Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees governs the College. Board members are trusted advisors, advocates, and ambassadors for the College. Board members commit to invest time, talent, and financial resources to support the mission, vision, and values of the College.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Gary Miller, PhD, University of Nebraska, MSA, Central Michigan University, BA, Spring Arbor University. Dr. Miller served as Executive Vice President and President of Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia and Provost of Biola University. Dr. Miller serves on the Executive Committee. His second term expires end of 2024.
Annette Kelly-Whittle, MBA and BS, University of Redlands. Ms. Kelly-Whittle is a workforce development professional and grant writer. She has worked in public services in various leadership capacities and is a passionate advocate for economic opportunity for underserved populations and vitality in economically distressed communities. She serves on the Advancement Committee. Her second term expires end of 2026.
Wendy Little, PhD and MS, UC Davis, BA, Westmont College. Dr. Little has served in the field of education two decades. She has co-authored several articles and book chapters on adolescent development, family dynamics, sibling relationships, and the effects of economic hardship across generations. Dr. Little serves on the Executive and Academic Affairs Committee. Her second term expires end of 2026.
LaSharnda Beckwith, PhD, California Southern University, and PhD, Capella University, MA, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, MA, Webster University, BA, Barry University. Dr. Beckwith serves as President/CEO of Lutheran Social Services, Southern California. Prior to her current role, Dr. Beckwith served as the Provost of California Southern University and prior to that, Dean, College of Business and Management, Hope International University. Dr. Beckwith serves on the Academic Affairs Committee. Her first term expires end of 2024.
Mark Cook, BS, Cal Poly Pomona. Mark has owned and operated multiple Taco Bell franchises, and currently owns Avalon, Bagels to Burgers and several Pieology franchises. Mr. Cook won the Glen Bell Award from Taco Bell for leadership and contribution to building the brand. He is on staff as a Worship Pastor at Grace Church of Glendora and is the Chairman of the Personnel Commission for the Charter Oak Unified School District. He serves on the Finance Committee. His first term expires the end of 2025.
Mildred Treash, MS, Cal Baptist University, BS, University of Southern California. Ms. Treash is a first-generation college student and earned both of her degrees while raising twin sons. She is the Assistant Director, Industry Relations and Experiential Learning at the UCLA Career Center. She grew up in Rialto, CA. She serves on the Enrollment Committee. Her first term expires end of 2025.
Angel Estrada - Class of 2021. Mr Estrada is a graduate of Oak Valley College. He is pursuing his graduate degree and serves as a pastor at Cornerstone Covenant Church in Palm Desert. He serves on the Advancement Committee. His first term expires the end of 2025.
Eric Blum, MPA, University of Washington, BA, Claremont McKenna College, serves as President of Oak Valley College.
Jeff Collier, MPA, CSU Fullerton, BS, Cal Poly Pomona. Mr. Collier is retired having served as city manager of several Southern California cities over his lengthy public service career. He serves on the Advancement Committee. His first term expires the end of 2025.
Brandon Elrod, PhD and MS, Newburgh Theological Seminary, and BS, Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Elrod is an arborist, business owner, and President of Community Forest Council. He serves as an Elder at Calvary Church of Santa Ana and is a resident of the City of Santa Ana. His first term expires the end of 2025.
John Mills, MA, Biola and BS, University of Auckland, is Managing Director of Inwoven, Inc and Designer/Owner of The RedlandsMill. Mr. Mills serves on the Advancement Committee. His first term expires the end of 2025.
David Little is a Product Strategy Consultant. Mr. Little has worked in technology and innovation for several decades. He has a BS in Physics from Westmont College and a MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford. He serves on the Finance and Enrollment Committee. His first term expires the end of 2026.
Lisa Akheituame serves as a hospital administrator at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Prior to her current role she served for nearly 25 years as a professor and administrator at Alvin Community College. Dr. Akheituame earned a BA in Business Administration at Malone University, EMBA at Texas Woman's University, and PhD at Jackson State University. She serves on the Academic Affairs Committee. Her first term expires the end of 2026.
Ruth Johnson is President of Assisting Hands in Dana Point, a senior care company. Prior to her current role, Ms. Johnson served in senior leadership roles for more than 20 years at Pepsi/Frito Lay. She serves on the Advancement Committee. Her first term expires the end of 2026.
Advisory Board
The Oak Valley College Advisory Board serves as advisors, advocates, and ambassadors, providing connectivity and support to serve new students and attract new resources to support the Oak Valley College mission, vision, and values. If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming an Advisory Board Member, please contact President Eric Blum, eblum@oakvalleycollege.org.
Dane Aaker, Lead Pastor, Centerpoint Church
Jeff Abbott, Champion at Chino Valley Community Church
Steve Austin, Managing Partner at Swenson Advisors
Greg Blackfelner, Champion at Chino Valley Community Church
Ray Blom, Chief Operating Officer, The Corporate Advocate and Principal, JS Platinum Insurance Services
Jon Burgess, Business Development at Microdyne Plastics, Inc.
Ron Burgess, MicroGiants
Rod Collins, Pastor, Sanctuary Church
Betty Crocker, Director of Enrollment, Redlands Christian School
Gerard Dagonese, Certified Christian Conciliator™, Conflict2Peace Ministries and Attorney, Law Offices of Gerard Dagonese
Bryan Feller, Executive Director, The National Christian Foundation California
Patrick Flaherty, Business and Public Administration at Cal State San Bernardino
Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Consultant, Audit, Assurance, Finance, Accounting and Business Instruction
Kevin Gillespie, Gillespie Law
Brian Keith, Engineering Manager - Cisco/Duo
Matt Kraus, Partner, Lester & Cantrell, LLP
Denise Kuhn, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
Doug Jorritsma, Senior Vice President, Land Advisor
Greg Leith, CEO, Convene
John Mills, Managing Partner, InterWoven Group
Darrell Passwater, Business Consultant, Convene
Dustin Riedel, Partner, Adler Advisors
Mayor Deborah Robertson, City of Rialto
Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, President of San Bernardino City Unified Governing Board, San Bernardino City Unified School District
Connie Salios, National Managing Partner, Barnabas Group
Dr. Talisa Sullivan, Administrator of Equity and Access, Riverside County Office of Education
Glenn Tetley, Tetley Wealth Advisors
Matt Thalmayer, President, T and T Healthcare Staffing/Arrow Staffing
Jim West, co-founder, Barnabas Group and Executive Director, The Pocket Testament League
Dr. Judy White, Superintendent (retired), Riverside County Office of Education, Founder, MOSIAC
Craig Wilson, Partner, Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick LLP
Maria Zalesky, Director, Mission Increase Foundation Inland Valleys