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OneOC has selected Bonni Pomush as its next President & CEO, effective January 1, 2027. Bonni brings more than 25 years of government and nonprofit leadership experience, strong Orange County relationships, and a track record of organizational growth and community impact.
Bonni will succeed Tim Strauch, who is retiring after 19 years of service to OneOC.
Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.
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Pathways to Independence held its second annual Art Show, “The Art of Becoming,” which celebrated the journey of transformation experienced by their clients as they work toward becoming the best versions of themselves. With over 50 works of art from both client artists and the local art community, the exhibition reflected resilience, growth, and possibility. Seven of Pathways’ clients showcased their art, and one client won the Legacy Award in recognition of honoring art's impact on others and future generations. This is a passion project by Executive Director Diana Hill that helps connect clients, the art community, and the Pathways community.
Diana participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.
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Dreams for Schools has been selected as a 2026 Samueli Foundation Breakaway Fund recipient. This support will help launch their OC STEAM Libraries Initiative, bringing free, hands-on coding, robotics, and engineering workshops to K–8 students at public libraries across Orange County.
Executive Director, Nithin Jilla, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group.
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OC Forum hosted an insightful discussion on “New Rules, New Roles: Philanthropy in an Era of Change,” exploring how philanthropy is evolving amid shifts in government funding, The panel of Elizabeth Andrade, Gregory Scott and Cathleen Otero and moderated by Taryn Taddeo Palumbo, emphasized innovation and viewing nonprofits as businesses rather than defining them by the “nonprofit” label or business model.
Elizabeth participated in the 2015 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program; and Taryn participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.
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This summer marked a pivotal moment for 190 Simon Scholars, who engaged in career readiness programs with Working Wardrobes, including professional wardrobing and Power of Your Image workshops. The experience helped students build confidence, professional presence, and preparation for future opportunities, highlighting the strong partnership between Simon Scholars and Working Wardrobes.
Andy Robles, Executive Director of Simon Scholars participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group; and Bonni Pomush participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.
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Serving People in Need (SPIN) is turning a corner (literally). SPIN is entering an exciting new chapter as they expand their space, services, and impact. They are moving into a larger office within the same complex with a targeted move-in date of late August. This move will create more room to support the families they serve and the programs that make their mission possible.
Executive Director David Wetzel, participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2026 Executive Coaching Program.
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Yvette Ahlstrom joined Friendship Shelter, Inc. as the Director of Programs providing executive oversight of a diverse portfolio of shelter, outreach, prevention, housing, and supportive service programs. She works closely with community stakeholders, municipalities, healthcare systems, developers, and funding partners to advance affordable housing initiatives and expand resources that support long-term housing stability.
Yvette participated in the 2023 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.
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Arian Ghiacy is the new Director of Advancement for the Orange County Classical Academy, a tuition-free public charter school built on a simple promise: to form students in scholarship, moral character, and civic virtue, through a classical education delivered with modern clarity.
Arian participated in the 2021 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.
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Leaders in the Field is a monthly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network member organizations and their
achievements in the community.
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We want to celebrate YOU!
If you would like to share a personal or organizational accomplishment
in upcoming Leaders in the Field
publications, please direct your email here.
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