Kristin Byrnes, CEO & President, is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s strategy and growth and for directing the implementation of the organization’s goals and objectives. Kristin focuses on fundraising to maximize the impact of our programs and on new business opportunities to extend our reach.
When Kristin joined Project Access in 2004, she was responsible for building the service strategy and for preparing the organization for growth. Kristin grew the organization from a service staff of 9 to over 40 and expanded operations from 8 centers in southern California to 37 centers in 3 regions of the state. She created new programs and service offerings tailored to the needs of those served. Kristin also led the development of the Project Access Program Evaluation System which provides feedback for improvement as well as quantitative measures of the impact of Project Access services.
Prior to joining Project Access, Kristin held various leadership positions at Mercy Behavioral Health over a period of 10 years and most recently managed operations of the Case Management Program. Kristin has more than 18 years experience working in the nonprofit sector in areas that include leadership, strategic planning, program development, business development, and organizational development.
Kristin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services, with a minor in Gerontology, from La Roche College, Pittsburgh and she received a Masters of Science degree in Professional Leadership, with an emphasis on Nonprofit Management, from Carlow University, Pittsburgh.
Claudia Beaty, Chief Financial Officer, joined Project Access in 2007 and provides financial and operational leadership to achieve the financial and strategic objectives of the organization. Claudia’s responsibilities include Finance, Human Resources, Technology, Compliance, and Risk Management. Claudia brings more than 30 years of experience in operations management and in the development, growth, and management of start-up companies. Claudia began her career at Hughes Aircraft Company and over a period of 21 years, she gained progressive experience in management and operations. She held the title of Chief Operating Officer at Apani Networks, and General Manager of Netlock Technologies. Previously, as Director of Product Development and Customer Support, Claudia rebuilt the Customer Support organizations at Interlink Computer Sciences.
Claudia received a Masters in Information and Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from California State University, Northridge.
Sara Wall, Program Director, is responsible for the operational success of Project Access’ programs while providing effective team management to a growing staff of over 35. Sara has six years of professional experience working in youth development-focused nonprofit organizations. She began her time with Project Access in 2005 as a Service Coordinator and was later promoted to Regional Manager. She left in late 2008 to pursue a Master in Public Policy from Brandeis University with a double concentration in poverty reduction and children, youth and families. Sara also received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from City University of New York, Hunter College in 2004.
Previously Sara worked at the California Community Foundation in the programs department on their El Monte Community Building Initiative, a ten-year, $10 million targeted investment to revitalize the city through infrastructure improvements, social services and economic development. Her research experience includes working as a Research Assistant for the Center for Youth and Communities at Brandeis University. There she was responsible for the data collection and analysis for a large scale needs assessment for the Skillman Foundation’s efforts to create a system of supports and opportunities for Detroit youth ages 11-21. She also worked for Social Venture Boston, a venture philanthropic organization researching the keys to successful program replication. She currently volunteers with Schools on Wheels and the Long Beach Time Exchange.
Teresa Ichsan, Region 2 Manager, joined Project Access in 2007 and is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of nine Family and Senior Resource Centers in Southern California.
She is also responsible for the development and coordination of the intern recruitment and placement efforts for Project Access. Teresa has more than six years of experience with Resident Services working with low-income residents, including three years with Project Access. Teresa has great experience identifying the needs of the community, developing relevant programming, managing and supporting her team, and establishing valuable partnerships with public and private agencies.
Prior to Project Access, Teresa worked in the property management industry in various facets for four years, including administrative operations, leasing and Resident Services for an affordable housing community located in San Francisco. She also has experience with project management and event planning, including professional trainings, executive meetings, and in the food and beverage industry. Teresa graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University in 2004.
Ayesha Khan, Region 3 Manager, joined Project Access in 2008 and is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of 15 Family Resource Centers in Northern California. Prior to her current position as Regional Manager, Ayesha served at Service Coordinator at the Project Access Family Resource Center at East Bluff Apartments in Pinole, where she gained the ability to better serve her staff, as well as better understand the residents Project Access serves.
Ayesha has held a variety of positions in the non-profit sector since 2006 including serving underprivileged youth in a school setting with Girls Inc. Additionally, Ayesha served as an Ameri-corps volunteer in the Oakland Public Schools where she taught elementary school students.
Mark Lee, Region 1 Manager, joined Project Access in January 2006 and is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of nine Family and Senior Resource Centers. He is also responsible for coordinating the volunteer program at Project Access. Mark builds and maintains partnerships with community service agencies, schools, and service providers in an effort to expand existing programs as well as create new programs. His earlier Project Access responsibility as Service Coordinator at Golden West Tower Apartments in Torrance and at Tara Village Apartments in Cypress has given him valuable hands-on experience, and contributes to Mark’s effective management of the Project Access Resource Centers.
Mark is fluent in the Korean language and is a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national co-ed service fraternity and the National Association of Asian American Professionals. Mark received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from University of California, Irvine and is currently earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from North Park University.
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Adrian Craciun
Senior Analyst Portfolio Compliance
PIMCO
Thomas Demchuk
Vice President
Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services
Kristin Byrnes
CEO & President
Project Access
Brendon Kensel
Managing Partner
Kensel & Co. LLC
Peter Nichol
Director of Affordable Housing
The Reliant Group
Herbert Y. Rosenblum, Treasurer of the Board
Community Leader
David Salazar, Secretary of the Board
Managing Director
CresaPartners
Paul J. Salerno
Director of Financial Planning
Tax & Financial Group
Mark L. Skaist
Partner, Corporate Securities and Practice Group
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
Mark Strauss
Managing Director – Capital Markets Unit
Cohen Financial
Catherine Talbot
Senior Vice President
Boston Financial Investment Management
Jim Wakefield
Partner
Cummins & White
Nancy Waymack
Managing Partner
Kensel & Co. LLC
Jonathan B. Webb
President
Affordable Housing Access, Inc.