POW! Foundation Board of Directors
Working Hard to Preserve the Arts with Expert Directors

Our board members have a passion for bringing the best North County San Diego entertainment, strengthening community partnerships, and leadership for Arts in Education initiatives.

Current President

Patrick Duffy, San Diego RGB, Inc.

Operations. Marketing. Finance. International relations. These are the skill sets you want around the table to ensure a nonprofit board will be successful in today's world. So imagine our delight to discover all these skills and so much more in our own Patrick Duffy. Chair of our Board of Directors, Patrick's credentials include: A degree in International Relations from Alliant International UniversityHigh-level corporate positions in the import/export field, transferring CAD/CAM Engineering and Printing Technologies to Latin America. Patrick has represented US and European corporate interests from the US border to Chile, operating and marketing businesses throughout Latin America. Born in Mexico City, he speaks Spanish fluently. Currently, Patrick works with startup companies in the San Diego area that are seeking funding.

Patrick is a Partner in San Diego Social Venture Partners, a philanthropic group applying venture capital processes to the grant making process. Partners contributes time, expertise and resources to help nonprofit organizations become more effective and sustainable.

Patrick is also a member of Gen Next, a nonprofit, 501(c)(4) membership organization that connects, informs and engages executives and entrepreneurs to empower individuals and causes to provide long-term solutions for future generations.

Patrick is an avid hiker, skier, and certified pilot with 250+ flight hours. He and his two boys have live in the San Diego area since 1999.

President Elect

Jay Riordan, Dream Design Builders

Meet one of the hardest-working people in Rancho Bernardo.

Born in Chicago, Jay Riordan moved to San Diego in 1968 as a small child. In 1987 he started Dream Design Builders in Rancho Bernardo, a national-award-winning company that specializes in residential remodeling and solar installations. Jay has been very involved in his industry and has served as President and Chairman of the Board of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. He is a Certified Remodeler contractor through NARI and a Certified Graduate Remodeler through the National Association of Home Builders. Remodeling Magazine recently selected Jay's company as one of the top 50 Remodelers in the U.S. The Company also was selected as the 2007 and 2009 winner of the San Diego Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
Jay and his family have lived and worked in Rancho Bernardo since 1997. He is a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo and actively participates in the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce. You'll also find him at meetings of the Rancho Bernardo Business Association. Mayor Jerry Sanders recently appointed him to the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board.
Jay enjoys giving back to the community that has given him so much, and he actively seeks out opportunities to be of assistance to those around him. We're thrilled to have him with us!

Treasurer

Drew Sutter, Deloitte

A CPA with the San Diego office of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Drew has over 28 years of experience providing accounting, auditing and other financial services to publicly traded and privately held companies. A Partner since 1995, Drew spent five years as the San Diego office Professional Practice Director, responsible for technical consultations on accounting and auditing matters and quality assurance. In 2005, he was named Partner-in-Charge of the San Diego office's audit practice.

As chair of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation's finance committee and a member of the audit committee, he brings his wealth of experience in accounting, financial reporting, internal controls and business operations to the Foundation.
A Poway resident since 1999, Drew believes strongly in giving back to the community. He is a past chair of the board of directors of Casa de las Campañas, and currently chairs their audit committee. He also is a past president of the San Diego-Imperial Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Drew believes in the importance of the arts to a vibrant community. "I make my living dealing with numbers-financial analysis, reporting earnings, and the like-and there's a focus on the bottom line, sometimes to the detriment of intangibles like music and theater," he observes. "But to me, those intangibles are a big part of what makes the rest of it all worthwhile. I'm proud to be working with the Foundation to bring high-quality, diverse performances to our community".

Secretary

Sandi Kane, Amtrust Gemstone Mortgage Banking

Sandi Kane has always been quick to jump into new things, but slow to leave them behind. Currently teaching banking professionals how to adapt to a green environment, Sandi works hard to absorb existing ideas, learn the landscape, and then help those around her adapt to make the most of every opportunity.The Poway Center Foundation is lucky to get such a flexible thinker into our midst!

