Executive Staff
Kurt Ohlfs
Executive Director
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Kurt has served as the PACE Executive Director since 2005. In two decades of service to PACE, Kurt has been instrumental in the acquisition and expansion of all three school campuses and the establishment of PACE as a leading autism educational resource in the Bay Area. Kurt holds a B.S. from Santa Clara University and an MBA.
Karen Kennan
Assistant Executive Director
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Karen has served as the PACE Assistant Executive Director since 2005. Karen is experienced in non-profit management, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, and community outreach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of California, Haas School of Business.
Karyn Caradonna
Director of Human Resources
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Karyn has over 20 years serving in Human Resources, both in high-tech and non-profit sectors. Karyn’s background covers a full range of HR functions with an emphasis on recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and reorganization. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) with extensive employee compensation experience. She holds a B.A. from San Jose State University.
Nancy Elghiani
Finance Manager
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Nancy has served as PACE’s Finance Manager since 2019. She brings 15 years of experience in finance and accounting in the Tech and Education sectors. At PACE, she is responsible for the agency’s financial management, including payroll administration, accounts payable/receivable, and audit. She holds a degree in Finance from San Jose State University and continuing education at Santa Clara University.
Melissa Watkins
Marketing and Resource Development Manager
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Melissa joined PACE in 2018 and has served as PACE’s Marketing and Development Manager since 2019. She is responsible for the agency’s marketing and development fiscal year strategic plan, budget, and events. She has over ten years of experience in marketing, project management, and outreach. Melissa holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC Davis.
Lori Strickland
School Program Director
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With over 16 years of experience, Lori has contributed to the learning community in numerous roles. She has been a school principal for both TK-8 and high school and has also worked as a counselor, guidance professor, assistant principal of instruction, and special education teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, a Master’s in Education from Fresno Pacific University, and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and Administrative Credential. Lori believes all students can achieve in a positive, productive learning environment.
Board of Directors
The PACE Board of Directors is responsible for all fiduciary decisions, strategic direction, policy, and leadership. If you are interested in joining the PACE Board of Directors, please send an email to email hidden; JavaScript is required
The PACE Board
Sarah Mudgett, President
Territory Sales Manager, CooperSurgical
Mark Peper, Vice President
Chief Executive Director, RDE2 Senior Living Management
Debbie McCarroll, Treasurer
VP of Business Development, Scharf Investments
Kurt Ohlfs, Secretary (non-voting)
Executive Director, PACE
Nancy Brown
Retired, Former PACE Finance Director
Joe Dermer
Attorney, Dermer Law Firm
Marina Djordjevic
Senior Corp Technical Recruiter, Carbon Health
Mark Gilfix
Attorney, Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP
Lisa Grisalin
Partner/Broker, Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley
Advisory Board
Penny Barrett
Past Executive Board Member
Jeff Fallick
Past Executive Board Member
Paul Lacy
Past Executive Board Member
Tom McGovern
Past Executive Board President
Madhu Ranganathan
Past Executive Board President
Dave Setti
Past Executive Board Member