March 2026

Leaders in the Field

Meals on Wheels Orange County has named Madelynn Hirneise as its next President and CEO, effective May 27, 2026, following the retirement of longtime leader and Fieldstone Executive Coach Holly Hagler after more than 15 years of service. Maddie joins from Families Forward and brings deep experience supporting vulnerable families and strengthening community stability. She will build on Holly’s remarkable legacy, which includes expanding services, delivering more than 20 million meals, and elevating the organization’s national profile. With a strong foundation in place, Meals on Wheels Orange County will continue to grow its impact, ensuring older adults have access to nutritious meals, meaningful connection, and the support they need to live with dignity and independence.


Maddie participated in the 2019 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program and participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group. Holly participated in the 2014 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2015 Executive Coaching Program, became a coach in 2021 and was a member of the 2023 Leadership Reading Group.

Lucy Santana, CEO, Girls Inc. of Orange County; Diana Hill, Executive Director of Pathways to Independence, and Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, were panelists at U.S. Bank Women's International Women’s Day event. Diana discussed nonprofits and “Give to Gain.” The day was for connecting with other nonprofit women leaders.



Lucy participated in the 2002 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2004 Executive Coaching Program and became a Coach in 2021; Diana and Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and were coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Congratulations to Kendra Crusco, Executive Director of the Newport-Mesa Family YMCA on receiving the President's Award of Excellence from the YMCA of Orange County. This award is for a leadership staff member who continuously seeks self-improvement, enhances their department, and contributes to the organization's success. They are a role model, consistently embodying the Y's culture and mission and they hold themselves and their peers to high standards, recognizing their significant impact on the community. 

 

Kendra participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group

Yesenia Ochoa, CEO, Matt Haines, Communications & Development Manager and CPO, Rhiannon Garcia

from Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA), attended the 2026 National Low Income Housing Coalition Housing Policy Forum in Washington, DC. They joined national leaders to discuss expanding equitable housing access and addressed structural barriers to housing instability. MECCA shared insights from their Landscape Analysis, emphasizing culturally responsive housing navigation and community-based research to enhance housing systems and mental wellbeing for underserved older adults.


Yesenia participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and Rhiannon particilated in the 2023 Senior Management Learning Group, and Matt is currently a member of the 2026 Senior Management Learning Group.

Elizabeth Andrade was recognized as a 2026 Community Trailblazer Awardee by Connecting for Better Health. This honor reflects the collective work of 2-1-1 Orange County, a key service of Orange County United Way, and the partners who make coordinated care and data sharing possible across the region. They believe shared data matters most when it helps residents access the right support at the right time, and this recognition reinforces the importance of continuing that work together.


Elizabeth participated in the 2015 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Brateil Aghasi, CEO of WisePlace and Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, were honored at the Leadership in Heels' 10 Women of Leadership Legacy event. This event celebrates female leaders who are transforming industries and communities. It brings women together to reflect on their achievements and confidently embrace the future they are creating. (Also pictured, Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options)



Brateil participated in the 2013 Executive Learning Group; Dawn participated in the 2007 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2012 Executive Coaching Program and became a Coach in 2013.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Supervisor Katrina Foley of the Fifth District nominated Susan Parmelee, Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center, for the "Leading the Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future" award at the Fifth Annual Women Making A Difference Awards. This event honors women who are pioneering green technologies, economic justice, education, and civic power, emphasizing that shaping a sustainable future involves creating systems that benefit both people and the planet.

 

Susan was a member of the 2024 Executive Learning Group.

Dreams for Schools wrapped up their out-of-state partnership in Affton, Missouri with an incredible showcase! It was inspiring to see students present their Tynker game projects and share progress on their newly launched Arduino projects, bringing their ideas to life in real time. They ended the experience with a team dinner, reflecting on moments that remind them why this work matters so much! 


Nithin Jilla, Founder and Executive Director participated in the 2023 Executive Coaching Program.

Serving People in Need (SPIN) partnered with Western Digital (WD) during WD's CommUNITY Day event, introducing their mission to over 400 employees. Through SPIN's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, WD employees assembled hundreds of hygiene and kids' activity kits for distribution to the homeless population SPIN serves.


David Wetzel, Executive Director of SPIN, participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2026 Executive Coaching Program.

Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes was recognized as a 2026 Women of Distinction Honoree at this year’s Women of Distinction event, hosted by Senator Thomas J. Umberg and his team. The event brought together remarkable women leaders from across Orange County who are making a difference through their service, leadership, and impact. Bonni’s recognition is a meaningful reflection of her visionary leadership and her unwavering commitment to empowering people to overcome barriers, gain confidence, and build brighter futures through the support of Working Wardrobes.


Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

OneVine Foundation was awarded a grant at the OC Nonprofit Resource Expo hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. The event was a valuable opportunity to connect with resource providers and engage with individuals dedicated to giving back to the community.


Marissa Tang, Executive Director, is currently being coached in our Executive Coaching Program.

Nonprofit leadership often feels lonely. You shield your staff, can't always share with your board, compete for funding, and make impactful decisions. In the latest Lead for Good episode, host Chris Looney from Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership chats with Robin Sinclair about the importance of camaraderie.


Robin shared:

• The shock of stepping into unexpected leadership

• Leading through the 2008 recession as a new executive director

• The loneliness of becoming the boss of former peers

• How finding a trusted peer cohort changed her trajectory


“If we are all working alone in silos, none of that magic happens.”


You can listen to the full episode here.

Thank you, Christy Weissmann from Be Well OC for inviting us to your soon-to-open Irvine campus. It was inspiring to see the care and dignity in every detail..


We learned a lot and left inspired by their dedication to providing respectful, human-centered health and wellness. This campus will be a beacon of hope and healing for many.


We're truly grateful for their partnership and commitment to the community.


Christy participated in the 2024 Senior Management Learning Group and was a member of the 2024 Leadership Reading Group.

Congratulations to Kim Stinson, Director of Operations at Pathways of Hope, on her retirement after 10 inspiring years. Kim's journey from front desk support and babysitting to Director of Operations showcases her dedication, resilience, and commitment to our mission. She was the heart behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly without seeking recognition. Her invaluable historical knowledge and steady presence were relied upon by many.


Wishing you joy, rest, and adventure in your next chapter - you’ve truly earned it.


Kim is participated in the 2024 Senior Management Learning Group.

A heartfelt thank you to Rickie Redman, Director of Aging in Place Services of Laguna Beach Seniors for sharing her expertise on Agineg in Place with our nonprofit leaders at our Fieldstone@4 event.


Her insight, warmth, and practical guidance sparked meaningful conversation and left our community better equipped to support those we serve. We are so grateful for her time and leadership!


Rickie was coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program and is a member of the 2026 Senior Management Learning Group.

Leaders in the Field is a monthly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network member organizations and their

achievements in the community.


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.

STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube