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.
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
Matthew Cruz
Program Director
Matt joined PAL as a Program Coordinator in December 2023 and transitioned to the Program Director role in February of 2026. 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!
matt.cruz@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7435
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.
eli.shreves@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
Amanda.Vey@cityofvancouver.us
360.487.7435
2026 Board of Directors
John Fazzolari
President
General Contractor, Fazzolari Construction
Brett Blechschmidt
Vice President
Superintendent, Vancouver Public Schools
Jeff Olson
Treasurer
Lieutenant, Vancouver Police Department
Erin Nikkila
Secretary
Jeffrey Tennant
Past President
Branch Manager, Peak Credit Union
Cathy Doriot
Board Member
Chief, Ridgefield Police Department
Molly Hess
Board Member
Childers & Hess Team, Windermere NW
Brian Stone
Board Member
Branch Manager, PNW Loans
Doug Luse
Board Member
Retired, Vancouver Police Department
Pat Jollota
Board Member
Retired Professional
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
Kristy Childers
Board Member
Childers & Hess Team, Windermere NW
Phillip Sample
Board Member
Commander, Clark County Sheriff's Office