Board of Directors

Officers and Executive Committee Members

Glenn Baker

Board Chair and Executive Committee Chair

Glenn Baker retired from paid employment in 2017 after serving for a year 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 and for two years at Bank of America. He began his career as a special operations pilot in the United States Air Force. 

Mr. Baker has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations including for well over a decade, New Horizons focusing on strategic planning and organizational management. 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, two wonderful daughters-in-law and so far, four adorable grandchildren. 

Muhannad  Malki

Vice Chair

Muhannad Malki has been involved in the insurance industry for 30 years.  Currently he is a VP/Shareholder at IOA Insurance Services, an international privately-owned retailer.  In his current capacity, Muhannad works with non-profits and for-profits in the human and social service space, as well as companies in the tech and manufacturing sectors.  Prior to IOA, Muhannad built and sold several insurance agencies and was involved in creating exclusive programs in the EPLI and Cyber insurance verticals. 

Personally, Muhannad has been involved in various charitable endeavors.  He was the Board Chair of The Campbell Center prior to the organization’s merger with new Horizons and is the current Board Chair of the Community Foundation of the Valleys.  His focus and life passion is empowering adults in the ID/D community.  Muhannad’s true passion is his family, including his wife, three adult boys, and their dog Rocco. 

Gregory Buesing

Secretary and Governance Committee Chair

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

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

Jerry Hilecher is CEO of Gateway TelNet Inc., a managed technology company excelling in IT services, Cybersecurity, Surveillance, and Telephony.  Mr. Hilecher has been married to his wife Marcy for 36 years and is the proud father of 4 children, Justin, Matthew, Sara and Jahmie and more recently 3 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,winning 5 National Championships and becoming the number one player in the world in 1981.  During his playing years, Nike came out with a signature shoe, and Ektelon created a signature racquet.   

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

Gail Watts is a retired Human Resources executive and leader with over 30 years of experience in the Health Care industry.  Prior to her retirement, she was the Director of 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 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 traveling, listening to music, and spending time with her grandchildren in her spare time. 

E. Mark Fishman

Strategic Planning Committee Chair

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 their client base through unmatched service to their 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 since 1993. 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. 

Ken Miles

Immediate Past Board Chair

Program Committee Chair

Ken Miles recently retired from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), where he served as a Principal providing tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, personal financial planning, and business management services to individuals in the entertainment industry and beyond. 

At New Horizons, Ken brings extensive leadership experience grounded in a client-centered approach and a long-standing commitment to problem-solving and helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), and has served on numerous boards of directors, including charitable foundations. 

Ken is also serving as Treasurer of Temple Ahavat Shalom, as well as a member of its Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the temple’s Budget & Finance and Fund Development Committees. 

Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting Theory and Practice from California State University, Northridge. 

Other Directors

Hayley Antonian

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.

AnGèle M. Cade

AnGèle M. Cade is a seasoned consulting expert with over twenty years of experience in helping entrepreneurs establish robust corporate structures. As the CEO and Founder of Executive On the Go, AnGèle is renowned for her hands-on approach, walking alongside her clients to ensure they are equipped for both compliance and success. Her expertise has earned her the reputation of being the “Go-To” professional for structural business needs, having supported and counseled thousands of businesses across local, national, and international landscapes. 

Beyond her consulting work, AnGèle is an engaging speaker, teacher, and trainer, sharing best practices on prioritization and garnering support for visionary endeavors. She is deeply committed to community leadership and serves on multiple boards, including C.A.L.E. Now! and A Kid Like Aundon, which supports young people and adults with diverse needs. She is especially excited to serve on the New Horizons board, where her passion for impact and inclusion continues to grow.  

AnGèle is also a fervent advocate for women, serving as the Vice-Chair of the Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs. Her dedication to community service has been recognized with the prestigious Congresswoman Maxine Waters Trailblazer Award and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the GIA Institute in London.

A devoted wife and mother, AnGèle has committed her life to solving today’s challenges and empowering those around her. 

Jack Darakjian

Jack Darakjian is the founder and Executive Director of Modern Support Services, LLC (MSS) since 2000.  MSS is a multi-state agency that provides individualized community and home-based services, such as Supported Living Services (SLS), Independent Living Skills (ILS), volunteer opportunities, Homemaker Personal Care, I/O Waivers to individuals with significant psychological, emotional and physical challenges.  The agency’s goal is to enhance the health and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, Seizure disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar, etc.  Mr. Darakjian has overseen all aspects of running an agency included but not limited to hiring; creating employee handbooks; management of agency wide finances; creating relationships and contractual agreements between MSS and other entities; Employing up to 150 staff and overseeing HR related matters, meeting all state and local regulatory requirements etc.   In addition, MSS focuses on hiring and training multi-cultural/multi-racial staff with a variety of language capabilities, such as Spanish, Armenian, Persian, Tagalog, American Sign language (ASL). 

