Meet our people & partners.

Board of Directors.

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    Bill Cummings

    PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIR

    Bill is a Merced-based real estate developer and commercial contractor specializing in the development of community health centers. Bill joined the board in early 2021 and will be facilitating the rebranding of CFMC. He will be coordinating the creation of an active non-profit network that encompasses the entire county that can be used to quantify our needs and focus the grant writing process.

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    Mary Ellen Arana

    BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

    Mary Ellen Arana was born and raised in Merced. She retired from Merced County after 38-plus years of service. Mary Ellen proudly served as a Trustee on the School Board for Atwater Elementary School District and numerous other boards of organizations that benefit the children and community members of Merced County. Mary Ellen has a passion for serving the community and is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the CFMC board.

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    Kassie Nguyen

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Kassandra Nguyen, known as Kassie, is the Director of Impact at El Capitan Hotel and Mainzer in Merced, CA. In this unique role, Kassie combines her expertise in community engagement, property management, and community development to drive significant positive change both within the downtown area and the broader community. A graduate of UC Merced with a BA in Public Health, Kassie brings a strong foundation in understanding the health and well-being of communities.

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    Brian Gudgel

    BOARD TREASURER

    Brian Gudgel is a Certified Financial Planner at UBS Financial Services, where he has worked since 2007. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with both his Bachelor's and MBA degrees, Brian brings deep financial expertise to the CFMC board. He is a resident of Merced and is proud to help further the work of CFMC throughout the county.

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    Kyle Hampton

    BOARD MEMBER

    Kyle is a partner at the law firm of Whitney, Thompson & Jeffcoach, LLP, where he focuses his practice on complex business and real estate disputes. Since he began practicing law in 2008, Kyle has represented local farmers, small businesses, municipalities, and individuals in a wide variety of litigation and appeals. Kyle has an undergraduate degree in city planning from Brigham Young University.

    A native of West Texas, Kyle moved to California in 2005 for law school and to Merced in 2015. Kyle was a board member for the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2021, acting as chair between 2018 and 2019. Kyle is dedicated to seeing Merced grow in ways that benefit the community at large.

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    Ryan Heller

    BOARD MEMBER

    Ryan Heller is a leader in community philanthropy, specializing in donor cultivation and stewardship, public relations, and fundraising for elected officials as well as organizations that support a variety of causes. He has a degree in Cognitive Science from UC Merced and completed his Juris Doctor at the San Joaquin College of Law. He works full-time for a State Legislator, advises on strategic philanthropy, and is chair of the Board of Directors for the Merced Symphony.

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    Kamal Pannu

    BOARD MEMBER

    Kamaljit Pannu, a native of Livingston, California, is a passionate educator and leader currently serving as the 2nd-year principal at McSwain Elementary. He graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Political Science and double minors in Education and Psychology in 2007, followed by a Master’s in Educational Administration from San Francisco State University. He later earned a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from UC Davis. Pannu is dedicated to advancing the work of CFMC throughout the region, leveraging his expertise to drive positive change.

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    Lamar Henderson Jr.

    BOARD MEMBER

    Lamar Henderson Jr. serves as a Family Services Supervisor with the Merced County Human Services Agency, where he has spent more than 20 years supporting families and strengthening communities throughout Merced County. He leads the County’s All Dads Matter program, a recognized model for father engagement and family support, and has played a key role in advancing workforce development, training, and community collaboration across county systems. Lamar has served Merced County in numerous leadership capacities, including as Chair of the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission, and remains deeply committed to equity, mentorship, and improving outcomes for local children and families.

We’re looking for new members to help us grow. Apply to join our Board!

Staff/Consultants.

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    Stephanie Dietz

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Stephanie Dietz has served Merced County for over 19 years, most recently serving as the City Manager of Merced. Career accomplishments include securing over $130mil in state and federal grants to construct affordable housing, downtown revitalization, park expansions, and an airport terminal renovation. Stephanie combines her administrative acumen with a passion for community, centering her efforts on projects and programs that empower residents.

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    Jennifer Summers

    PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

    Jennifer Summers worked in the Commercial Insurance Industry for two decades before returning to college to complete her BA of History at UC Merced. Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Merced Symphony, another local nonprofit, and joined the Community Foundation of Merced County as Program Administrator in September 2022. Jennifer spearheaded CFMC’s Disaster Relief response of January 2023, reviewing and assessing the communities’ needs and working with FEMA and Cal OES to help individuals navigate the Federal and State government responses.

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    Mark Seivert

    FINANCIAL PLANNER / CONSULTANT

    Mark is the owner of Seivert & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services. As one of CFMC’s first board members he has been actively involved with the foundation’s management since the beginning.