MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMBERS:

Kristin Byrnes, CEO & President, began her career with Project Access in early 2004, where she was hired to oversee the service strategy. She developed and implemented the service roadmap by creating new programs and service offerings based on the needs of residents and prospects throughout the state of California. In addition, Byrnes was responsible for the development of new business opportunities and fundraising efforts for Project Access.

Mrs. Byrnes has a proven track record of developing programs, overseeing operations, coordinating grant writing and developing business partnerships, all of which are vital for the strengthening of the organization’s effectiveness. Byrnes has more than 18 years experience working in the nonprofit sector in areas such as management, organizational development, leadership, business development, operations, strategic planning, cultivating relationships, program development, and evaluation.

Kristin Byrnes received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services, with a minor in Gerontology, from La Roche College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and she received a Master’s of Science degree in Professional Leadership, with an emphasis on Nonprofit Management, from Carlow University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Claudia Beaty, Chief Financial Officer, joined Project Access in 2007 and is responsible for operational planning and implementing improved processes and management methods to enhance the efficiency of Project Access operations. Claudia's functional responsibilities include Finance, Human Resources, Technology, and Administration. Claudia's experience with growing and managing business operations matches perfectly with the needs of Project Access as the company continues to grow and extend its reach to more individuals.

Claudia brings over 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, initially in undersea systems and satellite ground station processing systems and more recently in commercializing technology through new ventures. Prior to joining Project Access, Claudia built the operational infrastructure and was responsible for administration, contacts, finance, engineering, quality assurance, and customer support at start-up companies that developed network security products. She held the title of Chief Operating Officer at Apani Networks, founded in 2003, and General Manager of Netlock Technologies, founded in 1999. 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.

Brian Byrdsong, Director of Development, is responsible for developing and implementing a Northern California Fund Development Plan. He leads the fundraising efforts in Northern California to diversify and expand funding with an emphasis on new corporate supporters and individual donors. Prior to joining Project Access, Brian was the Director of Leadership Gifts for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. In that role, Brian oversaw the cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations generating more than $3 million in revenue for the organization. As the Major Gifts Officer for the San Francisco Food Bank, Brian designed and implemented an individual giving program that generated nearly $1 million for the agency. He has also worked for United Way of Silicon Valley and Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.

Brian is a California native, who was born in Los Angeles. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. He resides in San Francisco, CA.

Sondra Contino, Director of Marketing & Events, is responsible for ensuring the flawless execution of our fundraising events, and initiating and maintaining donor relationships. Sondra joins Project Access with more than 6 years of experience working in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Project Access, Sondra was the Executive Director of the San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Dental Health, where she managed and expanded a non-profit dental clinic for children. Her main focus was to develop a strategic plan for the growth and development of the clinic, and then to raise the funds to implement that plan. She also designed and executed the foundation's Ten Year Anniversary Event as well as the Ninth Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

Sondra began her career at the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Keck School of Medicine, where she held various event planning and fundraising positions over a period of four years. Her duties during those years included successfully producing and executing hundreds of fundraising events, including golf and tennis tournaments, black tie galas, donor recognition receptions and more. She was also responsible for developing programs and soliciting funding for women's cancer research programs. In addition, she managed and expanded the existing annual giving support group and stewarded relationships with donors.

Sondra received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and Advertising from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.