy for Councilman Greig Smith with the City of Los Angeles Council District 12.  She has been coordinating events as well as assisting with community outreach for the Councilman since 2007.  Prior to working with the City, Megan worked in Member Services for the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.  She sits on the Board of Directors for the West Valley Alliance and for Ride on Therapeutic Horsemanship.  Megan graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2007 with a BA degree in Communications.

When Megan isn't working, she enjoys traveling to strange and exotic locations, horseback riding, reading (especially books about travel), photography and shopping. 

Mitchell Englander is the Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith. In addition, Mitch is very active in civic and philanthropic activities. He currently serves on numerous boards of directors including The American Diabetes Association and Chairs the LA Political Roast, San Fernando Valley Jaycees and Chairs the Annual Alumni Gala, Providence Holy Cross Hospital and Chairs the Care Can't Waite Honorary Committee, North Valley Family YMCA and Chairs the Annual Booster Dinner and Capitol Campaign Pacesetter Committee and is active in the Parent/Child Guide Program, Kadima Academy Board of Trustees, Valley Leadership Institute-Advisory Committee, The Police Activities League (PALS), New Directions For Youth, and New Horizons. Mitch is a graduate of the Valley Leadership Institute and recently served as a Commission on the State Bar. Mitch is also a Reserve Los Angeles Police Officer and was president of both of his Academy classes.

Timothy Gaspar, owner of Timothy Gaspar Insurance Services, is a well-respected insurance specialist. His company is located within the confines of Financial Management Services (FMS), a 34-year-old financial planning firm that caters to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Gaspar currently insures one of the largest homes in Southern California and has written a variety of unique property, identity theft and kidnap/ransom policies. Gaspar is known for unparalleled customer service and discretion, he will go to great lengths to provide privacy and protection for high-profile clients, including house calls and off-hour appointments.

Gaspar's property and casualty expertise was honed at Wheatman Insurance Services, where he was the Top Agent and President's Award winner for five consecutive years. Other specialties include life, health, umbrella, commercial, professional, worker's compensation, kidnap and ransom, collectibles and identity theft insurance. His firm represents Mercury, Travelers, Hartford, AIG, Progressive and Allied Insurance, among others.

David Gonzalez, Jr.
Branch Manager
Affinity Bank

BIO COMING SOON

Dana Haber, Owner of Haber Event Group is an Event Planner with a creative and inquisitive spirit. Coordinating Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Corporate Events keeps her busy and she loves every moment of it. Dana began her career in the special events industry at the age of 15 when she accepted her first job working in the coat room and as a waitress during bar mitzvah & wedding receptions at Temple Ramat Zion of Northridge. At the time, Dana did not realize that she would find fulfillment in that very industry. In 2007, Dana officially opened Haber Event Group. Dana’s clients are consistently astonished by her innovative ideas, high standards, and talent for remaining calm under pressure.

Max Haghighi is the Chief Executive Officer of Syndicated Insurance Agency, the Limited Liability Company he co-founded in 2004. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Information Management Systems from the University of Phoenix in June of 2000. Max first came to the insurance industry in 1999 through Blue Cross of California where he handled benefit issues and processed claims. In 2001, Max accepted a position as an account coordinator with GNW-Evergreen Insurance Services where he acquired his Life and Health Agent License. He completed his Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation in 2003. He has proudly called the city of Northridge his home since 1978.

Clark Hill is a Realtor with Century 21 All Moves. He has been helping buyers and sellers in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas for years. Last year Clark received his California Real Estate Broker License to better assist his clients. He is also designated by the National Association of Realtors as an e-Pro, establishing his knowledge and commitment to the use of technology in the world of real estate.

Clark is a member of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, for which he serves as vice-chair of the Education Committee.  His transaction experience includes working with buyers, sellers, houses, townhouses, condos, land, estates, credit unions, loss-mitigation, 1031 Exchanges, BPOs, etc. His clients have included doctors, engineers, lawyers, real-estate developers and brokers, government employees, non-profit organizations, and more.

In addition to real estate, Clark enjoys water and snow sports, fine cuisine and wine, and weekly games of Kickball. Clark is also very involved in the community and serves on several local committees and boards of directors. He also donates to his charity of choice, Easter Seals, with every transaction he completes.

Leslie Kaz is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Syndicated Insurance Agency, the Limited Liability Company he co-founded in 2004. Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, to parents with strong Midwestern values, Leslie attended Western Illinois University in Macomb before exchanging that region's brutal winters for life in southern California in 1989. After acquiring his Life and Health Agent License in 1994, he did his initial training with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, where he specialized in helping public and private school teachers maximize their retirement benefits. Later he became Senior Account Manager at GNW-Evergreen Insurance Services. There he spent ten years managing group and individual policies of all types and sizes. To further his knowledge of the industry, Leslie completed his Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation in 2003. Married to a merchandiser for Macy's in Northridge, Marcella Villalobos, Leslie makes his home in Granada Hills.

BIO COMING SOON

Vahid is a stock research analyst providing in-depth analysis for banks, mutual funds, and other investment groups. He mainly works on analyzing small market capitalization companies, as well as providing analysis on current economic conditions.

Vahid became a financial analyst after spending seven years as an executive of a computer wholesale company. Vahid's experience at the executive level, where he was involved in multi-million dollar transactions, and in-depth analysis to make market timed purchases, contributes to his work as an analyst. This past experience allows Vahid to better understand what companies are attempting and how successful their ventures will be.

Vahid is a Board Member for the Encino Chamber of Commerce.  For leisure, Vahid is an avid weightlifter and medium distance jogger. As the trunk of his car will attest, he is always prepared for a pick up game of almost any sport. Vahid also enjoys reading any book he can get his hands on.

