New Horizons’ Former Board Members, Thoughts and Honorable Mentions for Jobs Well Done!
Sue Weitkamp: A Board Member’s Farewell
Sue served as a member of the Board of Directors of New Horizons from 1992 until 2020. She was President (now known as Chairman of the Board) for two terms (2003-2007). Sue received our Dignity, Love and Compassion Award in 2014.
“My 28 years on New Horizons’ Board has given me some of the most rewarding and fulfilling moments of my life. I have always had a special place in my heart as I championed those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, beginning with my own son, Troy, who started at New Horizons in 1971.
During the period of time I was fortunate enough to be on the Board, it was a period of rapid growth for the organization. I was a Co-chair for our highly successful Capital Campaign which raised funds to build a new building and furnish a group home with an unheard of goal of $4 million dollars. We did, indeed, reach that lofty goal and in fact exceeded it! We raised the money, built the much needed Workshop Annex, and furnished a group home in a little over 2 years!!
There were many other imporant events which took place during my 28 year span, but two events that were also memorable were the First Annual Gala Fundraiser and the Annual Golf Tournament, both of which continue to be profitable.
These are only a few of many memorable and important events that took place duirng my tenure on the Board. I loved being around the clients and watching how fundraising efforts resulted in tangible outcomes that literally changed lives. It has always been my goal to have the clients seen and valued for their abilities, not disabilities, and as contributing members of our community.
While serving on this outstanding Board of Directors, I urge all future board members to be involved, creative, and to take advantage of every public or social opportunity to promote and raise awareness about the great work being done by New Horizons.
I am saddened to leave this outstanding Board of Directors but my love and support of New Horizons and its clients will continue as I will be an active member of the Emeritus Council and supporter of all events to benefit the clients.
To know that you are truly helping to make a postivie difference in someone’s life has without a doubt been a wonderful blessing, and New Horizons has made this possible for me for which I am truly thankful.”
John D. Bunzel: A Board Member’s Farewell
John Bunzel was a long-time board member of New Horizons serving 12 years, including four and half years as Board Chair. He is known for always generously giving his time, resources, and business acumen toward the thoughtful support of our clients.
“Of all of my volunteer work, I am most proud of the work I have accomplished at New Horizons and it was fitting I roll off with fellow long time Board Member Sue Weitkamp, who I was privileged to have worked with for so many years. She, and her late husband Fred, made great contributions to the organization. After more than a decade of service, I feel I should follow our term guidelines and allow others to fill my chair. And I know I am leaving the organization in very capable hands. Thank you, New Horizons, for the opportunity to serve.”
During his tenure, John played an integral role in the Board’s transition to becoming a governing Board, and helped New Horizons increase its revenue to nearly a $20 million per year. John also helped guide the Agency through the transition of leadership brought about by the retirement of its 25-year CEO and the hiring of our current CEO, John Brauer. John not only devoted his heart and time to New Horizons, he brought along his family. Both his son and daughter served as interns for New Horizons, and he and his wife sponsored numerous events and fundraisers. John will remain active with New Horizons as remains on the Real Estate Task Force and the Emeritus Council.
Jerald M. Savin: A Board Member’s Farewell
Jerald “Jerry” Savin joined the New Horizons Board of Directors in 2016 sharing his over thirty years of management consulting experience with the Agency. Jerry was active on the New Horizons Audit committee, Governance committee, and helped the agency enhance its cybersecurity defenses.
During his terms on the Board, Jerry taught at CSUN, UCLA Extension and UCR, among many other things. His consulting practice specializes in Fractional CIO, Enterprise Business Software, Data Science and Data Management, IT Compliance and Litigation Support for disputes involving large business systems.
Jerry enjoyed working with the agency as it faced numerous challenges including strategic issues, finances, asset management, Board actions and the latest test, the pandemic. The pandemic is particularly challenging for the agency and its clients, especially how to serve its clients in the physical and virtual settings.
Jerry has offered to be an informal, pro bono consultant to New Horizons in matters related to technology both in terms of the agency’s operations and its client services.
We look forward to keeping Jerry as a close friend of New Horizons as he continues to support the agency.
Kurt Peter, Board Member
A board member since 2013, Kurt has given his time, talent and efforts to enhance the lives of all those we serve. In 2016 he co-chaired a very successful walk event on the site of Anheuser Busch. This neighboring company and strong supporter of New Horizons is where Kurt continues to work in all areas of brewing.
David Adelman: As We Say Farewell to a Treasured Board Member
Having faithfully served on New Horizons’ Board of Directors since 2013, David held community involvement in high regard.
David Adelman was a loving husband and father who as an attorney long served the business and nonprofit communities in the San Fernando Valley.
Prior to his passing, earlier this year in March, 2020, David was a transactional lawyer for more than 20 years with G&B Law in Encino.
In addition to being a board member at New Horizons, where he worked with tireless enthusiasm for our clients, he was on the board of Valley Presbyterian Hospital. He was a past chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, and he was chair of that business advocacy group’s not-for-profit committee. He was also chairman of Fit 4 the Cause, an Encino nonprofit that he and his wife, Cindy, started; it provides exercise and nutritional services to those who cannot afford it. David was also a finalist in 2017 for the Fernando Award, the top honor given for volunteer work in the Valley.
Many would say that David was a rare friend and colleague. A man with a caring heart who will be missed.
