Meet Our Leadership Team
Every day, our PAL Leadership Team and Board of Directors make a difference in helping children better prepare for life's challenging moments.
The PAL Team
Jesse Jimenez
Executive Director
Jesse first began with PAL in 2017 as a Summer Recreation Assistant and throughout the years has transitioned away from and back to the organization and is thrilled to serve as our Executive Director. He has a strong desire to serve the community he grew up in and is excited to make big impacts that align with the mission of PAL. Jesse has unmatched connections to community partners and our law enforcement community, and he was even a Clark County Sheriff Explorer when he was younger. Jesse grew up in Clark County and has served his community in many ways, but one of his favorites is to volunteer umpire for local little leagues!
jesse.jimenez@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7487
Gabi Diaz
Director of Development
Gabi joined PAL in December of 2023 as a Program Coordinator and was promoted to Director of Development in January of 2025. Gabi always puts working with law enforcement and youth at the forefront of her future plans. Gabi has experience working with youth throughout diverse communities, including juvenile and rehabilitation centers. Gabi received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with an emphasis on Child, Youth, and Family Studies from Portland State University in Spring of 2023. She hopes to continue to facilitate positive relations amongst law enforcement and youth in her future endeavors, so as to strengthen community relations.
gabriella.diaz-vazquez@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7453
Eli Shreves
Senior Program Coordinator
Eli joined PAL as a program coordinator in August 2021. Eli has had the opportunity to lead in multiple camps involving youth. Eli graduated high school from Trinity Academy in North Portland. He is excited about the opportunity to work with a non-profit like PAL because he believes that it is essential to build positive relationships with law enforcement and the public. Eli hopes that someday he will pursue a career in law enforcement somewhere in the pacific northwest. Eli has won several awards for making an impact and teaching the youth of Clark County about traffic safety.
Agencies
Vancouver Police Department
eli.shreves@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7435
Matthew Cruz
Program Coordinator
Matt joined PAL as a Program Coordinator in December 2023. Matt has worked with youth in his community for over a decade through ministry programs where he led summer camps and mentored youth. He is so excited to be a part of an amazing program, working alongside law enforcement and youth in the community. Matt is passionate about seeing youth become confident in who they are. Something Matt strives for is always showing others how much they matter to the people who surround them. One fun fact about Matt is that he has 2-year-old son named Jason, who is his whole world!
Agencies
Clark County Sheriff's Office
Ridgefield Police Department
matt.cruz@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7435
Amanda Vey
Program Coordinator
Amanda first joined PAL in 2022 and contributed to the growth and success of several initiatives before taking a brief leave of absence to care for her newborn daughter. Amanda returned to the role in February 2025, eager to continue her work in youth development and community engagement. With her childhood experiences with PAL of Oxnard, CA and her lifelong passion for serving her community, Amanda is dedicated to providing safe, impactful opportunities for youth in Clark County. She hopes that her commitment to PAL’s mission ensures that the organization continues to empower the next generation of leaders by promoting compassion and personal growth
Agencies
Washington State Patrol
Battle Ground Police Department
Camas Police Department
Washougal Police Department
Amanda.Vey@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7435
2025 Board of Directors
Jeffrey Tennant
President
Branch Manager, TwinStar Credit Union
John Fazzolari
Vice President
General Contractor, Fazzolari Construction
Jeff Olson
Treasurer
Lieutenant, Vancouver Police Department
Brian Potter
Secretary
Operations Superintendent, City of Vancouver
Brian Stone
Past President
Branch Manager, PNW Loans
A.D. Simmons
Board Member
Owner & Personal Concierge, Aligned Lifestyle Concierge
Brett Blechschmidt
Board Member
Chief Financial Officer, Vancouver Public Schools
Cathy Doriot
Board Member
Chief, Ridgefield Police Department
Erin Nikkila
Board Member
VP Remote Delivery, IQ Credit Union
Molly Hess
Board Member
Childers & Hess Team, Windermere NW Living
Chadd Nolan
Board Member
Sergeant, Vancouver Police Department
Craig Birnbach
Board Member
Communications Executive Director, Evergreen Public Schools
Cyndi Holloway
Board Member
Governmental & Community Affairs Director, Waste Connections
Doug Luse
Board Member
Retired Lieutenant, Vancouver Police Department
Kristy Childers
Board Member
Childers & Hess Team, Windermere NW Living
Jason Perdue
Board Member
Lieutenant, Battle Ground Police Department
Pat Jollota
Board Member
Retired Professional
Phillip Sample
Board Member
Commander, Clark County Sheriff's Office