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Executive Staff

Kurt Ohlfs

Kurt Ohlfs

Executive Director

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Kurt has served as the PACE Executive Director since June 2005. With his strengths in technology operations and business management, Kurt has been instrumental in implementing improvements at PACE in organizational management and technology innovation. Kurt holds B.S. from Santa Clara University and an MBA.

Karen Kennan

Karen Kennan

Assistant Executive Director

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Karen is experienced in non-profit management, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, and community outreach. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of California, Haas School of Business.

Karyn Caradonna

Karyn Caradonna

Director of Human Resources

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Karyn has over 15 years serving in Human Resources, both in high-tech and non-profit sectors. Karyn’s background covers a full range of HR functions with emphasis in areas of recruitment, on-boarding, employee relations, and reorganizations. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) with extensive employee compensation experience. She holds a B.A. from San Jose State University.

Nancy Elghiani

Nancy Elghiani

Finance Manager

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Nancy has nine years experience in finance and accounting in Tech and Education sectors. At PACE, she is responsible for all the financial management of the agency, including payroll administration and accounts payable/receivable. She holds a degree in Finance from San Jose State University and continuing education at Santa Clara University.

Melissa Watkins

Melissa Watkins

Marketing and Resource Development Manager

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Melissa is experienced in marketing, operations, project management, and community engagement. Her professional background includes working for start-ups and B2C companies in Financial and Education sectors. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Davis.

Lori G. Strickland

Lori G. Strickland

School Program Director

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Lori has been in education for 16 years. She recently has served as a School Principal for TK-8 and High School. She also has experience as a Guidance Professor, Assistant Principal of Instruction, Learning Director/Counselor, and Assistant Principal of Special Education. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling from Fresno Pacific University. Additionally, she has a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS), and an Administrative Credential.


Board of Directors

The PACE Board of Directors is responsible for all fiduciary decisions, strategic direction, policy, and leadership. If you are interested in joining the PACE Board of Directors, please send an email to email hidden; JavaScript is required

The PACE Board

Sarah Mudgett, President
Territory Sales Manager, CooperSurgical

Mark Peper, Vice President
Chief Executive Director, RDE2 Senior Living Management

Debbie McCarroll, Treasurer
VP of Business Development, Scharf Investments

Kurt Ohlfs, Secretary (non-voting)
Executive Director, PACE

Nancy Brown
Retired, Former PACE Finance Director

Joe Dermer
Attorney, Dermer Law Firm

Marina Djordjevic
Senior Corp Technical Recruiter, Carbon Health

Mark Gilfix
Attorney, Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP

Lisa Grisalin
Partner/Broker, Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley

Sruba Seshadri
Account Technical Executive, Cadence Design Systems

Advisory Board

Penny Barrett
Past Executive Board Member

Jeff Fallick
Past Executive Board Member

Paul Lacy
Past Executive Board Member

Tom McGovern
Past Executive Board President

Madhu Ranganathan
Past Executive Board President

Dave Setti
Past Executive Board Member