Meet the CLA Team

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Andrea Agpawa
Business Development Manager
Pam Amundsen
Pam Amundsen
Section Manager

Pam brings successful education programs and events to life with over 30 years of experience in program management and 16 years in the association space. She loves working with committees, planning groups, and association leaders to get their ideas off the ground. Pam is a proud mom of two athletic daughters, one away at college and the other still home in high school. In her spare time, she loves to travel with the family and spend time at the park with her dogs

Saul Bercovitch
Saul Bercovitch
Chief Governmental Affairs Officer

Saul oversees the advocacy efforts and governmental relations. Before joining CLA in February 2018, shortly after CLA was established, Saul worked for the State Bar of California for 16 years as Legislative Counsel and as an attorney in the Office of General Counsel. Prior to the State Bar, he worked for three years as a Principal Legislative Analyst with the University of California, Office of the President. He started his legal career practicing civil litigation for 13 years at two large law firms in San Francisco. Saul’s pastimes include traveling, growing tomatoes, and perfecting his barbecuing skills.

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Sarah Boyd
Section Administrative Specialist

Sarah is now the Section Administrative Specialist at the California Lawyers Association. She is an experienced professional with a background in administrative roles that required managing diverse tasks and functions. Skilled in adaptability, flexibility, and problem-solving, she brings a dynamic and detail-oriented approach to the team. In her free time, you can find her reading or hanging out with family.

Johnny Brooks
Johnny Brooks
Section Manager
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Julia Byrd
Sections Team Lead
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Janett Cabanero
Grants and Initiatives Manager
Franz Chan
Franz Chan
Section Manager

Franz Chan is a Section Manager with exceptional time management and organizational skills, ensuring efficient workflow and project execution. Prior to CLA, Franz was an Administrative Assistant ||| at UC Davis Health where she managed an array of projects, including reappointment packets, academic appointments, and faculty interviews, while also overseeing complex administrative functions such as billing, recertifications, and clinic cancellations. Franz’s experience in coordinating large-scale events, like the Annual ID Conference, and her expertise in analyzing training data and financial reports equipped her with valuable skills and directly contributing to her current role, where her organizational and time management abilities continue to support efficient project execution and strategic decision-making. Outside of work, Franz enjoys going cycling, working out, shopping, and trying new foods, always seeing new adventures and experiences to fuel her passion for a beautiful and active lifestyle.

Tiffany Creswell
Tiffany Creswell
Section Manager

With 20 years experience working for litigation support services, Tiffany made the move to CLA during their debut year and has enjoyed all the challenges that have come with it. Prior to CLA, Tiffany was the office manager at Professional Legal Services where she guided employees to reach their full working potential. Tiffany is enjoying an empty nest and can be found reading on her kindle, diving into worlds of fantasy and dark tales of otherworldly creatures.

Cynthia DeOliver
Cynthia DeOliver
Meeting and Events Manager

From event and association management with the California Bankers Association to consulting for smaller associations and association management firms, Cynthia has a diverse range of experience. At CLA, she aims to manage and operate creative, efficient, and well-run events, meetings, and conferences by collaborating and providing purposeful support to our members, leaders, and team. 

She received her CMP in 2017 from the Events Industry Council and in 2018/2019 accepted the Meeting Professional of the Year Award and recognition from her peers at the MPI Sacramento/Sierra-Nevada (MPISSN) Chapter. She served on the MPISSN Board as their Director of Education from 2017 to 2020. Currently, she is member of ASAE, CalSAE and keeps an eye on trends with the Independent Meeting Professionals of Sacramento (IMPS).

In her off hours, Cynthia enjoys time with family, friends, and her dog Copper.

Angela Fleming
Angela Fleming
Accounting Specialist

Angela is a Member Services Specialist at the California Lawyers Association with a detail-oriented approach to data entry and office administration. Persistent and thoughtful in her actions, she believes that hard work combined with the law of attraction is the type of mindset it takes to achieve her professional and personal goals. When she isn’t working, you can find her studying or enjoying free time at Midtown eateries and spin class.

