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CBAPP Advisory Board Chair
Mr. Leo Chu, President
California Casino Management
Email: cars4leo@aol.com
Mr. Kim D. Defenderfer, Executive Vice President
Banc of California
Kim Defenderfer, EVP manages the Banc of California’s South Bay and West LA Commercial Banking Offices.
Mr. Defenderfer is a Board Member of Upward Bound House, a nonprofit providing transitional housing and support services for families in Los Angeles with minor children. He is also on the Advisory Board for California State University Dominguez Hills College of Business and Public Policy and a past board member of the Torrance and Gardena Carson YMCA’s and the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to banking, Kim owned a solar water heating sales and installation company, lived in France and England for 18 months and was a logger in Oregon.
He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and his MBA from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA.
Mr. Wade M. Downey, Partner
Downey, Smith & Fier
WADE M. DOWNEY, CPA is a founding partner of Downey, Smith & Fier a Tax Consulting firm in Long Beach, CA. Wade has over 30+ years of state tax experience assisting both public and private companies to resolve state sales and use tax controversies, implement tax planning strategies and compliance improvements, and recover overpaid sales and use taxes.
Mr. Downey’s experience includes 22 years as a partner with Downey, Smith & Fier, five years as a Senior Manager with Deloitte’s Los Angeles Multistate Tax Services group and four years as Revenue Auditor for the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Wade is a proud alumnus (1992) of California State University Dominguez Hills graduating Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and received a Master’s in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California.
Wade and Rosie have been married for 31 years and lifetime residents of So. California with two children, Jacob (26) who graduated from San Diego State as a Computer Science Engineer and Cora (22) who graduated from UC, Berkeley as an Interactive Marketing Project Manager. Wade is an avid golfer and fishermen who enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Lisa M. Garrett, Director of Personnel
Los Angeles County
On March 30, 2010, Lisa M. Garrett was appointed Director of Personnel after serving as Acting Director of DHR for almost one year. Ms. Garrett has more than 25 years of public service and has worked in both the City and the County of Los Angeles. She began her career in public service with the City of Los Angeles as a Council Aide for Councilman Gilbert Lindsey and later served as an Investigator in the City’s Housing Department.
Ms. Garrett was hired into the County in 1994 as a Deputy District Attorney in the District Attorney's Bureau of Family Support Operations. Seven years later, she moved to the Child Support Services Department (CSSD) upon its creation in 2001, where she served as Assistant Division Chief in two large divisions, the Executive Assistant to the Director, and as the Chief Deputy Director and Chief Attorney before being appointed as Acting Director of Personnel. During her tenure in the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Ms. Garrett has directed DHR staff through several significant projects such as the development and implementation of a certified training course for Exam Analysts; the establishment of the PeopleStats metrics program to collect data to track and improve DHR performance, accountability and service delivery; and the development of a departmental strategic plan, which emphasizes customer service, HR transformation, succession planning and improved recruitment and selection practices to bring the best and the brightest talent into Los Angeles County. Ms. Garrett has set a strategic direction within the County of Los Angeles to “automate all things HR.” Through her vision the County has realized significant change with the implementation of enterprise HR solutions, setting the foundation for data-based decisions through HR analytics.
Ms. Garrett is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles with a major in Psychology, and also holds a Juris Doctorate from the Southwestern University School of Law and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She is an active member of the State Bar of California, the Los Angeles Bar Association Labor Employment Law Section, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA). Ms. Garrett is designated as an IMPA-HR Certified Professional and holds a certificate in Advanced HR Management from the UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Program.
Michael S. Grimshaw
Executive Director, The Entrepreneurs Sandbox@CSUDH | Managing Partner, The Grimshaw Group
A dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and investor, Michael S. Grimshaw has over 35 years of senior-level experience in sales, management, and start-up leadership within the highly competitive technology industry. He has held key positions at IBM, Cisco, Andrew, Nortel, and Unisys, successfully launching strategic products and earning numerous industry awards. As the founder of more than 15 companies, including Pace Data and RAD Network Devices, Mike has guided multiple startups—Equinox Networks, Cascade, Shasta Networks, and Ellacoya—to funding, acquisition, or IPO.
