Project Open Hand is pleased to welcome the following people to our Board of Directors:
John Colton
John Colton, Managing Director of Finance for Kaiser Permanente's Northern California region, was voted onto the board in March and will serve a three year term. John brings a passion for health and a track record of commitment to serving his community. A native of the Bay Area, John lives in Oakland with his wife and two young children. Outside of work, he enjoys training for triathlons and volunteering activities focused on health, wellness and supporting public schools.
"An East Bay native, John's original connection to Project Open Hand came out of our 29 years working in Oakland and his determination to address the needs in his community. With more than 20 years of management consulting, strategic planning and financial operations experience, John will be a tremendous asset at this critical juncture in the agency's history.” -Mark Ryle, CEO
Lisa DeCarlo
Lisa DeCarlo, Head of Platform and Business Development at Wells Fargo API Gateway, was voted onto the board on January 7, 2017. She will serve a three year term. Prior to building the API Gateway, Lisa created the Wholesale Talent group for Wells Fargo, worked as the Chief Operating Officer of Wells Fargo Government & Institutional Banking, and served six years as principal and national business manager for the public finance group at Banc of America Securities. Active in the community, Lisa is on the leadership council for the Young Women’s Leadership Network. She is also on the Corporate Engagement team The Pachamama Alliance. When she isn’t at work or strengthening her community, Lisa is an avid cyclist, runner, skier, and world traveler.
“Lisa brings a personal passion for our work in medical nutrition and a commitment to the most vulnerable among us. Her cross-sector leadership in finance, marketing and business development will bring great value as we move forward in executing against our strategic vision.” -Mark Ryle, CEO
Linda Harrison
Linda Harrison, the Executive Director of San Francisco’s Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), was voted onto the board on October 10, 2016. She will serve a three year term. Linda brings a wealth of experience to Project Open Hand. Not only did she start two businesses and worked as a VP for Eastman Kodak, a Fortune 500 company, but she also served on a variety of San Francisco based nonprofit Board of Directors, including Frameline and EARN. We are excited that Linda will be adding Project Open Hand to her list of passions, which include LGBT film and helping low-income American families and the LGBT community achieve financial stability.
“Linda’s depth of business acumen and experience is a welcome addition to the Project Open Hand Board. She has a personal and professional passion for the most vulnerable and her resume speaks to this in audible ways.” -Amira Barger, VP of Development and Communications
Patty King
Patty King, the Vice President of the Restaurant and Retail Division at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, was voted onto the board on October 10, 2016. She will serve a three year term. Patty has an extended background in food and retail. She spent six years heading up merchandising at Trader Joe’s corporate headquarters in Boston, held similar roles at Restoration Hardware and Neiman Marcus, and worked in tandem with Chuck Williams and Howard Lester, two icons of the food and retail industry, at William-Sonoma. When she is not conquering the e-commerce and merchandising worlds, Patty enjoys volunteering at food kitchens and at Gavin Newsom’s Project Homeless Connect.
"Patty is an accomplished marketer and brings to Project Open Hand years of multi-channel marketing knowledge. Patty’s personal passion for tending to the marginalized in her community brought her to us and we could not be prouder to count her among the closest of allies.” -Amira Barger, VP of Development and Communications
Kris Konietzko
Kristofer Konietzko, a Senior Manager at Salesforce, was voted onto the board on November 14, 2016. He will serve a three year term. Kristofer has 12 years of experience in building engaged brands, managing teams, and working at the intersection of communications, influence, and technology. At Salesforce, he uses this experience to run operations, reporting, and measurement for the global PR team. Most recently, Kristofer led companywide PR efforts at Dreamforce 2016, Saleforce’s largest show to date. Previously, he held positions at SHIFT Communications, Breakaway Communications, and GolinHarris International. Outside of the office, Kristofer and his husband, Peter Borkon, are passionate about giving back to their community. Peter recently served as a board member for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Tribute Celebration, and Project Open Hand was listed as the gift preference for their wedding registry last year.
“Kris is a connector of people. His passion to amplify others willingness and passion to serve is infectious. We are excited to welcome his energy as a member of our board.” -Amira Barger, VP of Development and Communications
Leslie Lerude
Leslie Lerude, the Senior Vice President, People & Culture at Kokua Hospitality & The Chartres Lodging Group, was voted onto the board on January 7, 2017. She will serve a three year term. Leslie, a hospitality and human resources luminary, is a strategic, action-oriented executive with a multifaceted leadership background in HR, internal communications, and operation management. Prior to joining Kokua Hospitality, Leslie was the Senior Vice President, People and Culture at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, as well as Vice President, People for Revolution Foods. Leslie resides in San Francisco with her husband, Dan, and her two tabby cats, Zola and Zeke.
“With her first question, 'How can I help?', Leslie brought an early enthusiasm and wealth of insight to the people and the mission of Project Open Hand. Leslie's career in people development and talent management will contribute directly to our growth plans.” -Mark Ryle, CEO
The Board of Directors is comprised of individuals from the medical, business, academic, and volunteer communities of the Bay Area. It is the Board’s responsibility to provide counsel and guidance in the direction and operation of Project Open Hand as well as raise awareness of services to the community.
For a complete list of the Board of Directors, click here.