Brian Foley
Brian Foley
Web Administrator

Prior to CLA, Brian was a Web Content Producer for the Sierra Club, an Interactive Media Specialist for Saint Mary’s College, and a newspaper reporter. He received his master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. His experience includes writing, editing, managing social media channels, and launching online marketing campaigns. Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing the ukulele, watching sports, and camping with his kids.

Mike Fury
Mike Fury
IT Director

Mike previously served as a technology leader in K12 education in northern California for over 20 years. His expertise is supporting digital learning, infrastructure, data systems, IT Service Management, and aligning IT with organizational strategy. He brings to California Lawyers Association a broad perspective being a current and former small business owner, with prior experience in retail, food service, construction, manufacturing support, and software development. He holds several professional certifications and was a mentor in a CTO leadership development program for 12 years. Mike enjoys the outdoors, traveling, music, guitar, home improvement, time with friends, family, and being a dad.

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Nicole Hession
Section Manager

Brianna Hollingsworth
Brianna Hollingsworth
Projects and Committees Manager

Prior to CLA, Brianna worked as an Events Coordinator with the California Head Start Association, where she assisted with multiple annual meetings, supported board members and built a complete marketing and communications plan for the association. She brings to CLA over 5 years of experience in events, marketing, and upper level administrative support, as well as degrees in both business marketing and psychology. Her background includes working with C-Level executives and high-level management in both corporate and not-for-profit environments. Having visited 10 countries in the last two years, Brianna enjoys traveling internationally and hopes to expand her travels as often as possible.

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Sara Jenner
Marketing and Communications
Team Lead

Sara obtained her bachelor’s degree in fine art from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. She has over 15 years of experience working as a designer and a leader of large marketing teams. On a Saturday morning you can catch her checking out books at the library with her family and cuddling with her pet cat. 

Joanne Kenison
Joanne Kenison
Senior Manager of Human Resources

Joanne has over two decades of human resource management experience ranging from talent management to strategic human resource planning and organizational consulting. Prior to launching her career at the CLA, Joanne held several corporate HR leadership positions in insurance, healthcare and professional services organizations. Joanne’s professional passion is providing HR solutions by building HR infrastructure through people, compliance and technology. As a result, she is super excited to be part of creating the organizational culture necessary to support the long-term success of the CLA. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage children – hiking, cycling, working out at the gym, and traveling. Joanne also enjoys mentoring recent college grads on career exploration where she shares her knowledge and passion for HR.

Kaylie Lewis
Kaylie Lewis
Marketing Manager

Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Chico State, Kaylie specializes in working with clients in brand management and content creation.

Her background ranges from reporting news for a small newspaper to managing web applications for various organizations. These skills have proven invaluable, bringing an innovative perspective to CLA.

Raychelle Menefee
Raychelle Menefee
Administrative Manager

Raychelle Menefee is an ambitious and accountable administrative professional with proven success excelling in dynamic, high-paced environments requiring keen attention to detail. As an Administrative Manager, directly supporting the CEO at the California Lawyers Association (CLA), she brings 10 years of experience working with high-level management in both corporate and nonprofit organizations. Her background includes project management of multiple events, supporting board members, building exemplary relationships with key stakeholders and delivering stellar customer service.

Raychelle is a recent “honors” graduate from Arizona State University with a double major in Corporate Accounting and Computer Information Systems. She plans to bring innovative ideas to the CLA team.

Outside of work, Raychelle loves to binge watch HGTV, bake sweets, go hiking and river rafting with the family when the weather is warmer and engage in a little retail therapy any chance she gets.

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Brooke Moore
Section Manager

Duane Nason
Duane Nason
Lead Web Developer

With over 20 years of experience in web development, Duane brings a wide range of skills and experience, and will be working on many of CLA’s web-related aspects in an effort to provide additional value to our members. Outside of work, Duane enjoys the outdoors and taking a shot at most recipes he sees on TikTok.

