Members

Mark Yates earned his degree in business finance from California State University Fullerton. As COO of the Wealth Strategies Group, he currently manages their Apple Valley branch. He’s also a Certified Financial Planner and registered representative of Securities America, Inc.

Peter Allan earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cal State University in San Bernardino and law degree from the Southern California Law School in Riverside, CA

Larry Bird has worked in the Hesperia Unified School District for 34 years now. His first job was as a 4th Grade Teacher at Juniper Elementary. He currently serves as Principal of Sultana High School.

Diana Carloni O’Malley earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Portuguese at UCLA, and her law degree at Loyola Law School.

Frecia Johnson received her Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies, from the Fuller Seminary School of Intercultural Studies. She’s the Owner of Johnson Real Estate Group, Inc. and has been a commercial real estate broker for 45 years.

Scott Nassif graduated from Victor Valley College before going to work for Apple Valley Auto Parts, now Napa Auto Parts. He’s now the owner of the store and operates four stores throughout the Valley.

Rick Piercy founded the Lewis Center for Educational Research — home of the premier charter school the Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley, CA. His family has lived in the High Desert since 1945, when his grandparents relocated for a new job with the Victorville Lime Rock Plant.

Rosanne Smith received her Master’s in Elementary Education from Hunter College and completed coursework for a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Chapman University.

Steve Stewart studied history and political science at the University of Michigan. He joined the Army Reserves in 2000 and continues to serve, ranked as a Major. He has been deployed for two tours, one in the U.S. and one in Afghanistan.

Cindy Toms began her banking career in 1976 and is now Vice President of Sales and Branch Manager of Desert Community Bank in Apple Valley.