Board of Directors
Officers and Executive Committee Members
Glenn Baker
Board Chair and Executive Committee Chair
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Glenn Baker retired from paid employment in 2017 after serving as the interim Chief Financial Officer for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Prior to that Mr. Baker served nine years as the Chief Financial Officer of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation where he was responsible for all financial and investment functions of the Foundation as well as the organization’s information technology, retail, facility rentals and contracted food and photo services.
Mr. Baker arrived at the Foundation in 2007, with substantial previous experience in non-profit institutions having worked in the same role at The Art Center College of Design and at The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association where he helped to oversee that organization’s move into the new Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as the rebuilding of the Hollywood Bowl as the Philharmonic’s summer venue.
Prior to those assignments, Mr. Baker worked for eleven years in a variety of roles and business units for The Walt Disney Company, including two years at ESPN the Magazine during its launch phase. He began his career as a special operations pilot in the United States Air Force.
Mr. Baker now serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including for over a decade, with New Horizons, focusing on organizational management, financial operations and strategic planning. This ongoing involvement fully explains his failure to improve his golf handicap since retirement. He holds an undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
A native of Southern California, he and his wife Diane reside in the Santa Clarita Valley and have two grown sons and, so far, four adorable grandchildren.
Ron Burkhardt
Vice Chair
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Ron Burkhardt joined Newmark in 1994 as a vice president of the Washington, DC, office. Now situated as a managing director in the firm’s West Los Angeles office, he continues to specialize in national tenant representation and corporate services, providing his clients with real estate-related professional and technical support. Mr. Burkhardt focuses on lease and purchase transactions including facility acquisition, financial analyses, market research, lease negotiations, and sublease representation.
Additionally, Mr. Burkhardt heads Newmark’s West Coast national non-profit division. In this capacity, he works with clients such as Autism Speaks, Inc., the California Society of CPAs, Los Angeles Education Partnership, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and National Immigration Law Center. He has also represented corporate tenants such as Amazon.com, DeVry, Inc., John Paul Mitchell Systems, Net App Inc., Neutrogena, Thompson Coburn, LLC and Woodside Natural Gas in their leasing requirements.
RECENT ASSIGNMENTS:
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles
- Assistance League of Los Angeles
- Weinstock Manion
- Autism Speaks, Inc. (National Account)
- Chamberlain University
- John Tracy Clinic
- Exceptional Children’s Foundation
- Michelson Philanthropies
- Lido Advisors, LLC
- Los Angeles Education Partnership, LLP
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- North Los Angeles County Regional Center
- Slalom, Inc.
- Brentwood Art Center
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
Mr. Burkhardt received the “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising” award in 2022 from the Association of Fundraising Professionals CA San Fernando Valley Chapter as well as the 2022 “Champions for Change” award from The Assistance League Los Angles for his work and dedication to their new Los Angeles HQ..
Mr. Burkhardt is also the recipient of 2012 Social Sustainability® Champion Award and is the first corporate real estate director to receive this award, issued to those passionate about bettering the workplace and who lead with a social conscience. Individuals selected advocate a call to action in their fields of expertise regarding the importance of serving non-profit organizations locally and nationally and as stewards of the environment through efforts that mitigate climate change.
In addition, Mr. Burkhardt is a member of the Los Angeles Commercial Realty Association (LACRA). He also sits on the boards of Children Mending Hearts, New Horizons, Peace Over Violence, Starlight Children’s Foundation (Global Finance Committee), ANEW Foundation (Advisory Board) and The Ed Asner Family Center.
Mr. Burkhardt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business at Roger Williams University.
Gregory Buesing
Secretary and Governance Committee Chair
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Greg Buesing has worked in non-profit management, fundraising, advocacy and law. He served as an advocate for Native American communities in the Northeastern United States, holding positions in tribal and community organizations in Maine, and at the Federal Regional Council in Boston. He practiced law in Boston at Foley Hoag and Eliot after clerking for the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. After moving to California Greg became Regional Vice President for United Way of Greater Los Angeles in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel Valleys, and later joined the University Advancement division of Cal State Northridge. He has served on New Horizons’ Board since 2017. Greg graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, the University of Maine at Orono, and Northeastern University School of Law in Boston.
John D. Eissele
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
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John D. Eissele is a Managing Director at MUFG Bank, Ltd. and leads the bank’s Asset-Based Finance unit within the Global Corporate and Investment Bank.