Jack Darakjian was appointed Commissioner on ‘Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities’ in 2018 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.  Jack is also appointed as a Member of Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Homelessness Advisory Board since 2025.  He brings expertise and knowledge of mental illness, developmental disability, and advocacy for those with developmental disabilities within the County Commission. 

Jack Darakjian’s passion for empowering people and helping them to stand proud has included helping runaway teenagers at 1736 Family Crisis Center; serving as a Mental Health Worker at UCLA/NPI, acute inpatient unit; Service Coordinator at the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and currently, as the CEO of MSS. 

Jack Darakjian was a Board Member of The Campbell Center, a Glendale based non-profit, before its merger with New Horizons, and is a current Provider Review Committee Member at the Regional Center of Orange County and Advisory Council Member of the Disability Organizing Network (DONetwork), a statewide advocacy organization. 

Jack Darakjian has a B.A. in psychology and a Master’s level Education from CSULB.  He has co-authored three papers on addiction and received a Character and Ethics award from the City of Glendale in 2014. 

Rafael De La Rosa

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.

Allen Hoffman

Allen Hoffman is a retired general  and liver transplant surgeon with 28 years of experience. Allen was a Liver Transplantation Assistant Director at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, an Attending Surgeon at St. Vincent Medical Center, and ran his own practice providing general and laparoscopic, hepatopancreatobiliary surgical care.  He was certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care by the American Board of Surgery.

Allen earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and his M.D. at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He did his general surgery residency at the Strong Memorial Hospital – University of Rochester and finished at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, followed by a hepatobiliary and liver transplant fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Allen has been a member of multiple surgical associations, was a recipient of the Lederle Traveling Fellowship Award and the Merck Award, as well as numerous grants, and is the author of many publications. Allen is a husband to Carolyn for 32 years and a father of two adult children.

Charles W. Jenkins

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.

Anoush Kervanian

Anoush Kervanian is an accomplished business and financial strategist known for her exceptional ability to transform financial performance and maximize profitability. With extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and COO, she has successfully led new business initiatives, revitalized struggling companies, and driven rapid growth across multiple industries. Anoush excels in crafting sophisticated financial management solutions and business strategies that fuel expansion, reduce risks, and enhance organizational value. Her expertise spans sectors including Renewable Energy, Technology, Healthcare, Real Estate, and Private Aviation.

A recognized expert in Mergers & Acquisitions, Operations Management, and Financial Management, Anoush is adept at navigating complex financial landscapes and implementing strategies that drive sustainable growth. She is particularly skilled in capital markets forecasting, business intelligence, and compliance, ensuring that organizations meet their financial goals while adhering to best practices.

As a Fiduciary Executive, Anoush plays a pivotal role in building robust, scalable organizations by collaborating closely with shareholders, investors, and senior management. Her deep understanding of privately held companies allows her to add significant value, craft innovative solutions, and position businesses for long-term success in competitive markets. Anoush’s leadership is marked by her commitment to excellence, strategic vision, and the ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Kristen Mays

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

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 supports the strategic direction New Horizons is moving in as outlined in its strategic plan. His expertise in leading change is helping 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. 

Susie Thai

Susie Thai has been in commercial banking for over 20 years, beginning her career in field exam, and is currently a Director in MUFG Bank’s Asset-Based Finance Group. Susie has been with the combined Union Bank & MUFG entities since 2006 in a variety of roles. Her current responsibilities include Field Exam oversight as well as Strategic Planning, working closely with the senior ABF leadership team to assist in guiding the team through business cycles. In addition to her leading efforts in managing collateral risk within the ABL portfolio, Susie provides high level analysis and recommendations for present and potential future market risks and growth opportunities. Susie is a graduate of the University of California at Davis. In her spare time, Susie enjoys spending time with her children, running, dining with friends, and cheering on the SF 49ers. She is a tireless advocate for her children and has been recognized in the past for her volunteer efforts at her children’s schools. 

Honorary Directors

  • Paula Boland
  • Julie Kavner
  • Joe Mantegna
  • Jonathan Murray
  • Michael Tilson Thomas

Emeritus Council

  • John D. Bunzel
  • Larry Diamond
  • Colin Donahue
  • Joyce Feucht-Haviar
  • Judy Fisher
  • Janet Latto
  • Sister Colleen Settles
  • Gene Siciliano
  • Joel Simon
  • Susan Stearns
  • Stuart Steinberg
  • Betty Sue Weitkamp

CEO Emeritus

Cynthia Sewell