Richard Arum, Chair

Professor Richard Arum joined UC Irvine as Dean of the School of Education effective June 30, 2016.

Previously, Dr. Arum – a professor of sociology and education at New York University (2000-2016) – chaired the Department of Sociology and Department of Humanities & Social Sciences in the Professions. He served as director of education research at the Social Science Research Council (2005-2013) and as interim director of NYU’s Institute of Human Development & Social Change.

From 2013-2015, Dr. Arum was senior fellow at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is currently president-elect of the American Sociological Association’s sociology of education section.

Professor Arum is an expert on the legal and institutional environments of schools, social stratification, and digital education. He has done influential research on the effectiveness of college education at preparing students for transitions to adulthood. His work focuses on student work habits, teaching and curriculum, and the development of critical thinking skills. His educational research is informed by sociological scholarship on socialization, social stratification, and organizations.

Professor Arum began his career as a high school teacher and technology consultant in the Oakland public school system. He earned a doctorate in sociology at UC Berkeley, a M.Ed. in teaching and curriculum at Harvard University, and a B.A. in political science at Tufts University.

Sandi Jackson

Sandi attended Colorado State University and Stanford University. After obtaining her degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychology, Sandi received her MBA from California State University, Long Beach. Sandi then worked at the University of Southern California (USC) in pediatric neurology specializing in learning disabilities in children and conducted research and treatment with Dr. Jean Ayres at the Ayres Clinic at USC.

Sandi has been a leader in the philanthropic community for the last 35 years. In 2003, she co-founded with Susan Samueli the Coalition Advocating for Human Security (CAHS) Program at the University of California, Irvine CUSA Center. She is past board chair of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation/Memorial Health Services and the Orange County Baron’s League of the American Cancer Society. In addition, Sandi served on the Board of Directors of the Opera Pacific. Sandi has chaired/co-chaired or sponsored numerous events for the American Cancer Society, Opera Pacific, Chapman University, Orange County Performing Arts Center, University of California, Irvine and Angels of the Arts.

Sandi has been on the Orangewood Foundation Board of Directors since 2004. She has served on the Executive, Development and Investment Committees. Sandi has chaired the Major Gift/Planned Giving Committee and Steering Committee for the Capital Campaign and co-chaired the Steering Committee to develop Samueli Academy.

In addition, Sandi presently serves on the Leadership Council of the Department of Education of the University of California, Irvine; the Board of the 44 Women for Children; and on the Athletic Campaign Committee for Chapman University.

Susan Barua

Dr. Susan Barua is the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). She received her Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and joined CSUF faculty in 1988. Dr. Barua – a Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering – served as the ECS Interim Dean from July 2016 to May 2018 and as Associate Dean for eight years from 2008 to 2016.

Under Dr. Barua’s leadership, the College put into practice initiatives to improve the academic preparation of first-time freshmen, increase student retention and graduation rates, reduce time to degree, and close the opportunity gap among underrepresented and first-generation students. She guided the development and implementation of proactive strategies aimed at increasing the diversity and inclusiveness of engineering and computer science students at Cal State Fullerton.

Dr. Barua has authored numerous technical articles. She is the recipient of several STEM related grants from National Science Foundation, Department of Education and Department of Labor. A recipient of Outstanding Service and Outstanding Teacher/Scholar awards several times, Dr. Barua is a leader in engineering educational reform and is an experienced developer of innovative education programs. She has been actively involved in mentoring female and underrepresented students in computing for most of her career.

Chris Scheithauer Chair

Chris is a partner in the law firm of Call & Jensen, APC and is based in the Firm’s Orange County office. Chris handles many types of general civil litigations matters, although he currently focuses his practice on class action employment benefits litigation and counseling under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). He also has extensive experience in the area of labor and employment litigation and advice.

Chris has been repeatedly honored as a “Southern California Rising Star” in Los Angeles Magazine and the Southern California Super Lawyers-Rising Stars edition with regard to his ERISA and federal practices. He is also ranked in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions of Chambers USA and the 2011 edition of The Legal 500 United States for being a leading lawyer in this field.

