LaSharnda Beckwith, Ph.D., D.B.A.

President and Chief Executive Officer
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As President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith oversees the strategic direction and execution of the agency’s core mission: Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping, and empowering vulnerable individuals, families and communities toward self-sufficiency. Establishing a vision for community impact that works across private, public, and corporate sectors, Dr. Beckwith leads a diverse team of 200+ employees across 18 offices in six counties, to improve conditions for underserved and marginalized communities.

Dr. Beckwith joins the organization from California Southern University where she most recently served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. She offers a wealth of fiscal and executive management to the position following a 27- year career with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) retiring as the Vice President of Eastern Region, responsible for profit and loss for operations.

Supported by the work Dr. Beckwith’s done through the Professional Christian Women in Service organization she established in 2005, and other leadership and empowerment programs she created over her professional career, it is clear her heart is truly aligned with the values of Lutheran Social Services.

“My personal mission statement is to enable, encourage, empower, and energize others to be all that God has called them to be. This mission statement has driven my over three decades of personal and professional growth and development” reflected Beckwith. “Everything I do is informed by what I believe to be my purpose and calling in the Body of Christ. Ultimately, my desire is to live out Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Dr. Beckwith holds Doctoral degrees in Business Administration and Philosophy in Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management from California Southern and Capella Universities respectively. She holds lifetime professional certifications in the area of strategy from the University of Michigan and in leadership from both the Center of Creative Leadership and the Wharton School of Business. She also holds a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University. Dr. Beckwith’s personal blog can be visited by clicking here.

Joseph S. Ball, M.B.A.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

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As Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Ball will oversee the functions and operations of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

Prior to coming to LSSSC Mr. Ball held the position of COO at Charitable Ventures, a company offering incubation and social impact consulting services. The bulk of his experience comes from his time with the Salvation Army as Executive Director of the Santa Fe Springs Transitional Living Center, where he also used his extensive operations and strategy experience.
Mr. Ball holds a BS in Management (cum laude) as well as an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Pepperdine University.

Laura Gutierrez, M.B.A.

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
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Ms. Laura Gutierrez, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, oversees accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis for Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. She has more than 10 years of finance and accounting experience. She brings experience in a broad range of industries, including, health care, manufacturing, distribution, retail and nonprofit. Ms. Gutierrez is experienced in virtually all aspects of finance and accounting management, including financial reporting, budgeting, financial modeling and analysis, business planning, and process improvement while having a proven track record of success with automating financial and accounting reporting systems.

She has excellent communication and leadership skills and works directly with C-level executives to oversee the organization’s operations.

Ms. Gutierrez received her Bachelor’s Degree, from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and her Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Cal Baptist University.

Maria Dillon-Owens, M.S.

Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
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As Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Maria Dillon-Owens oversees all aspects of Human Resources and Internal Stakeholder Relations.

Ms. Dillon-Owens joined the agency from a local university where she served as Vice President & Chief Officer of Student Affairs. As the recipient of the university’s first-ever Servant Leadership Award, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing diverse programs that facilitate team building, development, collaboration, and engagement. A data-driven leader that routinely elevates the core competencies of her organization, Ms. Dillon-Owens inspires innovative management techniques and transformative methodology, designed to empower leadership and frontline teams alike.

Ms. Dillon-Owens holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a Master of Science in Guidance & Counseling from Jackson State University.

Gia Hamilton, Psy.D., LMFT

Executive Vice President, Chief Program Officer
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As Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Dr. Gia Hamilton oversees the integration of services to embrace, equip, and empower vulnerable individuals, families & communities toward self-sufficiency.

Dr. Hamilton joins LSSSC having served as Dean for the School of Behavioral Sciences at a local university. She has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2006 with clinical expertise in the healing of interpersonal trauma and trauma-informed care. As an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor, she enjoys working with MFT Trainees and Associates. Dr. Hamilton provides guidance and training for universities, organizations, and agencies focused on serving diverse, marginalized, and underserved communities.

Christopher Doyle, CFRE, GCPM

Chief Development Officer
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Mr. Doyle has spent more than 35 years in the non-profit sector, leading the resource development efforts of local, national, and international charities. Through his efforts to build exceptional teams, focus efforts, and effectively allocate resources, tens of millions of dollars have been channeled to worthy programs and needy people around the world.