Beyond business, Mike is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship through education. As Executive Director of The Entrepreneurial Institute at CSUDH, he creates a thriving ecosystem for students, faculty, and the broader community. A faculty member in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, he inspires students to pursue their ventures while mentoring entrepreneurs nationally and internationally.
Mike is also a co-founder of serious improv!, a leadership training company using improvisational comedy to enhance communication and creativity. An active angel investor, he is a member of professional organizations including the LA Venture Association and the Institute of Management Consultants. A Vietnam veteran awarded the Bronze Star, Mike brings leadership, innovation, and mentorship to every endeavor.
Mr. Fred Haney, Founder & President
Venture Management Co.
Dr. Fred Haney is a venture capital expert, entrepreneur, and mentor with decades of experience guiding high-tech startups. He is the founder and president of Venture Management Co., where he provides strategic support to emerging companies. An influential figure in the investment community, he co-founded Tech Coast Angels, one of the largest angel investor networks in the U.S., and founded 3i Ventures, California, a venture capital fund that invested $80 million and produced 19 public companies.
A passionate advocate for innovation, Dr. Haney has been a co-founder of multiple startups, including NovaDigm Therapeutics, DRC Computer, and NMR Finder. He has served on over 30 corporate boards, including Parcel Pending, acquired for over $100 million, and Rainbow Technologies (NASDAQ: RNBO), acquired for $457 million. His contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem earned him recognition as “Mentor/Angel of the Year” and “Director of the Year for Early Stage Companies.”
Dr. Haney is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of business leaders at CSUDH. As a long-standing CBAPP Advisory Board member, he frequently shares his expertise with students through guest lectures, mentorship, and hands-on guidance. His sponsorship of the South Bay Economic Forecast helps advance research and economic insight in the region, strengthening connections between academia and industry.
Mr. Joe Herrera, Sr. Director, Labor Relations
Frontier Communications
Mr. Roger Ignon
Entrepreneur (Retired)
Mr. Ignon graduated from UCLA, with a BA in Industrial Design. Mr. Ignon both founded and co-founded several successful companies over the course of his career. Additionally, Mr. Ignon was the President of Stackhouse, Inc., a division of a publicly traded company, where he led and helped develop infection control products sold throughout the world. His last company, Edge Systems Inc., which he co-founded in 1997 was sold to an equity group in 2016. Edge Systems dba HydraFacial Co. designed, developed and marketed proprietary skin care devices and products.
Mr. Ignon is holder of several patents and has developed, manufactured, marketed and sold his designed products worldwide. Additionally, Mr. Ignon has experience with FDA class I and II regulatory devices and products.
Current Endeavors
Currently Mr. Ignon works with entrepreneurs on their business plans and developments. Areas of expertise are financial planning, product development, manufacturing processes and business planning. Mr. Ignon has invested in several startups to help fund, encourage young entrepreneurs and to give guidance as they grow their companies.
Organizations
Mr. Ignon is currently a member of the Pasadena Angels, and a coach at the South Bay Entrepreneurial Center.
Mr. Shan Sundar, CEO
Saira Solutions
As Founder and CEO of Edgesoft, Sundar is responsible for the overall operations of the company as well as establishing strategic partnerships and overseeing business development. His energy, vision and integrity make Edgesoft a world-class company.
Prior to making his vision a reality in founding Edgesoft, Sundar served as Chief Information Officer for Audio-Digest Foundation, a medical publication company and the largest medical education provider in the world. He has more than 17 years of experience in various industries including healthcare, manufacturing, publications, telecommunications and government, and has trained IT staff at several Fortune 1000 companies.
Mr. Sundar has been a noted speaker for conferences for Apple Computer, Verizon Wireless, as well as Fire Chief conferences in the USA.