Chris is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Federal Bar Association. Chris is also a member of the California and American Bar Associations and is admitted to practice in California. He is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern districts of California. Chris has appeared Pro Hac Vice for clients in various states..

Elizabeth Dorn Parker

Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker has dedicated much of her career to working for non-profit organizations focusing on the areas of marketing and development. Currently, Liz works at Orange Coast College Foundation as a foundation and outreach specialist. In this position, she is responsible for developing and coordinating the activities for the Foundation, including outreach for athletic teams, departmental events, alumni activities and the Emeritus Institute.

Until 2014, Liz served on the Orange County Board of Education. During her 32 years on the Orange County Board of Education, she was elected to serve as President of O.C. School Boards Association and President of the California County Boards of Education. Additionally, Liz was responsible for outreach and collaboration with business leaders, educational organizations and institutions on the local, state and federal levels.

Liz has an extensive history of being active in the community. She has volunteered her time as a board member and vice president of the Newport Harbor High School Foundation and board member and president of Newport Harbor Baseball Association and AYSO Soccer Region 97.

Liz received her bachelor’s degree in Art History from University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Elizabeth Dorn Parker Chair

Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker has dedicated much of her career to working for non-profit organizations focusing on the areas of marketing and development. Currently, Liz works at Orange Coast College Foundation as a foundation and outreach specialist. In this position, she is responsible for developing and coordinating the activities for the Foundation, including outreach for athletic teams, departmental events, alumni activities and the Emeritus Institute.

Until 2014, Liz served on the Orange County Board of Education. During her 32 years on the Orange County Board of Education, she was elected to serve as President of O.C. School Boards Association and President of the California County Boards of Education. Additionally, Liz was responsible for outreach and collaboration with business leaders, educational organizations and institutions on the local, state and federal levels.

Liz has an extensive history of being active in the community. She has volunteered her time as a board member and vice president of the Newport Harbor High School Foundation and board member and president of Newport Harbor Baseball Association and AYSO Soccer Region 97.

Liz received her bachelor’s degree in Art History from University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Sandi Jackson

Sandi attended Colorado State University and Stanford University. After obtaining her degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychology, Sandi received her MBA from California State University, Long Beach. Sandi then worked at the University of Southern California (USC) in pediatric neurology specializing in learning disabilities in children and conducted research and treatment with Dr. Jean Ayres at the Ayres Clinic at USC.

Sandi has been a leader in the philanthropic community for the last 35 years. In 2003, she co-founded with Susan Samueli the Coalition Advocating for Human Security (CAHS) Program at the University of California, Irvine CUSA Center. She is past board chair of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation/Memorial Health Services and the Orange County Baron’s League of the American Cancer Society. In addition, Sandi served on the Board of Directors of the Opera Pacific. Sandi has chaired/co- chaired or sponsored numerous events for the American Cancer Society, Opera Pacific, Chapman University, Orange County Performing Arts Center, University of California, Irvine and Angels of the Arts.

Sandi has been on the Orangewood Foundation Board of Directors since 2004. She has served on the Executive, Development and Investment Committees. Sandi has chaired the Major Gift/Planned Giving Committee and Steering Committee for the Capital Campaign and co-chaired the Steering Committee to develop Samueli Academy.

In addition, Sandi presently serves on the Leadership Council of the Department of Education of the University of California, Irvine; the Board of the 44 Women for Children; and on the Athletic Campaign Committee for Chapman University.

Kevin Tiber

Kevin M. Tiber is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Farmers and Merchants Trust Company and Senior Vice President of Farmers & Merchants Bank. For Farmers and Merchants Trust Company, he is jointly responsible for the management of Trust Company activities, including administration, operations and information technology. He also is Chair of the Farmers and Merchants Administrative Committee, a member of the Farmers and Merchants Executive Committee and a member of the Farmers and Merchants Investment Committee. For Farmers & Merchants Bank, Kevin is a member of the Bank’s Executive Committee. Kevin is responsible for shareholder relations, capital markets activity concerning the Bank’s common stock, business development, and a variety of administrative functions. He works with many of the Bank and Trust Company’s charitable, religious, and educational clients in the areas of investment management and finance including New Market Tax Credit transactions. He has been with the Farmers and Merchants organization since 1993.

