Our Board

Meet Our Board of Directors

Guided by vision. Grounded in service.

Our Board of Directors comprises dedicated community leaders who share a deep commitment to children and families in Placer, Yuba, and Sutter Counties. Their leadership, insight, and governance help guide CASA’s mission and ensure our programs remain impactful, accountable, and rooted in the best interests of the youth and families we serve.

Join Our Community

Stay connected to our community through our newsletter, event invites, and the latest updates—all in one place.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: CASA | Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Dr. Gary Bess
Board Chair

Principal, Gary Bess Associates

Kathryn Humbert Ries
Vice Chair

Broker & Partner at AV Realty

Kathryn Humbert Ries has been volunteering at CASA Placer for 8 years first as a Court Appointed Special Advocate advocating for foster kids, then as a Volunteer Case Supervisor for CASA overseeing other volunteers.  She joined Friends of CASA 3 years ago.  Kathryn has also volunteered as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Annual CASA golf tournament for the last 4 years.

Kathryn worked in the Bay area in the family construction company for 20 years retiring as President.  Kathryn is now a California real estate Broker and Partner at AV Realty.  She earned a BS from Notre Dame College graduating Summa Cum Laude.  She loves to play golf, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Cherie Stephens
Secretary

Retired, Business Owner

Nick Cunningham
Treasurer

CEO, Point Equity

Debbie Collier
Board Member
Carolynn Kearby
Board Member
Doug Macfarlane
Board Member

Director, Baird Private Wealth Management

Josh Price
Board Member

Principal, Moore Messina Webb

Throughout his professional career, Josh has worked with individuals, families, small businesses, and non-profit organizations as a trusted professional advisor over their tax and financial reporting and planning needs.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Sacramento State University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

In addition to serving as the treasurer of Child Advocates of Placer County, Josh also serves on the board for the ARC of Placer County and the Wellness Initiative.  Away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and their many family activities including tennis, wakeboarding, golf, and mountain biking.

Jay Resendez
Board Member

Principal, Jay Resendez Law

Jay Resendez holds a BA from the University of San Francisco and a JD from Santa Clara University. He is an accomplished attorney with expertise in providing counsel in both litigation and transactional matters, specializing in advising small business owners in general business, employment, real estate, and estate planning matters. He has also advised numerous non-profits in their HR and business/governance operations.

Recently, Jay completed a six-year term on our Board of Directors, where he served as Governance Chair and Board Chair. After a one-year hiatus, Jay has returned, bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Child Advocates of Placer County Board.

Kent Smith
Board Member
Gertrudes Tiangco-Alba
Board Member

Associate Chief Nurse Executive, Kaiser Permanente