Alan Lewis is an emerging civic entrepreneur and leader whose background is colorful, and experience unique. During his early twenties, Alan found himself in the midst of the “dotcom” explosion, as a co-founder of SpinRecords.com. After the “dotcom” implosion, Alan enrolled in college, earning an AA in Social Science from College of the Canyons and joined the Jaycees to implement a hands-on business education program known as Project-ECHO, and was subsequently appointed to the SCV Jaycee’s Board of Directors as the VP of Management. During his early tenure with the SCV Jaycees, Alan became the chapter’s first Executive VP, founded the Government Affairs Committee, co-founded the SCV Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate Academy, graduated from the Leadership SCV program, and successfully implemented the Project ECHO program into three high schools. Thereafter, Alan re-focused on the private sector having formed the Stonecutter Group, his current company, in 2004.

Now in his early thirties, Alan has the distinction of being the Charter President and 2007 Chairman of the SFV Jaycees, and a recipient of the SFVBJ’s “Top 40 Under 40” honor in 2006. Alan serves on the Mid Valley Family YMCA’s Board of Managers, is a member of the Financial Oversight Committee for the Girl Scouts of the SFV, and Joint Task Force on the Green Agenda for the Economic Alliance of the SFV. Alan has been involved in raising over $30m in corporate growth and not-for-profit financing, has successfully founded, grown, and sold enterprises. Alan’s firm is actively involved in leadership and financing of emerging enterprises, civic initiatives, and economic development projects, and Alan’s ultimate goal is to engender public/private partnerships for the financing and growth of responsible and sustainable enterprises that benefit the greater good.

Heidi Mankoff
Principal
Tall Ideas, LLC
www.tallideas.net

Heidi Mankoff, Principal of Tall Ideas, is an engaging visionary, strategist, educator, facilitator, and development professional with fifteen years of experience working for organizations in the not-for-profit, education, healthcare, theme park, beauty, fitness, entertainment, retail, technology, sustainability, real estate and financial services industries. 

Having owned and managed several successful small business ventures herself, Heidi has a deep-rooted understanding of the opportunities and challenges that small business owners face each day.  She is passionate about seeing her clients realize their dreams, and is known for her creative, “outside the box” thinking. 

Heidi has spent countless hours working with not-for-profit organizations, and is a particular expert at helping small businesses maximize their shoestring budgets. 

She holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing from California State University Northridge, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Spanish from Whittier College.  She enjoys sports, cooking, traveling, concerts and spending time with her dogs, Einstein & Newton.

Juliet has a background working for the local government and non-profit industries as well as working with an international public relations firm serving celebrities and authors.  Her past experiences as a communications professional include managing projects for all levels of local and state government, speech writing for government officials and producing a series of television segments advocating car safety for children featuring local legislators.  She has also worked with regional and national media writing press releases and coordinating publicity and has published numerous articles for a variety of magazines, newspapers and news websites. 

Cindy has been practicing public accounting since 2001.  She has worked primarily with large local and regional firms in the Southern California area.  Her practice areas include providing audit and tax services to privately held clients in the manufacturing, insurance, real estate and services industries, as well as technical consulting for public companies in the area of stock based compensation and financial reporting. 

Cindy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University Northridge in 2001.  She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.  She serves on the board of directors for the San Fernando Valley Jaycees, the Girl Scouts of America, and is actively involved in the San Fernando Valley business community.

Anush Orudzhyan is the Development Coordinator for Valley Village, a thirty-seven year old agency in the San Fernando Valley serving people with developmental disabilities. She is responsible for developing and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, board members and community members. Anush is dedicated to finding sustainable funding for Valley Village. Her grace and personal style make donors feel comfortable and at ease when discussing the organization.

Prior to working at Valley Village, Anush was the Development Coordinator for Boy Scouts. She holds a BS in Recreation and Business Management from California State University at Northridge.

Wendy Phelps
Owner
More is Available Coaching & Consulting

Wendy helps individuals reconnect to their purpose and live it.   Be it as a coach, a consultant or a speaker, Wendy weaves best practices from business, education and practical spirituality into all that she does. 

As a coach, Wendy partners with individuals to brand and expand small businesses, manage career transitions, manage life transitions and address work/life balance issues.  As a consultant, she partners with organizations to assist with corporate coaching programs, employee assistance programs and special projects in the areas of assessment, marketing, event planning, communications and human resources.  As a speaker, Wendy increases participant understanding and action in the areas of communication, recruitment, retention, supervision, organizational change and work/life balance.  

Wendy's love for this line of work started as an undergraduate when she held a variety of student leadership positions all of which involved extensive training in the areas of listening, communication, problem-solving and directing others to appropriate resources.  This lead to a Masters Degree in Leadership, nearly 15 years of professional experience and well over 1,000 hours invested in her personal and professional development.

In addition to growing her coaching and consulting business, Wendy also enjoys serving as a part-time university professor teaching Leadership, Marketing and Entrepreneurialism at her alma mater, Cal State Northridge.

Nick Ramirez
Manager
California Pizza Kitchen

Nick received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema and Television Arts in 2007 from California State University Northridge. He was involved in several Executive Boards on and off campus including New Student Orientation and Director of Clubs and Organizations for the Associated Students. As a member of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, Nick was elected to serve as the Vice President and New Member Educator during his undergraduate career and was elected Outstanding Graduating Senior in 2007 for his dedication to the advancement of his fraternity, his participation in community involvement and his academic achievement.

Currently, Nick is a full time manager for California Pizza Kitchen. Yes, he would be more than happy to buy you a dessert if you mention this paragraph when you stop in to see him! For the SFV Jaycees, Nick currently serves as the chapter's Membership Vice President.