Brandon Kley

Brandon is a Realtor for Prudential California Realty in San Mateo. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the San Mateo County Association of Realtors. Brandon completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from San Francisco State University. A resident of the Bay Area for 13 years, Brandon lives on the Peninsula

I want to live in a community and a world that is constantly evolving towards cultural awareness and understanding. The Boys & Girls Club membership reflects what is so great about America—diversity. With curriculum that is sensitive in form and content to multiculturalism, future generations of kids will understand that all cultures and peoples contribute something of importance to the richness of what is America. That’s the America I choose to live in… It’s the America I want us all to have.

Brent Kley

A Senior Associate at Merrill Lynch, Brent invests in our children’s future through his volunteerism and his desire to see a community of involved citizens. Brent is a member of US Air Force Association and is active in his Neighborhood Watch Program. He, and his wife Suzanne, live on the Peninsula. They have both an adult son and daughter: Brandon and Rachel.

The Boys & Girls Club is a part of my neighborhood, my community and my life. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that a promise made is a promise kept— that, in and of itself, is what this organization stands for. When it comes to our youth’s education, their safety and their future I trust those who make good on their promises—children are too important for anything less.

Carol Pex

Carol has been an educator for more than 33 years. Currently, she is Director of Educational Services for the San Mateo County Office of Education. She is a member of ACSA and plays an active role in the San Carlos-Belmont Optimist Club (Motto: “Friend of Youth”). Carol holds both a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and a Master of Public Administration. A Bay Area native, Carol lives on the Peninsula.

The Boys & Girls Club are instrumental in ensuring that the future of our country benefits from an informed citizenry. What I admire most about the Club’s programs is that the process of learning is just as important as what is learned. There is no such thing as “No” at the Boys & Girls Club only “How, Why & in Which way”. This model encourages kids to see themselves as life- long learners, as thinkers that insist on knowing—as future leaders that are responsible for themselves, each other, their community and their world.

Diana M. Gaither

Diana Gaither, vice president, Institutional Marketing Support, oversees the global marketing communications organization for the institutional division at Franklin Templeton Investments. This includes developing and managing marketing and web strategy in the United States, United Kingdom, Asia, and Australia to support global business development, client service, and consultant relations initiatives. Responsibilities also include brand management, thought leadership, and compliance management. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton Institutional, Ms. Gaither was responsible for managing the marketing and public relations initiatives at Waddell & Reed, Inc. Prior to this position, she worked at Payless ShoeSource in communications management. Ms. Gaither holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Organizational Communications and Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas. She holds NASD Series 6 and 26 licenses and serves on the Board of Directors of PAICR (Professional Association for Investment Communications Resources) and the Boys & Girls Club. Diana is a Peninsula resident.

The Boys & Girls Club not only has remarkable after-school programming, but the way in which kids learn leaves room for exploration and discovery. Children are self-empowered learners—every class is participatory, hands-on or team focused. I’m particularly impressed with the Keystone Club which cultivates leadership qualities through special service or community projects that are teen-led. This kind-of “real-world” education is invaluable, and gives kids a sense of direction and hope.

Eric Baltazar

A Client Relationship Manager for the Peninsula Bank of Commerce, Eric has over six years experience in the commercial lending field. Eric holds his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Economics from the University of California at Santa Cruz. A resident of the Bay Area for 7 years, Eric lives on the Peninsula.

The Club is not your average after-school program that throws a ball into the center of the gym and says, “Play!” Having spent their entire day in school, the challenge poised to all club staff is how to sustain a structured and challenging academic environment—a “school-like” setting—while making programming dynamic enough so that kids don’t feel like they’re still in school—a “recreational” setting. The Boys & Girls Club has youth- development leadership that believe in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to education wherein every child is encouraged to move, think, create and challenge.

Jim Stern

Jim is Vice President of Product Development at iWin, overseeing all game production for PC, Cell Phone and Gaming Consoles. Prior to iWin, Jim was the General Manager of games and puzzles for University Games, President and Co-Founder of AreYouGame.com, Senior Producer at WorldPlay Entertainment/AOL, Product Manager for 3DO and Applications Product Manager at Oracle. Jim is a member of IGDA and volunteers with Hands On Bay Area, the ALS Association and Pied Piper Players. Jim received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Stanford University and his Master of Business Administration from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Jim lives on the Peninsula with his wife Debbe and their children.

Education determines whether or not young people will have every opportunity to succeed in life. I’ve always marveled at the variety of after- school programs and activities that the Club offers—they’re challenging, fun, unique and educationally enriching. The Boys & Girls Club teaches kids the value of education, and that knowledge has its own rewards.

