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Meet The Team

President

Liz Lin

Liz oversees the Foundation's day-to-day operations to ensure that the organization's mission is aligned with the needs of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Additionally, she works with the Board and staff to ensure that the organization's short- and long-term strategic objectives are being met.

Tara

Vice President of Development

Tara Gurlides

Tara oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts from events to annual fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, and more. She develops and identifies additional giving opportunities such as matching gifts, legacy gifts, sponsorships, and major gifts.

Rianna

Director of Communications

Rianna Rizzuto

Rianna leads communication efforts to increase brand awareness of the organization and amplifies its needs through various channels, including the Foundation's monthly newsletter and local news agencies. She develops communications and marketing strategies, talking points, and other communication materials to advance the work of the Foundation.

Robin

Director of Programs

Robin Blau

Robin oversees the Foundation’s Programs, including Adopt-A-Fire-Station, Canine Therapy, Youth Programs, and more. She manages program funding, critical equipment, and resource purchases, ensuring donor resources align with the LAFD’s priority needs.

Ronni

Social Media Manager

Ronni Gallegos

Ronni is responsible for managing the LAFD Foundation's social media platforms. She producing engaging content that highlights the breadth and scope of what the Foundation does. She manages the social media calendar, tracks key metrics, and collaborates with other team members on general communication materials.

Development Associate

Marisa Martinez-Wall

Marisa supports the Vice Presedent of Development in executing fundraising initiatives, coordinating campaigns and events, and assisting with donor engagement and stewardship efforts.

Programs Associate

Angelica Perez

Angie plays a key supporting role in coordinating and executing Foundation programs. Working closely with the Director of Programs, she assists in special projects and manages the Adopt-A-Fire-Station Program, facilitating equipment and resource purchases, and helping ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.

Board Of Directors

Executive Committee

Mike Ahmar

Chairman, LAFD Foundation

Mike Ahmar

Chairman, Partners Bank of California

Shannon Murphy-Castellani

Secretary, LAFD Foundation

Shannon Murphy-Castellani

Principal, M Strategic Communications

Julie Nesbit

Development Chair, LAFD Foundation

Julie Nesbit

Civic Leader

Arnold Porath

Finance Chair, LAFD Foundation

Arnold Porath

President & CEO, Charter Company

Jay Sanders

Vice & Nominating Chair, LAFD Foundation

Jay Sanders

Co-President, Evoke Advisors

Ed Shim

Investment Chair, LAFD Foundation

Ed Shim

Investment Advisor, Merrill Lynch

Ezequiel “Zeke” Triana

Vice Chair LAFD Foundation

Ezequiel “Zeke” Triana

VP, Facilities Planning, Design, Construction Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Dean Ulrich

Program Chair, LAFD Foundation

Dean Ulrich

Assistant Chief (Retired), Los Angeles Fire Department

James Adcock

Avon Rents

Larry Andrews

Southern California Gas Company

Scott Cooper

Pegasus Squire, Inc.

Seth Davis

Senior Director of Risk Management Westfield

Stephen Drimmer

Civic Leader

Regina Finnegan

Kennedy Wilson
Executive Vice President, Global Director of Risk Management & Human Resources

Adam Glick

Executive Vice President Warner Bros. Television

Steve Gozini

BHP Properties

Jim Hardimon

Motorola Solutions
Area Sales Manager

Banyon Hutter

Sr. Vice President, Security Caruso

Pila Jessie

Real Estate Broker
Khorr Realty

Marie Lloyd

Founder MSL Consulting

Erik Neandross

President, TRC Clean Transportation Solutions

Tom Raffety

Vice President Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction

Nicholas Rumanes

Pacific Group Trust

Larry Taylor

Founder & CEO Christina Development

Mark Welch

Chief People & Diversity Officer Farmers Group, Inc.

Justin Wesson

Airbnb

Jason Zedeck

Attorney Cypress LLP