Leadership

leading our

innovation

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Senior Leadership
Team

Camp Fire Admin Staff

Board of Directors

Kevin Kray, Board Chair

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Kevin moved to Orange County in 2020 and currently works in the strategy department at Taco Bell’s global headquarters, where he leads cross-functional initiatives focusing on brand and business growth. He previously held strategy roles at Vans and PwC, with earlier experience in finance and operations. Kevin holds an MBA from Duke University and a BBA from the University of Notre Dame. He has previously supported youth-focused nonprofits including ImPOWER Youth, STOKED, and the Executive Service Corps of the Triangle.

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Outside of work, he enjoys action sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing and spending time outdoors with his wife and friends. Kevin joined the Camp Fire board because he believes every young person should have equitable opportunities to discover their spark outdoors, build community, and grow with support from caring adults, and he is eager to contribute his skillset and experience to help make that possible.

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Vanessa Hatch, Secretary

Vanessa brings more than 35 years of experience working in the cities, schools and non-profits. She is currently the Director of Community Service for a non-profit affordable housing organization. Her passion had always always been to help others and build communities. She volunteered for many of her 3 children’s activities and organizations, where she led and served on various boards. She enjoys spending time with her 3 granddaughters.

Vanessa is honored to serve as a member of the Camp Fire Board of Directors. Camp Fire was a part of her childhood. She seeks to support the staff and fellow Board Members to help make such a positive and meaningful impact on children.

Lam Le, Treasurer

Lam is passionate about empowering youth to discover their spark, build confidence, and reach their full potential, in alignment with Camp Fire’s mission. He brings over 15 years of experience as a finance transformation leader, helping organizations strengthen their financial operations, governance, and strategic capabilities through innovative, cloud-based systems and technology.

Beyond his professional work, Lam has actively contributed to nonprofit initiatives across

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Southern California, supporting program evaluations and improvement efforts that enhance services and outcomes for vulnerable populations. His background reflects a deep commitment to community impact, equity, and youth development.

Lam holds a Master of Public Administration from the USC Price School of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the USC Leventhal School of Accounting. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the outdoors.

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Nick Holden, Board Member

Nick is a seasoned technology executive with 35 years of experience spanning both innovative startups and large global enterprises. He has been married for 27 years and has raised three sons in Southern California, based in Orange County, CA. He was born in South Africa, raised in the UK, and has lived in the US for almost 30 years. He proudly received his U.S. citizenship in 2004 and prides himself on bringing a diverse, global lens to any conversation or business issue.
He is an avid basketball fan (supporting the LA Lakers and his sons, who played in
college), coached youth soccer, and has run 12 marathons.

Ellie Kennedy, Board Member

Ellie Kennedy is a native of Southern California, having grown up in the Inland Empire. She currently lives in Huntington Beach with her husband, Craig, and their two dogs. In addition to raising two boys-now in their 20’s- she has extensive experience working with youth and young adults from all walks of life.

Previous volunteer organizations that Ellie has worked with include CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocates), CHOC Hospital, and CASA Teresa. Each of these experiences has taught her about the tremendous impact a strong organization can have on a young person’s life, as well as the joy and education that comes with volunteering.

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Rachna Desai, Board Member

Rachna is a Southern California native with over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration, specializing in operations and strategy. She has worked at Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and Allegheny Health Network, gaining extensive experience across leading healthcare systems. She holds an MBA, MHA from University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Science from USC.

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In addition to her professional work, Rachna has volunteered with various organizations, including running a free medical and dental clinic and helping to organize health screenings for underserved populations. She lives in Orange County with her husband and son and spends her free time volunteering as a room parent, listening to true crime podcasts, event planning, and reading.

Rachna is deeply committed to creating positive environments where children can thrive and has joined the Camp Fire Board to help provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

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Jacqueline Meneses, Board Member

Jacqueline is a Southern California native, first-generation college graduate, and community advocate committed to helping others thrive. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton.

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With seven years of banking experience, Jacqueline currently serves as a Branch Manager in Anaheim Hills, where she focuses on building meaningful relationships and supporting financial well-being. Passionate about philanthropy and youth empowerment, she has volunteered with organizations including Girls Inc., Laura’s House, and the Orange County Family Justice Center, reflecting her dedication to service, inclusion, and positive community impact.