He is active in the trust and banking industries and has served as a consultant to a variety of financial software and services companies.

Kevin is a member of the Board of Directors of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Foundation, currently serving as immediate past Chairman of the Board. Also among his notable community involvement, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Orange County High School of the Arts and serves as its Finance Chair, Chairman and President of the McDonald Family Foundation, a member of the Board of JSerra Catholic High School, a former member of the Board of Directors of Aliso Viejo Girls Softball, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Nature Center and a former member of the General Plan Advisory Committee for the City of Aliso Viejo.

Kevin earned a B.A. in Economics from California State University, Fullerton, and resides in Aliso Viejo with his wife and two daughters.

Jeff Bloom

Jeff Bloom is Executive Vice President and Director of Comerica Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Group and the Chairman of its Real Estate Loan Committee.  He has been with Comerica since 1999.

Jeff has nationwide responsibility for all aspects of commercial real estate lending and he oversees offices spread throughout the states of California, Texas and Michigan.  He is also responsible for the Community Development Investment business (equity investments in Low Income Housing projects).  He is a member of the bank’s Sustainability Council.

Jeff’s entire 34 year banking career has been spent in real estate, starting with 13 years of increasing responsibility at Sanwa Bank California, culminating in responsibility for the bank’s Orange County and Los Angeles real estate lending offices.  Prior to entering the banking business, Jeff was the assistant to the chairman of a publicly held pharmaceutical company and served as a sales representative for a non-food broker.

He serves on the finance committee of the Orangewood Foundation’s Samueli Academy Charter School and the City of Newport Beach Housing Element Update Committee.

Jeff was born and raised in southern California and graduated with a BA in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from UC Irvine. He is married with two grown children.

Chris Scheithauer Chair

Chris is a partner in the law firm of Call & Jensen, APC and is based in the Firm’s Orange County office. Chris handles many types of general civil litigations matters, although he currently focuses his practice on class action employment benefits litigation and counseling under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). He also has extensive experience in the area of labor and employment litigation and advice.

Chris has been repeatedly honored as a “Southern California Rising Star” in Los Angeles Magazine and the Southern California Super Lawyers-Rising Stars edition with regard to his ERISA and federal practices. He is also ranked in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions of Chambers USA and the 2011 edition of The Legal 500 United States for being a leading lawyer in this field.

Chris is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Federal Bar Association. Chris is also a member of the California and American Bar Associations and is admitted to practice in California. He is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern districts of California. Chris has appeared Pro Hac Vice for clients in various states.

Sandi Jackson

Sandi attended Colorado State University and Stanford University. After obtaining her degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychology, Sandi received her MBA from California State University, Long Beach. Sandi then worked at the University of Southern California (USC) in pediatric neurology specializing in learning disabilities in children and conducted research and treatment with Dr. Jean Ayres at the Ayres Clinic at USC.

Sandi has been a leader in the philanthropic community for the last 35 years. In 2003, she co-founded with Susan Samueli the Coalition Advocating for Human Security (CAHS) Program at the University of California, Irvine CUSA Center. She is past board chair of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation/Memorial Health Services and the Orange County Baron’s League of the American Cancer Society. In addition, Sandi served on the Board of Directors of the Opera Pacific. Sandi has chaired/co-chaired or sponsored numerous events for the American Cancer Society, Opera Pacific, Chapman University, Orange County Performing Arts Center, University of California, Irvine and Angels of the Arts.

Sandi has been on the Orangewood Foundation Board of Directors since 2004. She has served on the Executive, Development and Investment Committees. Sandi has chaired the Major Gift/Planned Giving Committee and Steering Committee for the Capital Campaign and co-chaired the Steering Committee to develop Samueli Academy.

In addition, Sandi presently serves on the Leadership Council of the Department of Education of the University of California, Irvine; the Board of the 44 Women for Children; and on the Athletic Campaign Committee for Chapman University.