He holds a Master of Science Degree from Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Madras University.
Mr. Sundar is a member of the Millennium Momentum Foundation and a former recipient of the Champion of Diversity Award.
Shan is willing to speak to students on the following topics:
- Career Development
- Municipal maturity model thru technology
- Life balance and meditation
- Selling to the Government
Mr. Erwin Walker, IRS
Senior Territory Manager
Erwin Walker is a senior program manager and lead revenue agent training subject matter expert for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Erwin oversees the design, development, and implementation of tax law training for mid-career professionals becoming new IRS Agents who audit mid-size to large corporations. His LB&I division-wide responsibility involves leading multiple teams of senior managers, team managers, experienced instructors, facilitators, and specialists in establishing and delivering comprehensive training curricula designed to provide the “know how” required to conduct effective federal income tax examinations. Erwin has served in this role since January 2017 – having overseen over 1,100 new hire IRS Agents complete the training program to-date. In July 2021, Erwin was appointed to the IRS Next Office - which subsequently merged into the IRS Human Capital Transformation Office under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA 2022) - to provide leadership oversight for the enhanced design and development of IRS-wide training curricula to meet the projected training needs resulting from IRA 2022 and IRS Restructuring.
Erwin previously served as senior territory manager for LB&I's Western Compliance Practice Area overseeing tax compliance of large and mid-size business taxpayers headquartered in the Southern California area. Erwin also served as territory manager for several LB&I Industry Groups such as the Communications, Media & Technology Industry Group, the Natural Resources and Construction Industry Group, and the Heavy Manufacturing and Transportation Industry Group wherein he was responsible for overseeing tax compliance operations impacting large and mid-size businesses along the United States' West Coast including Hawaii, and Nevada. Erwin has served as territory manager since the inception of the IRS’s Large and Mid-Size Business Division in May 2000.
Erwin has 36.5 years of IRS experience comprised of 27.5 years in leadership (23 years as a senior manager), and 9 years as an IRS Agent. He has been an actively licensed California CPA for 31 years.
Erwin has served as a CBAPP advisory board member since 2012. He also has served as a CSUDH adjunct lecturer of accounting and auditing bringing current real world business perspectives to CSUDH students for 11 years.
Mr. Sanjeev Weerasuriya, President and CEO
Systems Technology, Inc.
Sanjeev is the President/CEO of Systems Technology, Inc. (STI), having formally served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for over a decade. STI is a solutions-oriented engineering and simulation (Aerospace & Defense) company with over 60 years of expertise in dynamic systems theory and modeling, complex machines in motion and the human operators that control them.
Sanjeev is also a board director of the Systems Technology, Inc., and has served as a Trustee for the Employee Stock Ownership Trust. Under Sanjeev’s direction, business revenue, income per share and retained earnings have more than doubled. He helped restructure the Simulation Products profit center that currently generates 60% of revenues. Sanjeev guided the company to become a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), resulting in increased employee retention and a more focused workforce. He has focused STI on building commercially viable and profitable solutions that benefit their customers and shareholders.
Sanjeev has over 20 years of C-level multinational experience in the manufacturing and the service sectors. In his early career, Sanjeev served as General Manager at Aitken Spence Garments Ltd. and Manager of Special Projects at Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd. Sanjeev is a member of the National Center for Employee Ownership, and The ESOP Association. Often called upon to speak at National Conferences, he is an advocate for the benefits of employee ownership.
Sanjeev obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at California State University, Dominguez Hills. While reading for his degrees he was an active participant of student government and was elected Vice President of the student body.
Sanjeev is an avid bicyclist, hiker and traveler-with passion for the U.S. National Parks.