"My first job was right out of Poway High School, when I leapt into the mortgage banking industry," she laughs, adding "that position lasted 18 years!" Being the furthest thing from a slouch, Sandi used that time to rise from receptionist to regional vice president overseeing four states.
Today she operates with the philosophy "Carpe Diem", constantly striving to find new opportunities to challenge her enthusiasm and worldly insights. "Kids today need to understand the importance of the arts in the world around them," she insists. "The Poway Center plays a key role in helping a wide range of our community's members - from 10 to 110 - to have ready access to music, drama, comedy and art. And that's a message I'm thrilled to be able to help carry on.
Still married to her high school sweetheart, Sandi Kane knows the meaning of terms like honor, respect, trust, and longevity. These are the kinds of principles she brings with her to the PCPAF Board - and the types of values she is already working to incorporate into every committee assignment she'll be touching.
If you're anything like those on the board who are getting to know her, you'll be expecting big things from Ms. Kane.

Board of Directors

Elaine Cofrancesco, Poway Unified School District

As Executive Director for the Poway Unified School District, Elaine oversees Student Support Services. This includes alcohol, tobacco, drug and violence prevention; attendance and discipline; counseling services; grant writing; early mental health; before-and-after school programs;extended school services; character education; crisis preparedness and response; Caring Connections Center; and the elementary music program. She has been instrumental in developing the New Directions Independent Study and K-5 Home school program, Teen Parent Center, District Crisis Response Teams, and on-line courses.

Elaine's career evolved from early work in the mental health field, and included stints in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling at Poway Counseling Services; Mercy Hospital Mental Health; and the Escondido Youth Center (EYE). She's been with the PUSD for over 29 years, serving as teacher, counselor and administrator. Her qualifications include a BA/Music; MA/Music Education; MA/Counseling Psychology; and PhD/Psychology. She is Nationally Board Certified in Music Therapy, plays string bass, and has a long history of playing in orchestras and jazz ensembles, performing at events with the Celebrity Strings.
"Serving on the PCPA Board has allowed me to involve students and teachers in our Introduction to Instruments and Meet the Artist Programs. Students now have an opportunity to meet with professional musicians, develop performance skills, learn about new instruments and appreciate the musical experiences at the Center."
Elaine works on statewide committees and is involved in the community serving on the Boards for San Diego Character Counts North, the Safety Wellness Advocacy Community Coalition, and the Palomar/Pomerado Health Community Action Council.

Ari David, The Law Office of Ari C. David, APC

San Diego tax attorney Ari David joined the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation with only one objective: to increase access to theater for North County families and businesses.

"For as long as I can remember, I've been involved with the arts in some manner," says the Poway resident. "And, as a new father, I've really had music and drama brought into my home. On a daily basis I am reminded that my generation bears the responsibility of maintaining and improving the full range of fine arts for the sake of our children."
By day, Ari heads an estate planning and tax law firm located in Rancho Bernord. With his established business in place advising clients in business, corporate and real estate transactions and retirement and estate planning, he looks for opportunities to give back to the community by blending his old love of the arts with his new family.
"I see my son and am witnessing the future." he observes. "I recognize that without my direct involvement he may never experience Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. And I know that without all of us - our energy, time, commitment and, yes, money - an entire generation could miss out on Felix Mendelssohn, Martha Graham or Dave Mason. That would be a tragic loss and I, for one, won't let it happen!"

Harold Dokmo, Echo Pacific Construction, inc.

People who think they're dedicated to bettering their community have absolutely NOTHING on Harold Dokmo! Here is a man who packed up his wife and two youngsters in 1980 to move from Minneapolis to Rancho Bernardo. He brought along a healthy supply of Midwestern values and commitment to improving the lives of those around him. We've all been benefiting ever since!