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Advisory Board

Robin Inlow, Advisory Board Member

Robin has over 30 years in the customer service industry with her experience as a Homeowner Association Manager and Trade Show Manager. Her expertise lies within budgets, community projects, and guiding several HOA boards to maintain their communities. She also has a passion for special events and an eye for detail.

Robin loves scrapbooking, boating, family time and traveling to discover new places and creating new memories. She was always involved in her 2 boys school classrooms and their sports while they were growing up. Though Camp Fire she can continue to receive joy from watching children grow and learn.

Robert Laguna, Advisory Board Member

Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Robert Laguna immigrated to the United States in 1976. He became a proud citizen of the U.S. in 1992. He is a real estate expert with almost 30 years in the field. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University, he honed his negotiation skills as a banker. His dedication to excellence drives his success and he has earned top rank in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and top 1% REALTOR nationally for numerous years.

At home is where he finds his solace and fulfillment. It’s here where he has built a life alongside his beautiful wife and three children. As a former Rotarian, community service is vital to him. Beyond the home front, his involvement as a board member for Camp Fire reinforces his commitment to empowering the youth, nurturing leadership, and creating positive change.

Khoa Ho, Advisory Board Member

After immigrating to the U.S. two years ago, Khoa jumped into service, tutoring seniors in technology, preparing peers for the SAT, and supporting public events like robotics tournaments. He’s helped international students adjust to American life through summer camps, organized family events in local parks, and raised funds for youth programs.

A former AP scholar and dedicated student, Khoa was invited to join the Camp Fire Board after high school, a reflection of his reliability, initiative, and people-first approach to leadership.

Brandon Willis, Advisory Board Member

Brandon has been in the insurance world for over 8 years and bring his experience to the table. He is currently the Vice President of an insurance company. His areas of expertise include, commercial, claims, underwriting, and customer service. He believes in going above and beyond for all of his clients and getting to know them on a personal level so he can make sure they are fully taken care of.

Brandon became a board member to help change the trajectory of child who dreams of something more. He believes if we can help one kid strive towards greatness, then it makes it all worth it.

Philip Teders, Advisory Board Member

Philip brings over 20 years of banking and finance experience to the table. He is currently the branch manager of a bank. His areas of expertise include finance, business and customer service. He has a degree in Finance from California State University of San Bernardino. In his down time he loves camping and spending time outdoors.

Join our board!

Serve as a voting member of the board with the authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures, and regulations for the conduct of Camp Fire Inland Southern California. Help shape the direction of the organization and contribute to its financial sustainability. If you’re interested in applying for a position on the Camp Fire Inland Southern California Board of Directors, please contact us for more information.

Senior Leadership Team

Sandra Rutherford, she/her
Executive Director/CEO

Sandra Rutherford has served as Executive Director/CEO of Camp Fire Inland Southern California since 1999. She holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne, where she graduated with honors,

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and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of San Diego, also earned with honors. She is also a member of Nu Lambda Mu.

Sandra has been deeply involved in community leadership throughout her career, including serving as President of the Rotary Club of La Verne and holding leadership roles with several other organizations. She has also been recognized for her service and leadership, including being named Venturist of the Year by her peers in the Venture Club and being nominated as Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners Inland Empire Chapter.

A former Camp Fire Blue Bird herself, Sandra’s connection to Camp Fire is both personal and professional. Her long-standing commitment to Camp Fire’s mission reflects her belief in helping young people build confidence, connection, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging.

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George Gutierrez , he/him
Senior Program Director

George Gutierrez stands as the Senior Program Director at Camp Fire ISC, leaving an indelible mark since his arrival in 2010. A testament to his dedication and ambition, George’s journey within Camp Fire speaks to his innate leadership prowess.

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Starting as an instructor, he rapidly elevated his role to supervisor status—a reflection of his exceptional drive and commitment.

