Valerie Brown, Director and Chair

Valerie leverages her extensive background in crisis counseling, case management, and community coordination as United Policyholders' Deputy Executive Director, championing disaster relief and recovery efforts. With over a decade of experience, she expertly navigates both immediate and long-term responses, drawing upon deep understanding of federal/state programs, funding sources, and insurance/mortgage matters to advocate for impacted individuals. Inspired by her own community's devastation in the 2007 Witch Creek fire, Valerie actively participates in wildfire and insurance recovery across California, Colorado, and Oregon. Her dedication extends beyond her role, as she serves on the national Disaster Leadership Team, San Diego County VOAD, and the National Aging In Place Council. Valerie has been instrumental in standing up our local Long Term Recovery Group in the wake of the CZU Fire.

Aretha Rodriguez, Director and Vice Chair

Bio Coming soon.

Heather LaFontaine, Director and Treasurer

Heather La Fontaine is a seasoned financial executive with a passion for driving strategic initiatives and delivering measurable results. With over 20 plus years of experience in the finance industry and now consulting, she has honed her expertise in business operations, compliance, audit, risk management, human resources, and electronic banking. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions, demonstrating a strong track record of optimizing financial performance and enhancing operational efficiency. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. La Fontaine is committed to improving the community by volunteering and contributing to non-profits. Having experienced a total CZU Fire loss and subsequent rebuild, she bringing her expertise and experience to the Board in the service of others that have been impacted by disaster.

Susie Devergranne, Director and Secretary

A resident of Last Chance Road north of Davenport for 25 years, Susie brings a unique perspective to the Board of Directors. Having lost their home in the 2020 CZU fire, she understand firsthand the challenges faced by the community. Combining a 35-year career in deaf education with prior experience as a school board member at Pacific Elementary, Susie possesses a strong commitment to community engagement and proactive disaster preparedness, particularly in the face of climate change. She is eager to leverage her skills and dedication to support the board's mission. 

Creedence Shaw, Director

Creedence Shaw, a financial veteran with over 15 years of expertise, brings diverse skills to the Long Term Recovery Group. From Teller to Chief Credit Officer, he understands how finances impact communities. Today, he champions fire survivors, consults a local bank, and builds financial models for crucial housing projects in Santa Cruz County's recovery. His decade at Santa Cruz County Bank saw him lead lending systems, integrate mergers, and spearhead the vital Paycheck Protection Program, injecting $500 million into the local economy. His leadership, innovation, passion and ability to connect to the issues that hinders recovery efforts make him a valuable asset to the board.