John has over 30 years of experience in finance and banking, with his primary focus on corporate and commercial lending and asset-based financing, serving clients in various industries including retail, manufacturing, distribution, technology, automotive, oil & gas and other industrial segments. His client base ranges from privately held middle-market companies to large corporate clients.
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from San Diego State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola Marymount University.
Jerry F. Hilecher
Advancement Committee Chair
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Jerry Hilecher is CEO of Synpact. A Technology company excelling in Managed IT services, Cybersecurity, Government Contracting, Surveillance, and Telephony. Mr. Hilecher is married to his wife Marcy for 36 years and is the proud father of 4 children, Justin, Matthew, Sara and Jahmie and more recently 2 Grandchildren.
Mr. Hilecher has recently served as President of Temple Ahavat Shalom, a reformed Jewish temple in Northridge. In addition to serving as President, he sat on the Board of Directors for 12 years.
Mr. Hilecher loves most sports and his claim to fame came in Racquetball where he played on the World Professional Racquetball tour for 15 years. During that time, winning 5 National Championships and becoming the number one player in the world in 1981 along with a signature Nike shoe and signature racquet line.
Mr. Hilecher grew up in St. Louis Missouri, and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Economics. Even though he has lived in Los Angeles for 36 years, he still is a fan of the St Louis Cardinals baseball team and the St. Louis Blues.
Gail C. Watts
Personnel Committee Chair
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Gail Watts is a Human Resources executive and leader with over 30 years of experience in the Health Care industry. She currently is the Director, Human Resources for Northridge Hospital Medical Center, a Dignity Health and Commonspirit Health Facility. Previously, Gail worked in the healthcare insurance industry for Blue Cross of California/WellPoint and Health Net, Inc. She has also served with two Philanthropic Healthcare Foundations; The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation both formed from organizations moving from not-for-profit status to for-profit status in California.
Gail is a graduate of the University of Kansas with her undergraduate degree in Human Resources. She also has certifications In Leadership Development and Organization Development and has used these skills to coach top leaders and respond to critical incidents and manage change in organizations.
Gail enjoys travel, listening to music and spending time with her grandchildren in her spare time.
Stuart L. Jaffe
Program Committee Chair
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Stuart L. Jaffe is a CPA and Tax Partner at Aprio Advisory Group.
Stuart has over 40 years of experience in public accounting, with his primary focus being tax compliance and planning for business and individuals in the technology, construction, entertainment, manufacturing, distribution and professional services industries. He practices in the area of complex tax matters and provides services for many closely held corporations and high net worth individuals.
Stuart earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Taxation from California State University, Northridge. He also holds a Certificate in Estate Planning issued by the California CPA Education Foundation.
Stuart is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. He is also a former chairperson of the Los Angeles Chapter’s San Fernando Valley CPA Discussion Group.
A former runner and soccer referee, Stuart now enjoys hiking, bicycling riding and taking long walks with his wife, and spends a fair amount of time tending his vegetable garden. He also enjoys sitting on the beach in Carpinteria reading and solving crossword puzzles.
Stuart resides in Sherman Oaks with his wife Fran. They have three adult children who reside in Los Angeles and Oakland.
Ken Miles
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Kenneth A. Miles, Principal at CLA, provides tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, personal financial planning and business management services for wealthy and high-profile individuals in the entertainment and other industries.
Professional and Civic Affiliations:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
- Member of various boards of directors, including charitable foundations
- Temple Ahavat Shalom, Past Treasurer, Executive Committee member and Board of Trustees, currently serving on the Budget & Finance and Fund Development committees
Education;
- BS, Business Administration, Accounting Theory & Practice, California State University, Northridge
“My clients trust in me to provide solutions to their problems. Helping clients reach their goals gives me the greatest satisfaction.”
Other Directors
Hayley Antonian
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Hayley Antonian specializes in media relations campaigns and brand-building strategies for lifestyle clients across fashion, beauty, wellness and entertainment. She brings nearly two decades of experience to her work as co-president of Scenario, which she co-founded with partners Ron Hofmann and Steven Wilson. The company was recently named to the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies list as well as received recognition from PR Net. Antonian’s diverse body of clients have included Netflix, Puma, Beautycounter, Lee Jeans, Rebecca Minkoff, Pura, Giada de Laurentiis’ Giadzy, FabFitFun, Alchemy 43, Azazie, Boot Barn, Forever 21, Maya Brenner, PatPat, Ring Concierge, Rinna Beauty and many others. A native of Massachusetts who graduated from Emory University, she moved to L.A. in 2000 and soon began her public relations career at Marleah Leslie & Associates, where she worked with high-profile talent clients on integrated campaigns. From 2003-2018 she spent 15 years at BWR Public Relations, overseeing bicoastal teams as senior vice president, before co-founding Scenario in 2018. Antonian lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children Riley, Holden and Skyler.
