Jennifer Harrison
President
Jennifer joined the Santa Maria Chamber team in 2006. In her current role, she provides leadership to the Visitor Bureau and Tourism Marketing District efforts. Jennifer performs a wide range of duties, promoting and supporting tourism and hospitality-related business in the Santa Maria Valley. She plays a central role in promoting Santa Maria Valley as a destination for individuals and groups to visit. Jennifer also works in partnership with a network of local businesses and organizations and serves as the primary leader of the community's efforts to build the hospitality sector of the local economy. Outside of work Jennifer enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband John and her children.
Brian Billones
Vice President
Brian Billones joined the Dunes Center Board of Directors in 2020 with a strong desire to serve the local community. A native Californian, he was born and raised in the Central Coast, where his family has called home for nearly a century. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego and has a career in the healthcare industry. He is excited to be a part of the next chapter for the Dunes Center.
Robert Cooks
Secretary
Robert Cooks became involved with the Dunes Center in 2019 and shortly after he became a member of the board. He was born in San Luis Obispo and soon after that he relocated to the Santa Maria Valley. He has always been active in giving back to his community and helping those that are in need. Since he briefly lived in Guadalupe when he was younger, the community is near and dear to his heart and that is really why he’s excited to be a part of the Dunes Center and being a part of the growth and expansion! I love being on the board because we get to see directly how we’re affecting the community of Guadalupe and the students with the awesome Dunes Center programming. I also learn new things about the area that I can share with other natives who might’ve never known these facts before.
Jim Corridan
Treasurer
Born in California, Jim Corridan spent much of his career in the Midwest working with non-profit and government sectors. His interest in hiking and access to the natural beauty of the dunes has provided the impetus for his involvement with the Dunes Center. He began his board membership in 2022, and currently serves as Treasurer.
Gaby Mendoza
Board Member
Gaby Mendoza has been associated with the Dunes Center since 2013 beginning her efforts as a volunteer and currently holding her advocacy, now, as a board member. Being raised on the Central Coast since the age of one, Gaby has cultivated an appreciation for local conservation of the land and cultural history. She was raised to believe that giving back to your community is one of the strongest legacies one can leave behind, and admires the fact that she can sit on the board of her favorite non-profit. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz, and currently works in conservation and youth development. You can find her at the local Drag Show, or playing disc golf at Waller Park.
Naomi Altergott
Board Member
Naomi Altergott is a resident of Guadalupe. She and her husband vacationed on the central coast of California for over 20 years and had always loved the area. They were able to relocate to Guadalupe in 2018. Naomi is very involved in the community. She is a Financial Professional offering free Financial Literacy Workshops. She is also a member of the Guadalupe Business Association, an Ambassador for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, President of the Santa Maria Women’s Network, and a member of Elks Lodge 1538 in Santa Maria. Naomi is excited to serve on the Dunes Center Board and be part of the growth that is taking place at the Dunes Center and in Guadalupe. Naomi is passionate about educating the public on the many programs that the Dunes Center has to offer to students, families, and the overall community.
Ben Oakley
Board Member
Ben Oakley combines many years of environmental and technical experience with a proven track record of success in the fast-paced and challenging environment of the California energy industry, including management positions for environmental health and safety as well as government and regulatory affairs. Recent achievements including serving as campaign spokesperson for a successful countywide referendum. Ben received his Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Master’s in Natural Resources Management from Utah State. A long-time resident of the Central Coast, Ben also holds several leadership positions in the community including serving as a member of the Santa Barbara County APCD Community Advisory Council and member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission.