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The all-volunteer California Jump$tart Coalition Board of Directors has formal authority for creating the organization's vision and accomplishing its mission and objectives. It is charged with the organization's governance, policy and strategy.

Tena Lozano

Tena_Lozano_finalTena Lozano is the current Chair of the California Jump$tart Coalition. In addition, she is the executive director of the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, the state credit union foundation for California and Nevada. The RMJ Foundation’s signature program, Bite of Reality teaches teens real-world financial realities in a fun, interactive simulation that appeals to their desire to be financially successful. The simulation is both interactive (with volunteers playing the role of pushy salespeople) and tech-savvy (with students utilizing a smartphone app to enter their purchasing decisions), making for a timely and relevant experience.

She is a past chair of the California Jump$tart Coalition and has more than 30 years’ experience in the credit union movement. She received a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from California Polytechnic University, Pomona

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Lisa Amos

Lisa LedeboerLisa Amos, CPFFE, is Faculty Coordinator for the Mountie Money Management Center (MMMC) at Mt San Antonio College in Walnut. As a Professor of Family and Consumer Studies she has taught Life Management, Personal Finance, and Consumer Skills classes since 2002. She regularly teaches Life Management classes for high school students through Mt. SAC’s Dual Enrollment program. Lisa is active with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Association (AFCPE®), American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance (HEFWA). She holds a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from Iowa State University and an M.S in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge.

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Ann M. Stahl

Ann_Stahl_finalAnn Stahl has been a California Jump$tart Coalition Board Member since 2005, and currently serves as its Secretary. She recently retired after 44 years as a Federal Trade Commission Investigator, first at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection in Washington, D.C. and then with its Western Regional Office in Los Angeles. She worked on both consumer protection and antitrust cases, and was also responsible for media relations and outreach for the regional office. She is an adjunct professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department of California State University-Northridge, where she teaches a course in Consumer Advocacy and Education. She also serves as Treasurer of the California Alliance for Consumer Education, and as an Educator with the Stop Senior Scams Acting Program.

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John Angelo

John Angelo Board of Directors at California Jump$tartJohn Angelo has had a long career in association management over the past 46 years that includes work with the American Red Cross, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and with the CA Society of CPAs (CalCPA) for over 30 years. He is the Former Executive Director of CalCPA Institute (created to provide Financial Literacy for Californians) and Vice President, Strategic Relations for CalCPA. Prior to retirement his scope of work at CalCPA included Financial Literacy, working with accounting educators throughout the state, student outreach, leadership identification and development, nominations, member affinity programs and building strategic alliances with other professional organizations. John is a 30 year member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and a member and past Board Chair of California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE).

Jim Charkins

Jim_Charkins_finalJim Charkins, Ph.D. is the Economics Professor Emeritus and Director for Economics Education, California State University, San Bernardino. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1970. Dr. Charkins has developed economics teaching materials and conducted workshops nationally and internationally for teachers and students from the Kindergarten through doctoral level. He is the author of the MoneyWiseTeen (winner of two international awards for creative marketing), Living the American Dream, the Teacher Guide to the California Economics Standards, and It’s Your Choice. He serves on many boards including CCEE, the California Association of School Economics Teachers, and the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Business Economists.

Russell Clifford

Karen Anderson

Russell Clifford, CFP®, is a veteran of more than 30 years in the financial planning profession. The firm he created, Clifford Financial Planning, Inc., is an industry leader in designing strategies for the creation, preservation, and transfer of wealth.

Mr. Clifford is a sought-after expert on the intricacies of comprehensive financial planning, especially in the areas of widow and divorce planning, and tax and estate planning for successful business owners and families. He is a noted speaker, author, and educator. He has built his career helping clients to identify and achieve their personal financial goals.

One consistent trait that Mr. Clifford finds among people is that financial stress is not determined by one’s net worth. Frequently, many of the most successful people have the greatest degree of stress about their personal finances. Financial peace is important to all people.

