Governance
BOARD MEMBERS
Juliana Diaz- Smith
President
Educator and bilingual reading specialist, retired from a teaching career with the Desert Sands Unified School District.
Scott Darrell
Vice President
An Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Southern California School of Social Work where he teaches social policy, advocacy, coaching, and professional leadership courses.
Michael Kiner
Treasurer
Since 1984 Michael Kiner has been active in the Coachella Valley, where his award winning work has focused on commercial and residential architecture, the renovation of historic properties and real estate development.
Alice Salinas
Secretary / Executive Director
Past Senior Loan Officer with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Over 25 years’ experience in non-profit affordable housing development and a lifetime commitment to community empowerment, social justice and racial equity.
Sylvia Montenegro
Founding Board Member
Devoted to community, this homemaker has served as City of Coachella Mayor and Council Member, Coachella Valley Girls Club Board Member and Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee
Richard Levine
Board Member
Retired commercial bank executive inspections
Juan Muñoz
Board Member
Employed by the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Juan Muñoz also serves on the Las Palmeras Homeowners Association board of directors.
Dr. Inez Suarez, DDS
Board Member
Founder of Del Pueblo Dental Office, a general dental practice devoted to Coachella Valley families and residents. Dr. Suarez is a CVHC Mutual Self-Help homeowner.
Gordon Countryman
Board Member
Retired Veteran, CVHC Self Help Home Builder
Art Valdez
Board Member
Retired, City planner/ building inspections
Dan Lass
Board Member
Retired Attorney/Business Executive
Patricia Leal-Gutierrez
Board Member
Lifelong Coachella Resident. Policy advocate on environmental justice, education, and affordable housing.