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Community Board Directors Strengthen Village Board

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 10/29/2024

Cowritten with Dick Myers.

At Pasadena Village, we are a member-led organization focused on supporting older adults in the San Gabriel Valley through wellness, engagement, and fostering meaningful friendships. While our Villager’s needs drive much of our activities and decision-making, we also believe that bringing in broader perspectives can significantly strengthen our community. That’s why we have Board Directors from local business and professional sectors. These individuals contribute invaluable expertise, resources, and connections that amplify our  ability to serve Villagers effectively.

The inclusion of community Directors provides numerous benefits to our organization, and their roles in guiding our strategic initiatives have been vital. They bring a wealth of experience that we may not find within our membership, allowing us to run more efficiently and sustainably.

Serving the Aging Population

Pasadena Village was founded to serve the needs of an aging population, and our community Board Directors bring relevant expertise to this area as well. Rick Holliday, owner of THR Insurance, is a Medicare Consultant, plays a critical role in helping us support members in navigating the complexities of Medicare and healthcare systems. His insight ensures that our members have access to the right information and resources as they make important healthcare decisions. As an active Director and village volunteer, Rick recently gave a very detailed and entertaining presentation on changes in Medicare Law at Washington Park Community Center for the public that was sponsored by Pasadena Village.

Expanding Expertise and Perspectives

The primary reason for including community Board Directors is to ensure that Pasadena Village benefits from a wide range of skills and knowledge. Our organization is complex, requiring oversight in legal, financial, healthcare, real estate, and nonprofit management areas. While we have a strong staff and a sizeable group of dedicated villagers, outside professionals bring unique expertise that helps us meet our goals more effectively.

For example, Nolan Arcos, another of our community Board Directors, is an Estate Attorney with Lagerloff, LLP, a well-respected legal firm in Pasadena. His legal knowledge ensures that Pasadena Village adheres to the necessary regulations and operates ethically. Navigating nonprofit governance can sometimes be legally challenging, but with Nolan’s support, we are confident in maintaining transparency and integrity in our work.

Financial health is crucial to the longevity of Pasadena Village. Ron Stoffers is a Fiduciary who is the Regional Director of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC). He serves on the finance committee, helping with budget planning, financial oversight, and long-term sustainability. His role allows Pasadena Village to make sound financial decisions, ensuring that we have the resources to serve our members for years to come.

Access to Resources and Networks

Another benefit of having community Board Directors is the access to resources and networks they bring. These professionals often have strong ties with businesses and organizations that can support Pasadena Village through funding, sponsorships or partnerships. The connections that our Directors have developed in the local community allow us to tap into a broader range of opportunities that might not have been available otherwise.

For instance, Michelle Chiu, Regional Director with Forest Lawn Cemetery, is actively involved in DEI initiatives. She has deep connections within the nonprofit sector and is instrumental in helping Pasadena Village form meaningful partnerships with other organizations. Her leadership in nonprofit management has been key to helping us grow our network and collaborate with others who share our mission of serving older adults.

Board Directors from outside our immediate membership can also help raise our visibility within the broader community. Their involvement lends credibility and promotes our organization to potential donors, partners, and supporters, which is crucial for maintaining the financial health of our organization.

Similarly, Shad Cruz, a licensed Social Worker, brings his academic background in gerontology to the Board. As a former intern with Pasadena Village, Shad understands our organization deeply, and his studies in aging are directly relevant to the community we serve. Shad’s knowledge allows us to stay up to date on the latest research and best practices in gerontology, ensuring that we are meeting the unique needs of our members as they age.

Broader Community Representation

Having community Board Directors also ensures that Pasadena Village represents a broader cross-section of the San Gabriel Valley. Our board reflects not just the voices of Villagers but also the perspectives of those who engage with the community in other meaningful ways. This approach helps us avoid becoming too inwardly focused and ensures that we remain connected to the broader community we serve.

The contributions of our community Board Directors play a crucial role in the success of Pasadena Village. Their specialized skills, access to resources, and community connections help us achieve our mission of promoting wellness, engagement, and friendship for older adults. By broadening our expertise and deepening our ties to the community, they provide the leadership we need to ensure that Pasadena Village continues to thrive and grow in the years to come.