Mr. Doyle most recently served as the Director of Development for The Midnight Mission, located in the heart of the homelessness crisis on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. He led a team of 10 development staff tasked with achieving an annual fundraising goal of $7 million to support the mission’s budget aimed at assisting the homeless and those in need.
Before joining The Midnight Mission team, Mr. Doyle served as the Vice President of Development for the Los Angeles Mission, one of the oldest and largest gospel rescue missions in the United States. With his 15-member development team, he raised over $10 million in contributions to support the programs and services of the mission located in the heart of Skid Row.

Prior to serving at the LA Mission, Mr. Doyle held various executive leadership positions. He was the VP and Client Services Lead for Brewer Direct, Inc., a direct marketing agency in Monrovia, CA. He also served as the Executive Director of Development for the Salvation Army, Southern California Division. From January 1995 to January 2010, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of American Leprosy Missions. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Director of African Enterprise from 2010 to 2012.

Mr. Doyle graduated from Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from Clemson University and received his CFRE certification in 2016.

He has served on numerous boards, including the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), and is currently a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Los Angeles area Chapter.

Mr. Doyle served in the United States Marine Corps for ten years and received an honorable discharge with the rank of E-6.

Sergio Hernandez, J.D.

Chief Compliance Officer
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As Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Hernandez will design, implement, and monitor all processes, assuring compliance will all applicable laws and regulations that govern LSSSC.

Mr. Hernandez began his career as Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) as an attorney in the housing practice group. He assumed the position of lead attorney at ICLS, an organization dedicated to the safeguarding housing and preventing homelessness in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

He is a graduate of the University of California Riverside and Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Randy Bevilacqua, B.A.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications
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Mr. Bevilacqua has more than thirty years of experience in all aspects of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations and has served in both not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare settings. He has extensive experience in faith-based not-for-profit strategy and leadership development while his career includes tenure in healthcare consulting, advertising, social media, and business development. He is a staunch advocate for just and equitable use of Community Benefit principles in both not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare.

Mr. Bevilacqua holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as well as numerous credentials and certificates in faith-based servant leadership and is a staunch advocate for open, honest, and transparent communication.

Andrew Nguyen, D.C., MSPH, CMPE

Vice President, CalAIM Programs & Services
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Dr. Andrew Nguyen is responsible for overseeing Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s CalAIM programs and services. He is an adept and driven healthcare leader with nearly 20 years of non-profit experience stewarding the growth of community healthcare and public health organizations and inter- and intra-sectoral collaboration and communications to improve healthcare access, equity, and quality; and advance racial equity and inclusive policies.

Dr. Nguyen joins LSSSC having served as Executive Director of the Valley Care Community Consortium, Inc. – Coalition of Los Angeles County SPA 2 Safety-Net Healthcare FQHC community health clinics and non-profit organizations.

Dr. Nguyen holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Cleveland University, Kansas City, Kansas as well as a Master of Science degree in Public Health and Health Sciences from Touro University, New York, NY., with specialization in engaged leadership, change management, fundraising models, strategic planning, and organizational growth; board certifications and credentialed training in medical practice executive (CMPE), patient safety and healthcare quality (CPPS), Agile and ScrumMaster (CSM) executive coaching and consulting.

Dr. Nguyen is experienced in leading the executive oversight and operational functions of healthcare and public health organizations. He looks forward to collaborating with communities to foster greater health outcomes and systemic change for the broader communities, and social access equity, justice, and resiliency for all.

Dr. Nguyen has previously served as an advisory council member of the State of California Community Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC); members of Los Angeles County Vaccination Health Equity, and FEMA UMCOR Disaster Relief and Recovery Planning and Access Navigation Taskforces.

Sam Anuakpado, M.S., J.D.

VP of Housing Counseling
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Mr. Sam Anuakpado, supervises the LSSSC housing counseling programs and services. He is a multidisciplinary leader who specializes in program development, budget preparation, and data analysis. His data-driven mindset is a strong driver of change as LSSSC looks to become a forward-facing, results-driven organization.

Mr. Anuakpado received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Stockton State College, now Richard Stockton University, in Pomona, New Jersey. He earned his MS in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and followed that with his Juris Doctor from Anaheim-based American College of Law.