George’s impact transcends Camp Fire’s borders. Prior engagements with various school districts and non-profits furnished him with an extensive toolkit of skills and insights into nurturing youth potential. A graduate of Estancia High School in Costa Mesa, his educational journey culminated in an AA Degree in Social Science and a BA in Early Childhood Education—testimony to his dedication to shaping the future through education.

A true pillar within his program, George’s hands-on approach underscores his dedication. His rich knowledge allows him to personally lead and enrich programs, from teaching dance to demonstrating the art of DJ equipment usage. Beyond the curriculum, George’s passion extends to cultivating engagement among Orange County’s youth, both within their schools and the broader community.

In 2016, George’s profound impact earned him not one, but two accolades: the “Chapter Excellence Award” from OCDE California Friday Night Live Partnership and the “Empowering Youth Through Education Award” from Camp Fire. These recognitions mirror his dedication to transforming lives and empowering the youth.

George’s essence resonates with the words of Bob Marley: “Love the life you live, live the life you love.” This philosophy encapsulates his commitment to uplifting young minds, fostering positivity, and igniting a lifelong love for learning. Amid his passionate pursuits, George shares his life with three beloved canine companions: Goliath, Godzilla, and Gruffington, further reflecting his affectionate and nurturing spirit

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Jocelyn Gavilanes , she/her
Junior Program Director

Jocelyn Gavilanes is a dedicated advocate for educational empowerment, having recently earned her degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

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Throughout her academic journey, Jocelyn developed a deep understanding of the social dynamics that influence educational outcomes, which fueled her passion for creating equitable learning environments. Her studies not only honed her analytical skills but also ignited a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of students from various backgrounds.

Beyond the classroom, Jocelyn has actively sought opportunities to apply her sociological insights in practical settings. She has volunteered with local organizations focused on youth mentorship and educational support, where she has worked closely with students to provide guidance and encouragement. Her hands-on experience has reinforced her belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of personalized support in helping students achieve their academic goals.

Now, Jocelyn is channeling her expertise and enthusiasm into helping students navigate their educational paths. She aims to leverage her background in sociology to offer tailored support that addresses both academic and social challenges. Jocelyn’s goal is to empower students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates each individual’s unique journey.

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Medver Marmolejo , she/her
Junior Program Director

Medver Marmolejo is a committed educator and history enthusiast who recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in History. Her academic studies provided him with a thorough understanding of historical events and perspectives, fostering a deep appreciation for the past and its influence on the present.

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Medver’s passion for history extends beyond the classroom, as she aims to use her knowledge to inspire and guide students toward academic success and a bright future.

During her time at Cal State Long Beach, Medver was actively involved in various educational outreach programs and history-related projects, which allowed her to work closely with students from diverse backgrounds. Her experiences in tutoring and mentoring have equipped her with valuable insights into the challenges students face and the strategies that can help them overcome these obstacles. Medver’s dedication to education is driven by a desire to make history engaging and relevant, helping students see the connections between historical events and their own lives.

As she embarks on her career, Medver is focused on creating opportunities for students to excel academically and envision a successful future. She is committed to developing innovative educational programs and support systems that will foster a love for learning and provide students with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Medver’s vision is to empower students through education, helping them build a strong foundation for a promising and fulfilling future.

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Zoe Souckova , she/her
Junior Program Director

Zoe Souckova is a passionate advocate for student well-being and academic success, having recently graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Psychology. Her academic journey equipped her with a deep understanding of mental health, developmental psychology, and the various factors influencing student performance and well-being.

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Zoe’s education has fueled her commitment to addressing the psychological and emotional challenges that students often face in their academic pursuits.

During her time at Cal State Fullerton, Zoe actively engaged in research and community initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing support to students. Her involvement in campus counseling programs and peer mentoring offered her practical experience in helping individuals navigate personal and academic struggles. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the importance of a holistic approach to education, one that considers both mental health and academic achievement as intertwined elements of student success.

With her background in psychology, Zoe is dedicated to creating supportive environments where students can thrive both academically and personally. She is focused on developing strategies and resources that address mental health issues and enhance overall well-being, aiming to foster resilience and a positive educational experience for students. Zoe’s goal is to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives by offering compassionate support and guidance, ensuring that they have the tools and encouragement needed to excel in their educational journey.

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