Julie Wynn

Julie is the Manager of Community Relations and Corporate Giving at Electronic Arts in Redwood Shores. She is a member of the CCRC and Redwood City Chamber of Commerce. She is actively involved in charity fund-raising events with the AIDS Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Rebuilding Together of the Peninsula, the American Heart Association, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Family Giving Tree, Community Gatepath, the blood Bank of the Pacific and the Peninsula Family YMCA. Julie holds a Masters of Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. She lives on the Peninsula.

The Boys & Girls Club, by far, offers an incredible resource for young people to to learn subjects as diverse as computer literacy and alcohol/drug resistance to to music and dance classes. Programs emphasize the practical application of knowledge, helping members apply the skills they learn at the club to everyday situations and how, for example, learning graphic design and Flash-Media software can lay a foundation for future careers in the tech- sector. No member will leave programs thinking to themselves, “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.”

Lee-Ann Peling

Currently a Government Affairs Director for Comcast, Lee-Ann has also worked in the Public Relations and the Law & Government Affairs Department for AT&T. She is a member of NCTA, CCTA and WICT. Lee-Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Chico. A Bay Area native, Lee-Ann lives in San Francisco with her partner Randy.

The Boys & Girls Club enriches the lives of children with fun and educational programs, whether it is in the areas of academics, arts and culture or health and fitness. Special programs like Power Hour (homework assistance), one-on-one tutoring, special electives, field-trips and guest speakers augment and enhance a child’s learning—all for free, or at minimal annual cost. I’m a board-member because I want to be a part of this organization’s promise to the families they serve—high-quality after-school programs and services for families that would otherwise have nothing.

Lynnel Callagy

Lynnel is the owner of her own Accounting and Tax practice in San Mateo. Lynnel has always had a deep affinity for children, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. Lynnel earned both her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Business Administration at the College of Notre Dame de Namur. Bay Area born and raised, Lynnel calls the Peninsula home.

I believe that children deserve to learn, grow and, most importantly, have a safe place to go after-school where they are encouraged to be creative, curious and expressive. Through leadership and guidance, the staff demonstrates to our kids everyday that they care about them, believe in them and trust in them. I can’t think of anything more noble than that.

Michael Callagy

Michael is the Deputy Chief of Police for the City of San Mateo with over twenty-four years of police experience. Additionally, Mike has a law degree and is a long time member of the California State Bar. Michael knows the most critical hours of the day are after-school between 3-8pm, when many kids are unsupervised and are more likely to find trouble. Interested in real solutions to the problems of youth-gangs, violence, alcohol and drug abuse that can plague communities if left unchecked, Michael sees the Boys and Girls Club as a viable alternative to peer pressure and the recruitment tactics of gangs. Michael commends the Club's crime, drug and gang prevention programs and has witnessed, on a first-hand basis, the positive impacts of these programs on the youth of our community. Michael holds a Master of Public Administration from the College of Notre Dame de Namur and a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University. Professionally, he is a graduate of Command College and the FBI National Academy for law enforcement executives. Michael lives on the Peninsula with his wife Lisa.

I joined this organization because I wanted to have a positive influence on youth outside of my role in law enforcement. The Boys & Girls Club provides positive adult role-models for youth which is diametrically opposed to the false “Promise-of-Belonging” that gangs use to recruit marginalized youth. The Club is fundamental to winning the hearts and minds of all those kids who long for family, place and purpose.

Michael Wong

Michael has been practicing General Dentistry in San Mateo—with an emphasis in cosmetic dentistry—since 1983. Michael completed his undergraduate study at the University of the Pacific and completed his DDS at the University of California at San Francisco. A life-long Bay Area resident, he lives on the Peninsula with his wife Dee Dee and their two sons.

It was important for me to be involved with an organization that was looking out for the well-being of children. The Boys & Girls Club’s after- school programming introduces and engages students in science, technology, art and sports—offering a safe place to go after-school and eliminating social-pressures that kids may encounter on the streets.

Mike Stempien

Owner and Manager of Minute Man Press in San Mateo, Mike is proud to be the first printer in San Mateo County to ‘Go Green’ and apply with the Bay Area Green Business Program—an agency that promotes environmental compliance, pollution prevention and resource conservation. Before becoming a business owner, Mike worked in Software Development for over 20 years, offering consulting services for several Bay Area companies. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. A Bay Area resident for 31 years, Mike lives on the Peninsula with his wife Linda. They have three grown children: Kerry, Brian and John… and 1 grandchild – Nathan.

Having positive childhood experiences is the most important factor in leading a happy, productive and successful life. Kids need to have balance and structure in their lives. The Boys & Girls Club helps create this foundation by providing them with a safe place to go after-school. Running basketball, football and soccer leagues; homework assistance, art, science and computer programs… All of this establishes and maintains structure in their lives.