Harold is a man who provides plenty of solid experience in both the business and nonprofit arenas. He began his career in the investment field but, within a few short years, he shifted to building and managing apartments. Next, he acquired a troubled cabinetmaker with 25 employees and grew the business to 1,800 employees before selling it a few years later. He continues managing 4,000 Twin City apartment units to this day.
In addition to his involvement in business ventures, Harold has been engaged in a wide range of volunteer and charitable activities. Over the past 30 years he has been a regular participant in the Chamber of Commerce, RB Sunrise Rotary and the RB Presbyterian Church. When added to his board participation on the San Diego Symphony, Rancho Bernardo Business Association and Palomar Pomerado Hospital Foundation, it's easy to see the value Harold brings to our board.
"We love our community and couldn't ever imagine living elsewhere," he says. His willingness to commit his time, resources and family to the betterment of North County makes this increasingly apparent.

Suzanne Kropf, Prudential Realty California

Our newest board member, top-producing real estate agent Suzanne Kropf was the number one agent in Poway for Market Share of Listings Sold for 2010. Understandably proud of her achievement, Suzanne has received outstanding sales honors every year since she first entered the real estate business in 2000. Her most significant achievement: Prudential Real Estate Affiliates' Chairman's Circle Diamond award, representing the top 1% of more than 68,000 Prudential agents nationwide.

Our resident superstar earned her bachelor's degree in marketing and finance from Northern Arizona University. She has used her university training and years of practical field experience to create dynamic marketing programs for every one of her clients' properties. The results speak for themselves.
With a reputation for achieving top-dollar sales and "neighborhood high" prices, Suzanne has acquired an excellent understanding of local home values and appropriate pricing. Since embarking on her sizzling real estate career, she has achieved consistently remarkable success through a combination of integrity, professionalism and highly personalized service, along with a proven mix of marketing, advertising, internet exposure and state-of-the-art technology.
Residing in Poway, Suzanne believes in "giving back" to the community. In addition to our board, she also belongs to the Poway Chamber of Commerce, the Rancho Bernardo Business Association, the National Charity League and serves on the Foundation's Business Council. Suzanne typically donates thousands of dollars annually to local schools and nonprofit organizations.

Robert Lakosil, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

As VP/Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Rancho Bernardo, Bob works hard to build community relationships. Employing a comprehensive financial management approach to portfolio building, estate planning and retirement planning, he has served and advised high net-worth individuals and families since 1977. Along the way, our newest board member has developed a strong working knowledge of the stock and municipal bond markets, as well as a disciplined approach to long-term investing. He is regularly called upon as an industry expert arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Bob understands that enjoying life is about more than just making money. For this reason, he supplements his business expertise with a solid foundation of experience helping stabilize and grow non-profits. The list of groups benefiting from his help includes Las Patronas of La Jolla, La Jolla YMCA, Arthritis Foundation, Sacramento Zoo, Crocker Art Museum, Starlight Theater, Boy Scouts of America and Habitat for Humanity. He also served as a Chancellor's Associate for UCSD.
"Growing up in the Midwest, I learned that being a good corporate citizen means investing time as well as resources," says the Illinois native. "Both as a representative of Morgan Stanley and as a San Diego resident, I have dedicated myself to making my corner of the world a better place. I can think of no better way of doing this than by helping to build a stronger performing arts center in Poway."

Evangeline (Ginger) J. Larson, Larson & Solecki LLP

Ginger has been a leading volunteer for our Foundation since 2003.She just finished serving as President of our Board of Directors. Her efforts have guided our professional staff and board members toward steady growth and expansion.

Ginger volunteers throughout the community. The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce named her both "Committee Member" and "Committee Chair of the Year" after she ran their annual State of the Community luncheon for three consecutive years. As president of the nonprofit, The Clean Foundation, Ginger carries on founder Frank Goldsmith's vision, providing education about the dangers of teen drug abuse.
In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and community volunteer, Ginger is a founding partner of Larson & Solecki, LLP, a real estate and business law firm with offices in Rancho Bernardo, Temecula and Irvine. She is both passionate and knowledgeable in all areas of real property matters. She is recognized as a deal maker - not a deal breaker. Ginger focuses her practice on commercial and residential real estate and business transactions and litigation. The firm represents property owners; parties to large loan transactions; lenders; borrowers; businesses; contractors and construction site owners. Ginger has been involved in numerous multi-million dollar real estate matters, and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law and a BS in Business Administration from Colorado State University.
Ginger looks forward to providing service to the PCPA Foundation for many years to come.