Mr. Clifford started in the financial services industry in 1989., and has successfully built his company into an independent, fee-only, comprehensive financial planning, and wealth management firm in Northern California. He serves clients throughout the United States. He has written industry articles and blogs; co-hosted a very popular radio talk show; and has taught hundreds of families, individuals, and business owners, how to achieve financial freedom.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the King’s University and has earned the coveted Certified Financial Planner(TM) certification and the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst credential.

Russell and Terry, his wife of more than 35 years, reside in Santa Rosa, CA. Together, they have two adult children who are married and four beautiful grandchildren. Outside of helping people create financial independence, he enjoys cooking for family and friends, reading, writing, and the great outdoors.

Andrea Ferrero

Andrea FerreroAndrea Ferrero is the Co-Founder and Director of Pockets Change, an education organization that uses hip hop pedagogy to build financial capability with K-12 students, families, and educators. Teaching on the Navajo reservation where she grew up, Andrea saw friends and students falter when money moved from math class to practical application. Looking for tools to empower learning communities, she stepped into the world of financial literacy and edtech. She’s enjoyed over a decade of teaching PreK-12th grade, coaching educators, and designing award winning educational programs and digital products. Andrea received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and two Master’s in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction with Multicultural Contexts from Azusa Pacific University. She holds a teaching credential in PreK-12th grade multiple subjects. While she’s based in Santa Barbara, California, Andrea calls learning communities in cities around the world home.

Mitchell Freedman

Karen AndersonMitchell Freedman is the founder and President of M Freedman & Co., Inc. an Accountancy Corporation, specializing in Multi-Family Office Services (Business Management) and Financial Counseling for performing and creative artists as well as individuals with complex and unique financial needs. He is also founder and President of MFAC Financial Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) Firm. Mr. Freedman is a licensed CPA in California and New York and an RIA. He has earned the credential Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

Mr. Freedman has been recognized as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Personal Financial Planning Section of the AICPA. He was named by Worth magazine as one of the '250 Best Financial Advisors' in the United States for five consecutive years. Accounting Today named him as one of the ‘Top 100 Most Influential People’ in the accounting profession for two consecutive years. The same publication named him to three consecutive lists of 50 ‘Name$ to Know in Financial Planning.’ The San Fernando Valley Business Journal recognized Mr. Freedman as one of the ‘25 Top CPAs in the San Fernando Valley.’

Mr. Freedman co-authored both the Guide to Planning for Performing and Creative Artists and the Guide to Planning for Divorce, for the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Library. He edited Disaster Recovery, A Guide to Financial Issues, and Disasters and Financial Planning, a Guide for Preparedness, both distributed by the AICPA and the American Red Cross. In addition, he edited the AICPA continuing education course entitled "Tax Considerations for Professional Athletes and Entertainers.” Mr. Freedman was a panelist on an educational video entitled "The Financial Issues of Aging" and has moderated an educational video entitled "Effective Asset Protection Planning," both for the AICPA.

Denise M. Gutierrez

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Denise M. Gutierrez began her educational journey at Chaffey Community College in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. She went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne.

Prior to becoming the President and CEO for the California Council on Economic Education, Denise was the Director of Development for the College of Business and Economics at Cal State Los Angeles. Denise has over 15 years of higher education experience with an extensive background in institutional advancement, fundraising, and corporate and foundation relations.

Denise has served on a number of boards including the Esperanza Scholarship Foundation, National Latina Business Women’s Association-Inland Empire, and Making Education the Answer (META) Foundation. Accomplishments include a Gold Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) award for creating the first Latino Education Access and Development (LEAD) Conference at the University of La Verne, Spirit of La Verne Award for Inclusivity and Diversity, and 2014 Woman of the Year by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s Office.

