SESLOC Federal Credit Union is a $1.2 billion credit union serving over 57,000 members through six branches in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. Briggs is responsible for operations of the credit union, including branches, contact center, wealth management, advertising, communications, public relations, special events, deposit operations, delivery channels, sales, member financial education and political advocacy. She has been on the SESLOC team for nine years.
Briggs is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned her bachelors degree. Within the credit union industry, she served as co-chairperson on the Credit Union Alliance advisory committee and a member for Credit Unions for Kids. She is also a graduate of the Cardwell Group Leadership 306/2 program.
In the local community, Briggs also serves on the Lumina Alliance Board, Santa Maria Valley YMCA Board, and is a Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Member. 

Kelly Stone has over 20 years of experience practicing law and is licensed in both New Mexico and California. Kelly has an MBA and many years of practical experience with business operations and transactions.  During her professional career, Kelly has practiced business law, insurance defense, employment law, representation of Title IV-D agencies, probate and estate planning, and general civil litigation. 

Before joining Kirk & Simas, PLC, Kelly practiced law in New Mexico and was General Counsel to sister companies located in New Mexico and California. Prior to her role as General Counsel, Kelly was a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico for six years and an Associate Attorney for Miller Stratvert, P.A. for three years. 

Kelly has lived on the central coast for almost twelve years. She has been married to her husband for over 20 years and enjoys spending time with him and their three children, ages 13, 10, and 5. Outside of work, she coaches soccer and is heavily involved in all of her children’s school and sporting activities including soccer, baseball, basketball, and dance. Kelly also enjoys parenting their Black Labrador Retriever, Luna, their American Village Dog (aka mutt), Willy, and her two Orange Winged Amazon Parrots, Birda and Julio. Kelly has a green thumb and has received Yard-of-the-Month awards from her neighborhood’s HOA. 

Melanie Backer moved to Guadalupe from Los Angeles 5 years ago. She has worked in Film and Television for the past 35 years.  She was the East Coast Story Editor for New Line Cinema in New York City.  She worked in film and television development for production companies and later produced three films and one television pilot.  She also sold completed films and attended numerous film festivals, with the films she produced, and others that she sold.

 Most recently, Melanie has managed writers and directors.  Melanie is a proud UCLA alumna and is currently balancing philanthropic work, traveling, and her love for the Central Coast. Melanie has also been serving on the Guadalupe Business Association’s board for 3 years and is currently appointed as their secretary. She is also involved with other local projects as she has a passion for helping the youth and local community.

Melanie enjoys painting, singing and spending time outdoors. On a sunny day you can find her hiking or biking around as a nature enthusiast.

Erika is a lifelong resident of the Central Coast, a second generation Californian born in San Luis Obispo and raised in Santa Maria. She grew up enjoying the beaches and hillsides that make up this beautiful region. She was either at the beach, surfing the waves and exploring tidepools or in the mountains, riding horses or hiking amongst the oak trees.

Erika has worked in the non-profit world for over 25 years, bringing awareness, community engagement and support to important local causes. She is eager to volunteer and support the many organizations and small businesses within her community.

Erika is active with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and South County Chambers and currently serves on the Board of the Santa Maria Women’s Network.

Joey is a resident and outdoor enthusiast of the Central Coast. She has backpacked through the Los Padres National Forest, San Rafael Wilderness, and the Sierra Mountains.  As a Girl Scout, she learned about native plants and animals and protected our Dunes ecosystem through service projects involving coastal preservation and clean-up.  Her exploration led to a passion for geology, and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Orcutt Mineral Society.  Prior to joining the Dunes Center team, she was a K-12 teacher. She worked in Guadalupe for 8 years, supporting underserved students in the Guadalupe Union School District.  Joey taught STEM classes for the Dunes Center in the summer of 2023 and enriched student learning through hands-on experiences with whale rib bones, honey-filled beehive boxes and UV-reactive rock and mineral displays.  She brings enthusiasm, technical savvy and a passion for outdoor learning and education to our staff. 

Saule Baipsys grew up in Los Angeles and later moved to San Luis Obispo to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and Protection at Cal Poly. Captivated by the natural beauty of the Central Coast, she knew early on that she wanted to make it her permanent home.

While at Cal Poly, Saule served as a College Corps fellow for two years. During her first year, she supported a local elementary school by assisting with administrative duties, helping in transitional kindergarten classrooms, tutoring in after-school programs, and preparing materials for teachers and staff. This experience deepened her appreciation for educators and the vital role they play in shaping future generations.

In her senior year, Saule served with The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo, where she expanded her knowledge of land management and conservation advocacy. Through her work with the Learning Among the Oaks program, she found mentorship and inspiration among a passionate team of educators, further fueling her dedication to environmental education and community outreach.

Now, as the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at the Dunes Center, Saule brings together her love for people, nature, and sustainability. She is committed to fostering meaningful connections with volunteers and helping others experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. Saule approaches her work each day with gratitude and compassion.

Outside of her role at the Dunes Center, Saule is a devoted company member of The Ballet Theatre of San Luis Obispo, a passionate hiker, and a skilled seamstress.