Project Youth OC’s Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance and fiscal management of the agency. This impressive 40-member board is comprised of Orange County’s top legal professionals and business leaders. The success of Project Youth OC is due much in part to the strength and commitment of the Board.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
For over 52 years, Project Youth OC has been a beacon of hope and transformation in Orange County. Keeping at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening – this mission has guided us since our inception. Since joining the Project Youth OC board fresh out of law school, I have been continually inspired by the impactful change we create in the lives of young people, empowering them to forge brighter, healthier futures.
As we step into an exciting new era, I’m thrilled to announce that we are finalizing a strategic plan poised to turbocharge our efforts. This plan is our roadmap to focus and amplify our services, expand our outreach, and deepen our engagement within the community. It’s about reaching more young lives and more effectively, and providing them with the long-term solutions they desperately need.
Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear that our strength lies in the strength of our supporters and the talents of our staff, for each of whom I am extremely grateful.
This year, I look forward to leading Project Youth OC as we grow and adapt while staying unwaveringly true to our mission. I cannot wait to see our refined commitment allow our youth to continue to rise up, defy the odds, and seize opportunities that once seemed out of reach. For many of the youth we serve, Project Youth OC is a beacon of second chances and new beginnings.
But our journey is far from over. Your support is crucial in our endeavors. Each donation, no matter the size, is a powerful catalyst for change. It enables Project Youth OC to not only sustain our vital programs but also to innovate and expand them, addressing the increasingly complex challenges faced by our youth. Every contribution plants seeds of hope and opportunity, fostering a stronger, healthier future for our community. Your investment in Project Youth OC is an investment in brighter futures, stronger communities, and a better world.
Let’s make this happen, together!
Kelly L. Galligan, Esq.
President
Wesley K. Polischuk, Esq.
President-Elect
Kristin Gomez, Esq.
Secretary
Eddie Quillares, Jr.
Treasurer
Maria Z. Stearns, Esq.
Immediate Past President
| Past Presidents | |
|---|---|
| 2023-2022 | Maria Z. Stearns, Esq. |
| 2021 | Todd G. Friedland |
| 2020 | Mark D. Erickson |
| 2019 | Steven T. Card |
| 2018 | Brian M. Daucher |
| 2017 | Daniel S. Robinson |
| 2016 | Kyle S. Kawakami |
| 2015 | Christopher P. Wesierski |
| 2014 | Eric V. Traut |
| 2013 | Collie F. James, IV |
| 2012 | Mark E. Minyard |
| 2011 | John B. Hurlbut, Jr. |
| 2010 | Dennis W. Ghan |
| 2009 | Carolyn C. McKitterick |
| 2008 | Allan J. Crivaro |
| 2007 | James M. Skorheim |
| 2006 | Allan H. Stokke |
| 2005 | Kathleen O. Peterson |
| 2004 | Michael P. Maguire |
| 2003 | Wayne W. Smith |
| 2002 | William S. O'Hare |
| 2001 | Michael T. Hornak |
| 2000 | Marshall M. Schulman |
| 1999 | Cindy Stokke |
| 1998 | William B. Grenner |
| 1997 | Robert J. Whalen |
| 1996 | Rodger M. Carey |
| 1995 | Jess J. Araujo |
| 1994 | Hon. Judith M. Ryan (Ret.) |
| 1993 | Donald L. Morrow |
| 1992-1989 | Robert S. Barnes |
| 1989-1987 | Ann Avery Andres |
| 1987-1985 | Richard Schwartzberg |
| 1985-1984 | James Goff |
| 1984-1980 | James B. Bear |
| 1979-1973 | Arthur W. Gray |
| 1972-1969 | Stanford Shaw |