Dr. Vera Jacobson

Vera JacobsonDr. Vera Jacobson is passionate about aligning student Career and Technical Education needs with the needs of industry within San Mateo County’s K-14 education system. She obtained a doctorate with a focus on empowering students using 21st Century Skills. She has published her research findings in the International Vocational and Education (IVETA) Journal and California Association of Professors of Educational Administration (CAEPA), “Pedagogical Implementation of 21st Century Skills". She has created workshops for teachers, given talks at local, state, national and international conferences, lobbied at both state and federal levels, was the fellow for California’s CTE Professional organization and participated in the year-long Leadership for Development Institute (LDI) creating a new CTE delivery design for California’s K-12 Educational system. She was published twice in ACTE’s Techniques Magazine, “Power Skills” and her recent article, Equity in Action—Stories from the Field, March 2019.

Bruce Kajiwara

Bruce Kajiwara Board of Directors at California Jump$tartBruce Kajiwara has been in the financial services industry since 1979, when he began work as a public accountant in the national firm of Price Waterhouse (now PwC). Bruce is a Certified Public Accountant (non-practicing).

Even though he no longer practices as a CPA, Bruce remains active with his CPA profession. Bruce served as a director in the Sacramento Chapter of the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), is currently chairperson of the chapter’s Estate and Financial Planning Committee, a position he has held for over 25 years. He is a former co-vice-chair of the State Personal Financial Planning Committee for CalCPA. Bruce strives to educate his clients about their personal finances as much as possible. He exhibits this commitment beyond work by volunteering to teach others about financial topics, whether they be high school students or adults. He has been a member of CalCPA’s Financial Literacy Committee since 2003 and is a past chair of that committee.

David Lo

David Lo 300David Lo, CAE currently serves as senior program manager for membership marketing at the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA). His primary responsibilities include empowering all Californians through financial literacy, promoting the CPA profession among high school and college students and career outreach to underrepresented minority populations.

David is an active member with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE). He has served on CalSAE’s government relations committee and Southern California regional council as a member at large.

Hayley McKane

Hayley McKane

Hayley McKane, Vice President K12 Implementation at EVERFI. Hayley has been with EVERFI since 2014 and has held roles as both a Senior Schools Manager & Regional Director supporting students, teachers, schools & districts across California. Prior to EVERFI, Hayley spent five years as a middle school special education teacher teaching math & science in Alum Rock Unified & San Francisco Unified. Hayley received a B.A. in both Television, Radio & Film and Policy Studies from Syracuse University and her M.A. in Special Education from Alliant International University.

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Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D

Cathy Nichols-WasherCathy Nichols-Washer has been superintendent of The Lodi School District since 2008. The district covers 350 miles and includes 52 school sites and over 30,000 students. She has successfully worked with many challenges, among them a $30 million district reduction during the recent recession. Prior to this position in Lodi, she was the Superintendent of the Manteca USD from 2004-08, and had worked previously as Assistant, then Interim, Superintendent of Manteca for four years. Her earlier career included positions as Director of Curriculum and Education Services at Patterson USD (K-Adult curriculum), Principal at Stockton's Victory Elementary and Teacher in the Scaramento USD.

Cathy also currently teaches at Cal State Stanislaus in the Doctoral Program, and has taught at San Joaquin Teachers College and University of the Pacific in Stockton. She is, and has been, Board Member of a number of youth organizations in the Lodi area, including the Lodi Boys & Girls Club, Give Every Child a Chance, the Manteca Unified Student Trust and initiated GOT (Giving Opportunities To Kids), a Lodi District related Foundation. Cathy has a PhD and MA in Educational Administration, a BS in Human Development from UC Davis and multiple certificates/credentials in language Development and Multiple Subjects Teaching. She lives in Stockton with her family.

Chase Peckham

Karen Anderson

Chase Peckham serves as the director of community outreach for the San Diego Financial Literacy Center (SDFLC), a nonprofit he helped establish in 2013 as the education arm of DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. The work of the SDFLC is focused on personal financial education of San Diego County residents with a focus on youth (K-12 and college), military (active, transitioning and veteran) and low-to-moderate income individuals.

Chase received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of San Francisco in 1995. He also earned his Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF) and Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) certifications through the Center for Financial Certifications.

Chase serves on the board of the Stone Ranch Elementary School Foundation and on the San Diego Mesa College of Business Advisory Board. He lives with his wife, Keri and children, Clayton and Avery in 4S Ranch, a community in North County San Diego.