Dennis Naas, ProDev Consulting Services, Ltd.

Recently appointed to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Board, Dennis Naas is a 10 year resident of Poway, having moved here with his wife, Dr. Leigh Ann Burns Naas, from Michigan in 2001 to work for Pfizer, Inc. at their La Jolla site. Dennis is the owner of a highly successful toxicology and project management consulting business, ProDev Consulting Services, Ltd., which provides nonclinical pharmaceutical development consulting services to San Diego’s robust biopharmaceutical community.

Dennis, like so many other Board members, brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the Foundation, which is coupled with nearly two decades of large corporate experience with Great Lakes Chemical Corporation as Assistant Director of Toxicology and with Pfizer as an Associate Director in Global Project Management. His experience includes managing people in a technical and highly regulated work environment, business development and growth, global project leadership and the management of international partnerships. Also a certified Project Management Professional®, Dennis is anxious to apply this varied professional skill set in assisting the Foundation to achieve its goals.

In addition to being avid supporters of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, Dennis and Leigh Ann are also active supporters of the San Diego Symphony, The San Diego Zoological Society and the Helen Woodward Animal Center, for whom they serve as a foster family caring for young, orphaned and/or ill kittens and puppies until such time as they can be adopted. Dennis’s hobbies include fishing, golf, fine wines and sports.

Dennis is very pleased to have been appointed to the PCPAF Board of Directors. “It is a new venture for me, and I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community. I look forward to serving and contributing to the Foundation’s efforts to bring quality and diverse professional performers to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts for our community to enjoy.”

Jeannette Roether, Creative Interior Designs

Jeannette brings 22 years of creativity to her seat on the Foundation's board.

An interior designer by profession, and head of Creative Interior Designs, Jeannette and partner/architect/husband Vernon have long recognized the importance of the arts to the community they call home. A native of Mexico City, Jeannette received her Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design Engineering from La Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico City) and her Master's Degree in Industrial Design Engineering from St. Martins School of Art and Design in London, England. "We want Poway to be the best it can possibly be," she says, "and what better way to ensure quality of life than by contributing to our region's cultural component?"
"Music and art are about more than someone performing on the stage," she asserts. "This is about raising the value and quality of life. And when you get right down to it, it's about making Poway and surrounding communities into nicer places to live and raising the value of your property, as well. No matter which angle you come at it from, the Poway Center is something you can get behind and support!"
Given their partnership's ability to take any construction-related idea and turn it into brick and mortar, Jeannette and Vernon know all about foundations and building. We know she's already finding creative ways to construct new programs for reaching out to both existing and current audiences. We're expecting great things from Jeannette, and know you'll enjoy the exciting new directions she'll be recommending.

Jim Roth, The Roth Law Firm

Jim Roth has practiced corporate and business law since 1987, representing small start-up companies and multi-national entities with equal fervor. He acts as general counsel to more than 70 corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships. As general counsel Jim has extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, mediation, negotiating and drafting a variety of business-related transactions.

Committed to community service, Jim has spent years in leadership positions at a variety of not-for-profit organizations. He's a former Director for the Blue Sky Community Foundation, the Bernardo Town Center Property Owners' Association, the RB Foundation, the RB Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego North Chamber. Jim also served as Board Chair for both the RB and San Diego North Chambers of Commerce.
Jim is past-president of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club. Since 1999 he's been on Rotary District 5340's leadership team, and in 2006 was named District 5340's Rotarian of the Year. Jim also was elected to the RB Hall of Fame in 2006.
As a speaker to professional/community groups, Jim addresses a variety of topics including pro-active approaches to insurance claims handling, extra-contractual liability, commercial real estate, employment issues, legal ethics and settlement negotiations. He frequently volunteers as a judge for law students participating in trial practice competitions, has acted as a litigation expert, and regularly writes for the San Diego Insurance Adjusters Association and the San Diego Defense Lawyers magazines.