Nanci E. Nishimura

Nanci E. Nishimura is a principal at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, where she practices business litigation and antitrust. She worked at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the International Trade Commission and served as a Legislative Analyst to Senator Daniel Inouye. Nanci serves on the California State Bar Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission, is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation through which she served as a member of the Rule of Law Delegation to China in 2006, and on the Board of Governors for the California Women Lawyers. She is a member of the San Mateo and Los Angeles County Bar Associations, Consumer Attorneys of California, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the American Bar Association. Ms. Nishimura is a Trustee of the California Science Center Foundation, a joint public-private agency that promotes science and math education in California, past president of the Board of Directors of The MUSES of the California Science Center Foundation, is the creator of Storytime for Children with Abby Rabbit, an interactive reading and development program for children. Nanci received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California. Following a business consulting career in the United States and Japan, she received her Juris Doctorate from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Nanci is a Peninsula resident.

Having the Boys & Girls Club in my community, I’ve always felt that our young people had a place specifically for them, where they’re educational and emotional needs are fulfilled with the highest-degree of youth-centered professionalism. I like being involved and contributing to the greater good of my community.

Paul Luciano

A Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Paul credits the Boys & Girls Club with providing him with the self-confidence needed to dream, achieve and succeed. In addition to his volunteer work on the Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club board, Paul also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Jose Education Foundation. Paul completed his undergraduate study at California State University at Long Beach, earning his Bachelor of Science in Finance. A Bay Area resident for 14 years, Paul lives on the Peninsula with his wife Roxanne.

I’m proud to say that I was a Boys & Girls Club kid. It meant so much to me to have a place to go after-school—a place to belong—where I had friends and adults who cared about me, who cared what I was up to and who made sure that I could reach my goals responsibly. The Boys & Girls Club is just as valuable to me now, as it was then—they take time and care to see to it that children have access to models of inspiration every single day.

Randy Bickel

A San Mateo Police Officer for over 16 years, Randy volunteers for PAL, coaches AYSO soccer and is an active San Mateo Elks Lodge member. Randy completed his undergraduate study at San Francisco State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. A life-long Bay Area resident, Randy lives on the Peninsula with his wife Debra and their three children.

Being a Police Officer I am reminded everyday just how important the role that education, family and positive, adult role-models play in sustaining a healthy community. The Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club is not only “The Positive Place for Kids”, it is a community partner committed to our youth and their future. I’m glad to be part of an organization whose leadership puts the needs of children first.

Samuel Johnson, Jr.

Sam has spent the last 39 years of his career as an educator in the San Mateo Union High School District and the last three and one-half years as the district’s Superintendent—a post from which he has retired. Born in Louisiana, Sam overcame poverty and adversity, becoming part of the first class of black instructors in 1968 to teach in the San Mateo Union High School District. He has taught mathematics, served as Capuchino High School’s Principal and served as Associate Superintendent before becoming Superintendent in 2004. Sam is a graduate of Stanford University. A resident of the Bay Area for over 40 years, Sam lives on the Peninsula with his wife. They have two adult children, a son and daughter and three grandchildren.

I credit my childhood mentors for shaping my core values—that life and career has its greatest rewards in the service of others and that everyone has a moral obligation to the needs and safety of all. It is our responsibility as adults, and as a community, to ensure the welfare of children and make every possible effort to enrich their lives through guidance and education. It is imperative that educators set an example—the Boys & Girls Club provides youth with adults they can confide in and look-up to.

Scott Leong

Scott is Vice President and Manager of Ah Sam Florist and Greenhouses in San Mateo. A family owned business, Scott has followed in the spirit of his family’s tradition—the beautification, balance and care of home, hearth and mind. A life-long resident of San Mateo County, Scott is a graduate of Carlmont High School. He is a San Mateo resident.

I was fortunate enough to have a care-free childhood which allowed me the freedom to think for myself and the self-confidence to feel I could could accomplish anything. Every child should be able to have an opportunity to enjoy their childhood and to be exactly that—a child. I believe the Boys & Girls Club can provide them with this chance by filling the void that is often present in underprivileged communities. Every child should have every opportunity to reach their full potential. They are our future, and I want to make sure that end-goal is met

Will Archie

Will brings his rich professional background to the Boys & Girls Club as a Technology professional and the Founder and Managing Partner of Bay Area Paintball in Burlingame. An experienced manager, Will is a proven leader. His entrepreneurial, financial and project management skills are matched by his expertise in setting strategic direction, business-process reengineering and focus on managing customer impact initiatives for industry leaders such as Oracle and McKesson, among others. Will completed his undergraduate study at the University of Rochester and completed his Master of Business Administration at Cornell University. A Bay Area resident for 9 years, Will lives on the Peninsula with his wife Lori and their three children.

I want to be an advocate of children in both principle and practice. Through educational and sports programs, I believe that the mission of the Boys & Girls Club—“to inspire and encourage all young people to realize their full potential”—can be achieved without question.