Executive Staff
Kurt Ohlfs
Executive Director
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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
Assistant Executive Director
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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
Director of Human Resources
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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
Finance Manager
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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
Marketing and Resource Development Manager
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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
School Program Director
email hidden; JavaScript is required
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