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

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