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Chris Nasser
Business Development Manager
Chris Nguyen
Chief Executive Officer
Nicole Peeler
Nicole Peeler
Section Administrative Specialist

Prior to CLA, Nicole worked at Andy’s Candy Apothecary and at a personal training gym as an Admin Assistant. She looks forward to combining her customer service experience and organizational skills from both jobs to help CLA members with anything they might need. Outside of work, you can find her hiking, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends.

Dan Poggetti
Dan Poggetti
Marketing Manager

Dan Poggetti is a Marketing Manager at the California Lawyers Association, specializing in strategic marketing campaigns and brand management. With an eye for market trends and a passion for storytelling, Dan is dedicated to driving brand growth and recognitionri to contribute a positive impact to CLA. Outside of work, you can find Dan spending quality time with his family, whether it’s enjoying outdoor activities or exploring the community for fun family events.

Raquel Ringlstetter
Sections Team Lead

Kristina Robledo
Kristina Robledo
Senior Section Manager

With 13 years of experience in the State Bar of California, Kristina has climbed the ladder, starting as an Administrative Assistant and rising up the ranks to Executive Senior Administrator then to Section Coordinator. Her valuable skills in customer service, management, and administration of policies contribute greatly to her current position. In the office, she is extremely supportive of her team and is readily available to work on creative solutions to any problems that may arise. Outside of work, Kristina can found relaxing anywhere from her couch to the beach, where she is likely suntanning with a cocktail in hand.

Dimisha Rodgers
Dimisha Rodgers
Member Experience Manager

Armed with a Business Degree from Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and a strong background in Marketing and Organizational Management, Dimisha brings valuable insight and nuances to CLA. Dimisha started out as a Marketing Assistant and slowly made her way to Field Coordinator. Through these past experiences, Dimisha found her interest in working more hands on within operations. Her strong leadership and organizational tools allow her to share the values of a Lean organization with the Registration Department. She strives to provide the best customer experience for CLA members. On her free time, Dimisha enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking while spending quality time with her small family.

Nicole Stragalas
Nicole Stragalas
Chief Member Experience Officer

Nicole Stragalas is an experienced executive, writer, and speaker who has worked in several different industries over her career.  Specializing in member/customer experience and organizational development, Nicole has led large-scale initiatives for companies in the areas of member engagement, process improvement, and leadership development.  Her commitment to helping people reach their full potential has been a guiding principle throughout her career, and she is equally focused on the value of data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.   With an extensive background in the banking and credit union industry, Nicole has worked for large organizations, such as Wells Fargo, and smaller community-based credit unions, driving learning initiatives and other business growth plans in product redesign, knowledge management, and member relationship recovery.  With three master’s degrees and certifications in Lean Process Improvement and Coaching, Nicole is a strong advocate for continuing education and professional development throughout the career life-cycle.

Celeste Tamayo
Celeste Tamayo
Member Service Specialist

Celeste Tamayo is a Member Service Specialist at the California Lawyers Association with many years of HR administrative experience in her background. With her team player and go getter attitude she plans on attacking all her goals and aspirations one by one. She loves to stay in a positive mindset and believes that with the combination of hard work and law of attraction, she will achieve the successful lifestyle that she desires to have one day. She wants nothing more than to make her mom proud of the woman she has become and is becoming. Outside of work you will find her at her kickboxing class or at home painting and drinking wine. She adores her Mexican culture and loves to spend time with her family and friends dancing her life away. Celeste plans on utilizing all her data entry, detail oriented, customer service, and administrative expertise to make the registration team a great one. 

Bianca Vejar
Bianca Vejar
Member Services Specialist

Bianca is our Office Administrative Specialist with over ten years of customer service experience. Prior to CLA, Bianca was a Program Coordinator for a youth program for the City of San Jose where she organized programs, planned events, and built strong relationships. Bianca has a passion for creating the best customer experience, problem solving, and always to step up and take initiative.  Outside of work, you can catch Bianca watching her favorite horror films, getting frozen yogurt, and spending time with her wife and family.

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Jasmeet Virdi
Section Manager

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Nia Young
Member Experience
Administrative Specialist

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