Tawanda Counts, M.A., LMFT

Vice President of Health, Wellness, & Recovery
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Ms. Tawanda Counts received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Paralegal Studies from California State University San Bernardino in 2002. Ms. Counts worked as a paralegal while applying to attend law school and quickly realized that she was no longer interested in the field of law. Therefore, Ms. Counts pursued a Master of Arts degree in Psychology, graduating from Chapman University in 2008.

Ms. Counts learned about Lutheran Social Services of Southern California when seeking a practicum placement, and was selected as a trainee with the Our Children program in 2007, working with victims of sexual abuse and youth and adult sexual offenders. She became employed by Lutheran Social of Southern California in 2008, working as a clinician and in various management positions within the different SBC Rural mental health programs.

Ms. Counts, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is committed to advocating, empowering, and providing resources to foster youth and children, adolescents, and adults, with severe mental health symptoms and impairments.

Jennifer Carpenter

Vice President of Operations
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As LSSSC’s Vice President of Operations, Ms. Carpenter oversees the operations and sustentation of all 17 Care Centers across six major Southern California counties. Her commitment to serving vulnerable communities and industry expertise has been instrumental in launching innovative projects at LSSSC that break through the traditional model of social service delivery

Ms. Carpenter has more than 20 years of facilities and operations experience. In her early career, she worked for the state of Arkansas as a Facility Maintenance Technician, Trainer, and Supervisor. During this time, she received specialized training through the HVACR certification, EPA Universal License, CAD Drafting certification, and Estimator Certification. She has also served in the Army Reserves’ priority unit for nearly a decade in special training and leading various large-scale award-winning projects in wire system installations. Her background in Construction Management has led to a successful and multifaceted career in project management, business administration, and technology specialization. Her expertise has streamlined processes and established necessary measures, which has resulted in a significant increase in company revenue. In 2021, she transitioned from being a Facilities Manager for a 400-bed student housing education institution to serving at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

Elin Zerai, M.S.W.

Clinical Senior Director for San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus & Riverside County
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Ms. Elin Zerai has decades of experience as a clinical social worker in San Bernardino have equipped her as a regional and topical expert. As a former foster youth herself, she dedicated the first five years of her career to working with adolescence and transitional-aged youth (TAY). During this time, she successfully lobbied for AB12, which transformed the foster system and extended foster care to the age of 26. Ms. Zerai then worked as a medical social worker in the Emergency and Trauma Unit, providing critical patient support and clinical chart audits. Her personal commitment to mental health led her to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she led numerous initiatives, including peer-to-peer training and vital family education services that addressed early signs of mental health challenges amongst youth and children.

Throughout her career, she supervised teams of clinicians and ensured the highest quality of care. As an Applied Suicide Skills Intervention Trainer (ASIST) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), she also served as a Crisis and Intervention Training instructor and coached law enforcement officers to best engage community members with mental illness. At Lutheran Social Services, Ms. Zerai utilizes these cumulative skills to deliver trauma-informed and whole-person care services that best advance individual and community health.

Daniel Brezenoff, LCSW

Senior Clinical Director for Long Beach

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Mr. Brezenoff, Clinical Area Director for LSSSC Long Beach/South Bay programs, is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in community mental health and social services in and around Long Beach for more than 20 years, both as a direct service provider and in leadership positions. Prior to joining LSSSC, Mr. Brezenoff was Senior Advisor to Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, serving as a key advisor on policies relevant to homelessness and mental health. He also worked closely with constituents and service providers throughout the city on these and other important social issues.

He has been in private practice as a therapist since 2006, and teaches undergraduate Human Services and graduate level social work at Cal State Dominguez Hills and lives in Long Beach with his family.

Gabriel Ramirez, DHA, MPA.

Regional Director, CalAIM Programs

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Dr. Gabriel Ramirez, DHA, MPA, is nationally recognized for his work with non-profit agencies and through his work with government and business groups. Dr. Ramirez is a recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award (Barack Obama) and is recognized by over 30 local, State, and Nationally elected officials. Dr. Ramirez obtained his Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and completed his Master of Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino. Dr. Ramirez attended Capella University located in Minneapolis, MN, where he completed his Doctorate in Health Administration. In addition to his current role, he serves as a long-standing fiduciary board member at Community Hospital San Bernardino, A Dignity Health/Common Spirit hospital.