Rafael De La Rosa
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Rafael De La Rosa has been named Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Formerly an Aide to Congressman Brad Sherman and Director of Government and Community Relations at CSUN, De La Rosa holds an Associate degree from Ventura Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in History as well as Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
E. Mark Fishman
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Enrolled Actuary MSPA, FCA, MAAA
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics –
Systems Science – 1980
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Member of the ZBT Fraternity
Master of Science in Mathematics –
Applied Science – 1983
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
QUALIFICATIONS
Enrolled Actuary – April 1989
Member, American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (MSPA)
Fellow, Conference of Consulting Actuaries (FCA)
Member, American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA)
Member, College of Pension Actuaries (ACOPA)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Actuaries Unlimited, Inc. 1993 – Present
Shareholder/Partner and Enrolled Actuary
Mark is a principal contributor to AUI’s professional relationships and has fostered the expansion of our client base through unmatched service to our clients and industry partners. With his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and Master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, both in Mathematics, Mark started with Actuaries Unlimited, Inc. in 1982 and has been a partner for more than 26 years. Mark prides himself on developing strong professional relationships, being a creative actuary and producing the most competitive results in the business. In addition to running a business, Mark teaches actuarial classes for ASPPA and lectures for CPA and CFP Continuing Education Seminars and Conferences. When he is not fostering an industry-wide reputation as a go to expert in retirement plans, he enjoys attending sporting events, drinking wine and listening to the Beatles. Mark has two grown sons and lives in Sherman Oaks with his partner, Carrie.
Charles W. Jenkins
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Charles W. Jenkins is an experienced civil trial attorney who was admitted to the California Bar in 1988. Mr. Jenkins has practiced in state and federal courts. In addition to his state bar admissions, he is a member of the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California. Mr. Jenkins received his Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law in 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration from Boston University in 1984.
Mr. Jenkins has had a diverse legal career. During his 30 years as a trial attorney, Mr. Jenkins has gained considerable experience in general civil litigation matters involving exposure to toxic substances, such as benzene, asbestos, mold, silica and metal particulates. He has litigated matters involving construction defect, trade secret misappropriation, civil rights claims versus the LAPD, automobile collisions, wrongful termination, employment discrimination, assault and battery, products liability, and contract disputes. For the past 36 years, Mr. Jenkins has focused on the representation of a variety of corporate clients involved in asbestos litigation throughout California. These include premises owners, product suppliers, fiber suppliers, insulators and equipment manufacturers.
Kristen Mays
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Kristen Mays is the Director of Business Development and Marketing for Environmental Contracting Corporation (ECC). With over 15 years marketing and business development experience, her professional background has expanded across multiple industries including non-profit organizations, financial institutions, consulting, commercial architecture and design, and commercial general contracting and construction.
Kristen holds an MBA in Marketing from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and a Bachelor of Science in Management, Human Resources from Park University. She serves on the Board of Directors for New Horizons and previously served on the Board of Directors for Autism Speaks, Southern California. Kristen actively contributes her talents to IIDA Southern California, Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration, and University of Utah Alumni Association, Los Angeles Chapter.
A passionate autism awareness advocate, Kristen lives in Encino with her twin sons, Christopher and Zachary.
George G. Stevens III
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George Stevens has 40 years of experience working in the field of developmental disabilities. During that period, he served as the executive director of the North Los Angeles County Regional Center for 21 years. His career background offers the Board of New Horizons a unique perspective in the areas of public policy, service and support delivery trends, and collaboration with State and local public/private partners. But more importantly, he brings experience that will support the strategic direction New Horizons is moving in as outlined in its strategic plan. His expertise in leading change will help to facilitate and move New Horizons into its planned future which will ultimately improve the quality of life and full community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Honorary Directors
- Paula Boland
- Julie Kavner
- Joe Mantegna
- Jonathan Murray
- Michael Tilson Thomas
Emeritus Council
- John D. Bunzel
- Roc Caldarone
- Larry Diamond
- Colin Donahue
- Joyce Feucht-Haviar
- Judy Fisher
- Janet Latto
- David Lillington
- Sister Colleen Settles
- Gene Siciliano
- Joel Simon
- Susan Stearns
- Stuart Steinberg
- Betty Sue Weitkamp
CEO Emeritus
Cynthia Sewell