Susan Samueli

Susan was born and raised in San Fernando Valley, CA and received a B.S. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley in 1972. From 1972 to 1985 she was with IBM Corporation where she worked initially as a software programmer in the Federal Systems Division, Westlake Village, CA and then as a Systems Engineer in the National Marketing Division, Los Angeles, CA.

After leaving IBM in 1985, she developed keen interest in alternative health care and received a Ph.D. in nutrition from the American Holistic College of Nutrition in 1993 and a Diploma in Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy in 1994.

Susan relocated to Orange County in 1995 and has become very active in the community. She is co-founder of the Samueli Foundation, which makes grants to agencies working in the areas of health, social services, religion, education and the arts. She serves on the board of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation (OCF) and was the founder of 44 Women For Children, an auxiliary that primarily raises money for teens emancipating from the foster care system. She also serves on the Board and Advisory Board of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrated Medicine (SSCIM) at UC Irvine.

She was honored with the UCI Medal in March 2000, was the 2002 Ellen Cooperman Angel Award Recipient given by the John Wayne Cancer Institute and she received the 2005 General William Lyon Crystal Vision Philanthropy Award given by Orangewood Children’s Foundation.

Shannon Zech

Shannon, a native Californian, received her BA from the University of California Davis with a double major in Rhetoric and Political Science.  As an undergraduate she was active in the campus community and served as an intern for the State Senate Select Committee on Aging in Sacramento.  She attended Pepperdine University School of Law where she earned a JD degree and is a member of the State Bar of California.  She also holds single subject teaching credentials in Social Science and English from the University of California Irvine.

Professionally, she worked as General Counsel for a privately held marketing and event planning firm, taught American Government, Honors Economics and Alternative Education at Irvine High School and was the Program Director for the Constitutional Rights Foundation where she coordinated programs such as Mock Trial, Constitution Day, Law Day, Peer Court  and Career Day for Orange County high school students.

Community service has been a high priority in Shannon’s life.  She is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Orange County (JLOCC) following many years of active membership where she held several leadership positions, including President. Shannon chaired Friends of CASA, served on the City of Irvine’s Community Services Commission, consulted with several non-profits in Orange County about Board Governance, was a member of the Guilds of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and was actively involved in support of her son’s school and sports activities.

Robert Santana

Robert is an innovator, disruptor, mission‐driven leader, & social entrepreneur. Robert is known for his track‐record as a strategic thinker, visionary and his passion for challenging the status quo and creating large‐scale impact in the community.

As a social entrepreneur and mission‐driven leader, Robert believes that being a nonprofit is
a tax status, not a business strategy. Robert’s approach to transforming his organization
through this mantra has led him to benchmark against best practices from all industries and
specifically key strategies that are deployed in the for profit sector. Robert’s passion to
impact the lives of young people led him to the Boys & Girls Club, where for the last 15 years he has spent transforming his organization, innovating in his industry, and challenging the status quo. In June of 2016, Robert led the successful merger with another organization to introduce the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast serving the youth of Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, & Orange. In June of 2018, Robert led the successful acquisition of YEP for Kids, a STEM nonprofit focused on coding & engineering youth programs.

Robert started at the Boys & Girls Club as a volunteer mentor after a career in Law Enforcement and quickly saw the potential for what the Club could become. Under
Robert’s leadership, the Club has expanded from a single site with 12 staff and 130 kids to
almost 165 staff serving over 9,000 children annually across 64 sites.
In addition to the expansion of sites and staff, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange
Coast has also introduced innovative strategies such as their Impact Model, Family
Strengthening Initiative, Early Literacy Intervention, College Bound, and most recently a
coding and robotics initiative. Robert’s message to the Staff and Board is that he doesn’t
just want Club Members to be college and career‐ready, he wants all Club Members to be
global‐ready.

Robert’s professional experience includes: Santana Leadership Consulting (2008‐Present), Argosy University (2018‐2019), and the US Air Force‐ 15th Security Forces (1999‐2003).

His education achievements include:
•AA degree in Justice Administration, Hawaii Pacific University
•BS degree in Child & Adolescent Development, California State University of Fullerton
• MBA with emphasis on Org. Leadership, National University