PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIR

Bill is a Merced-based real estate developer and commercial contractor specializing in the development of community health centers. Bill joined the board in early 2021 and will be facilitating the rebranding of CFMC. He will be coordinating the creation of an active non-profit network that encompasses the entire county that can be used to quantify our needs and focus the grant writing process.

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Ryan Heller is a leader in community philanthropy, specializing in donor cultivation and stewardship, public relations, and fundraising for elected officials as well as organizations that support a variety of causes. He has a degree in Cognitive Science from UC Merced and completed his Juris Doctor at the San Joaquin College of Law. He works full-time for a State Legislator, advises on strategic philanthropy, and is chair of the Board of Directors for the Merced Symphony.

BOARD SECRETARY

Carrie has lived in Merced County for over 40 years and has served on the CFMC board since 2015. She is also proud to have served on the boards of organizations benefiting public and private schools, hospitalized children, the arts, and scholarships for collegiate student-athletes.

BOARD MEMBER

Mary Ellen Arana was born and raised in Merced. She retired from Merced County after 38-plus years of service. Mary Ellen proudly served as a Trustee on the School Board for Atwater Elementary School District and numerous other boards of organizations that benefit the children and community members of Merced County. Mary Ellen has a passion for serving the community and is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the CFMC board.

BOARD MEMBER

Sandy Del Real is a managing partner in her family’s farming business, Live Oak Farms in Le Grand. She graduated from Fresno State University with a Marketing Degree. She believes you have to appreciate the work farmers do today in facing the growing challenges they are up against. Sandy’s family has always been actively involved in the Merced County.

BOARD MEMBER

Brian Gudgel is a Certified Financial Planner at UBS Financial Services, where he has worked since 2007. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with both his Bachelor's and MBA degrees, Brian brings deep financial expertise to the CFMC board. He is a resident of Merced and is proud to help further the work of CFMC throughout the county.

BOARD MEMBER

Kyle is a partner at the law firm of Whitney, Thompson & Jeffcoach, LLP, where he focuses his practice on complex business and real estate disputes. Since he began practicing law in 2008, Kyle has represented local farmers, small businesses, municipalities, and individuals in a wide variety of litigation and appeals. Kyle has an undergraduate degree in city planning from Brigham Young University.

A native of West Texas, Kyle moved to California in 2005 for law school and to Merced in 2015. Kyle was a board member for the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2021, acting as chair between 2018 and 2019. Kyle is dedicated to seeing Merced grow in ways that benefit the community at large.

BOARD MEMBER

Kassandra Nguyen, known as Kassie, is the Director of Impact at El Capitan Hotel and Mainzer in Merced, CA. In this unique role, Kassie combines her expertise in community engagement, property management, and community development to drive significant positive change both within the downtown area and the broader community. A graduate of UC Merced with a BA in Public Health, Kassie brings a strong foundation in understanding the health and well-being of communities.

BOARD MEMBER

Kamaljit Pannu, a native of Livingston, California, is a passionate educator and leader currently serving as the 2nd-year principal at McSwain Elementary. He graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Political Science and double minors in Education and Psychology in 2007, followed by a Master’s in Educational Administration from San Francisco State University. He later earned a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from UC Davis. Pannu is dedicated to advancing the work of CFMC throughout the region, leveraging his expertise to drive positive change.

BOARD MEMBER

Billie has been a Merced resident and philanthropist for 43 years with focuses on health, education, and economic development, including board memberships with Mercy Medical Center Foundation, LifeLine, and has served on the CFMC board since 2015. Billie helps identify and communicate with area nonprofits and small businesses needing assistance.

BOARD MEMBER

Danny is a Merced area native who works in the agriculture technology sector. He has been on the CFMC board since 2018. Danny manages the implementation of CFMC’s new CRM program Foundant and facilitates communication between the many Merced County nonprofits and small businesses he has worked with since joining CFMC.