OUR TEAM
"COMING TOGETHER IS THE BEGINNING. KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS. WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS."
STEPHANIE OTERO, CPA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Originally FARSB's CFO, Stephanie Otero is FARSB's fearless CEO. Don't let her 5 ft. frame fool you, she's an author, inactive CPA with over 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, and certified business coach. Her diverse background is truly an asset to the FARSB team! With her contagious positive attitude and ability to inspire others, we are in great hands!
When she's not working towards our mission to end hunger, you can find Stephanie with her husband, two kids, and goldendoodle, Yogi.
JOHN CROOKS
VP of Operations
JOANNA SOLORIO, MBA
Human Resources Director
CAROLYN SOLAR, MBA
Philanthropy Director
VANESA MERCADO
Programs Director
John is originally from Michigan. However, for several years now, he's been enjoying the warmer weather that Southern California has to offer! John is our "go-to-person" for anything operations, and when he's not busy at the food bank you can find him riding his motorcycle, off-roading in the sand dunes, or spending time with his wife Julie and dog, Coco.
One of Joanna’s favorite things about working at FARSB is that everyone shares the same vision and dedication to fighting hunger. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her two fur babies, watching Netflix and teaming up with her husband on DIY projects, like their recent backyard refurbishment project. A natural wanderlust, Joanna hopes to someday travel to England, so she can visit its mega-city - London!
Carolyn joins the food bank family with experience running her own food blog, where she tastes, photographs, and reviews food from all over Southern California, and sometimes beyond. As a member of the community, Carolyn loves knowing that her work at the food bank makes a direct impact for a neighbor in need.
One of the many things Vanesa loves about working at "FARSB", is having an impact on the community! Back in the day, Vanesa was a competitive diver and competed in college. Though her diving days are over, her two kids keeps her busy! When Vanesa is not at the food bank you can find her singing in church and spending time with her family.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aaron W. Hodgdon
Board Chair
Hodgdon Group
Dave Byers
Vice Chair
Community Representative
Steve Ogilvie
Treasurer
SingerLewak
Jennifer Olson
Secretary
Starbucks Coffee
Clara Vanderpool
Community Representative
Dallas Holmes
Community Representative
Victor Behnke
Wells Fargo
Gale Schulte
Schulte Contract Glazing
Gregory Wilkinson
Community Representative
Sean C. Van Ryder
Commerce Construction Co., L.P.
Dr. Elaine Ahumada
California Baptist University
Dr. Anil Garde
Community Representative
Jill McCormick
Kaiser Permanente
Patrick Taber
Taber Company
Jason Brooks
KPMG US
The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of finances, management, and performance of FARSB and commits to serving in a voluntary, non-executive capacity. Individuals interested in joining the Board of Directors should send a resume and a short cover letter outlining their interest to Joanna Solorio, Human Resources Director, at jsolorio@feedingamericaie.org.