In his free time, Chase enjoys vacationing with his family, boating, waterskiing, golfing and watching his kids play sports.

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Ross Slutsky

Ross Slutsky 450Ross Slutsky is a valuation professional valuing companies and intangible assets in conjunction with strategic planning, M&A activity, and stock option compensation. Ross additionally studies incentivization and offers strategic and business/product development consulting services.

Susan Stone

susan stone-california jumpstart-board-memberSusan Stone has more than 30 years’ experience in business management and marketing. Based in Los Angeles, Susan has been with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) for 13 years, and in her current role as Director of Firmwide Nonprofit Marketing and Sponsorships, she leads the firms national nonprofit investment and sponsorship strategy, working closely with team members to ensure nonprofit investments are aligned with the firms Purpose and Inclusion Strategy, build brand in the community, and provide opportunities to forge relationships with new and existing buyers. Previously she served as Director and Marketing Leader for PwC’s Southwest market and spent 8 years as the Director of Marketing and Business Development at the national law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Abby Ulm

AbbyUlm 150

Abby Ulm is Director of the Center for Financial Empowerment, a nonprofit organization founded and sponsored by SCE Federal Credit Union. The Center delivers practical personal finance education for high school youth and young adults in Southern California and Southern Nevada. In addition to comprehensive classroom workshops, their most popular program, Mad City Money, is an interactive simulation activity that teaches youth real-life financial lessons in a fun, engaging format.

Abby has 25 years of experience in credit union financial services and financial education. Under her leadership, the Center has facilitated over 1,300 financial literacy workshops, helping 36,000 individuals learn to use wise money management skills that include budgeting, saving for emergencies and life goals, establishing credit and managing debt. Her dedication to this cause earned the Center the distinction of being selected as a Nonprofit of the Year in 2018.

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Melissa Webb

Melissa WebbMelissa Webb has served as the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education Programs Consultant at the California Department of Education (CDE) for the past eleven years, specifically in the Education, Child Development, and Family Services, Fashion and Interior Design, and Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation industry sectors. She provides technical assistance and support to FCS teachers statewide, including curriculum and instruction, standards implementation, and professional development opportunities. Melissa is also the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) California State Advisor.

Melissa has been awarded the California FCCLA Distinguished Service Citation and is a California Honorary Member. She was inducted into the National FCCLA Leadership Hall of Fame in 2020.

Melissa serves on the following Board of Directors’ for California FCCLA, Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of California, California Affiliate of Family and Consumer Sciences, California Jumpstart, and LEAD FCS. Early in her career, Melissa taught at Lakewood High School in the Long Beach Unified School District for ten years and for four years at Monticello High School in Minnesota. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Arts degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Long Beach. Melissa can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Stanley H. Breitbard

stanley_breitbard_finalStanley H. Breitbard, Chairman Emeritus, has practiced as a CPA for 32 years with Price Waterhouse, primarily as a tax partner. For 12 years until his retirement in 1995, he was the National Director of the firm’s personal financial planning department. During his professional career, Stanley was the co-author of the Price Waterhouse Personal Financial Advisor. He was also the first Chairman of the American Institute of CPAs Personal Financial Planning Division and was named one of the top 60 financial planners by Worth Magazine. Since retiring from Price Waterhouse, Stanley has been teaching and volunteering in financial education.

Parth Asawa - Youth Advisor

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Parth Asawa is a senior at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, CA and the Director of the Financial Literacy Introduction Program, a part of the Youth Economics Initiative nonprofit, of which he is an Executive Board Member. Parth has worked to create interactive financial literacy curricula to distribute to students for their schools and local communities around the nation.

Parth is a published Op-Ed author on the topic of financial literacy in multiple newspapers, has spoken on an NPR Perspectives Podcast on its importance, hosted financial literacy workshops, and has designed a risk management board game. Outside of financial literacy education and advocacy, Parth is also involved in Model United Nations and has a passion for math and science.