Richard Branson President
Board Member since January 2006

Education: MBA in marketing
Professional Background: Marketing Manager for Sun Maid, Sunsweet and Diamond Walnut ingredients sales prior to co-founding Pacific Ingredient Exchange in 1985 of which he is now president.
Origin: Native Northern Californian born in Ukiah, lived in Sacramento, Davis, and Stockton before moving to Aptos in 1996.

Chuck Hewitt Vice President
Board Member since August 2004

Education: Graduate of San Jose State.
Professional background: Insurance company executive with over 40 years of management experience. Currently the Claims VP for the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group in Santa Cruz.
Origin: Bronx, NY. California resident since 1966.
Motivation: Committed to changing the lives of at-risk youth.
Favorite childhood activity: Dating.
Childhood career aspiration: Mathematics - but gave that up after taking Freshman Calculus.

Roger Swenson Secretary
Board Member since October 2004

Education: Graduate of UC Santa Barbara
Professional background: Thirty-three years working at Graniterock
Origin: Born in Fullerton, CA. Lived in Santa Cruz County since 1959.
Motivation: Mentorship is so very important to children's growth.
Favorite childhood activity: Swimming, surfing, and waterskiing
Childhood career aspiration: Elementary school teacher

Diane Lipska Treasurer
Board Member since September 2010

Education:   AS in Banking & Finance from Cabrillo College.
Professional background:  Been in the Banking & Finance industry for 33 years. For the last 6 years at Bay Federal Credit Union as Vice President of Electronic Services.
Origin: I grew up in Napa, but Santa Cruz was always “home” as my grandparents, parents, and their siblings were born, raised and living in Santa Cruz. We moved from Napa back “home” to Santa Cruz in 1974.
Motivation:  I wish to serve both the community and children.  I have greatly benefitted from many friendships and mentors throughout my career and understand the value and gifts of mentoring relationships. Serving with BBBS is the perfect fit to share both my business expertise and my passion, giving me the opportunity to  “pay it forward” and to make a difference in the lives of children in our community.  
Favorite childhood activity:  Gymnastics and tumbling in the front yard for hours on end and body surfing at Sunny Cove.

Karley Pope
Board Member since May 2010

Education: BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a concentration in Special Event Management.
Professional background: Director of Promotions and Entertainment for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk since 2006.
Origin: Santa Cruz, CA
Motivation:To see every child be the best they can be- made possible through mentoring relationships where they feel loved and special so they can thrive.
Favorite childhood activity: Swimming (swam competitively for 8 years), biking, and snowboarding
Childhood career aspiration: Photo journalist for National Geographic OR High school math teacher & activities director

Omid Aminifard
Board Member since August 2005, former Big Brother

Professional Background: After years at Sea World, Omid became Lead Ride Operator for the Giant Dipper roller coaster in San Diego.  Eventually, he made his move to the ever-expanding Las Vegas strip and was hired as a supervisor for the Rides and Attractions Department at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.  Always looking for a new challenge, Omid was hired as the Director of Tower Operations for the Stratosphere Tower.  After eight years in Las Vegas, he grew tired of the Las Vegas lifestyle.  Omid was offered the position of Arcades and Attractions Director at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and has since taken over the ride operations department.
Origin: Born and raised in Tehran, Iran. Omid arrived in San Diego, California, as a young boy.  
Childhood career aspiration: During a visit to Sea World, he found his calling in the amusement industry.