Sanjeev is willing to speak to students on the following topics:
- Strategic Planning
- Business Finance
- Leadership & Management
- Marketing & Sales
- Corporate Governance
- Career Development
Linda DeYampert - BS Business 1999; MBA 2006, MS 2017 (Pepperdine)
Director, Studio Environmental Health and Safety
National Football League (NFL)
A trailblazer in sports and entertainment, Linda DeYampert is the first African American woman to hold a management position at the NFL. As Director of Studio Environmental Health and Safety, she brings decades of expertise in operations and scheduling, ensuring excellence across the league’s productions. Since joining the NFL in 2014, she has held pivotal roles, including Senior Manager of Scheduling Operations, Lead Program Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the Black Engagement Network. Before that, she spent over 20 years at NBC as Production Scheduling Manager.
A proud CSUDH alumna, Ms. DeYampert is deeply engaged with her alma mater. She serves on the CBAPP Advisory Board, was the 2021 CSUDH Commencement Speaker, and actively supports initiatives such as the CSUDH Alumni Banner Campaign, Professor for a Day, and the Circle of Change Leadership Experience. She is a strong advocate for CSUDH students, while assisting them with an opportunity in sports.
Her impact extends beyond the league. In 2024, she received the NFL Commissioner’s Superlative Award for “Coach of the Year,” the Hidden Figures Award from the Black Sports Business Symposium, and was recognized at the White House for her work with LACF foster youth. A champion of diversity and mentorship, she continues to break barriers and create opportunities in the sports industry.
Katrina Manning – BS, Business 2017; MPA 2010
Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Katrina Manning is a trailblazing leader, dedicated community advocate, and visionary public servant. Elected to the Hawthorne City Council in 2022, she became Mayor Pro Tem in 2024, bringing transformative leadership to her city. A proud double alumna of California State University, Dominguez Hills, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She is a passionate champion for CSUDH, serving on the CBAPP Advisory Board, mentoring students, speaking in classes, and delivering keynote addresses at campus events.
With a deep commitment to community impact, Katrina has launched and supported numerous initiatives. She introduced Movies in the Park and National Night Out in Hawthorne, founded Math Maze to improve math proficiency for youth, and led efforts to implement school safety programs and public health initiatives. Her leadership resulted in key city improvements, including safety measures and park enhancements.
Beyond public service, Katrina is a licensed realtor specializing in probate real estate since 2003. She also serves on the LAWA Los Angeles Airport Advisory Board and as Vice President of the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Board.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Citizen of the Year (Hawthorne) and Woman of Influence (Los Angeles Business Journal). A devoted wife and mother, Katrina continues to inspire change, uplift communities, and open doors for future leaders—especially at CSUDH.
Esther Anaya ‘2014 BS/BA Business Management, Human Resources
Esther Anaya is a Colombian born DJ, singer/songwriter, music producer, and classically trained violinist whose unique sounds and imaginative performances captivate audiences worldwide. She moved to the United States under political asylum at a young age, bringing with her a rich cultural heritage and a passion for music.
With over 20 years of musical training and over a decade of professional experience, Anaya seamlessly blends her classical roots with pop, Latin, and electronic music. Her performances are a dynamic fusion of electric violin, DJ sets, and live vocals that have resonated with fans across four continents.
Anaya's illustrious career includes performances with Rihanna and Kanye West at the Staples Center in 2011 and being the opening act for Maluma's 21-city European tour. She has collaborated with Lil Yachty, released music with Snoop Dogg, and graced the stages of major festivals like Coca-Cola Flow and Baja Beach Fest alongside J Balvin and Bad Bunny. Recent highlights include being the official DJ for the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, performing at Super Bowl 2023, Pro Bowl 2023, WM Open 2023, and EDC Mexico City 2024. Her partnership with Cadillac has taken her on a tour with iHeartMedia, further cementing her status as a musical force.
Anaya's residencies at iconic venues like Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas and E11even Miami showcase her ability to energize and connect with diverse audiences. She has shared the stage with international powerhouses such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Zedd, DJ Snake, Snoop Dogg and Sean Kingston. Beyond the stage, Anaya has been featured on national news segments like Fox Sports and CBS Sports and performed for popular radio shows like iHeartRadio.
Esther Anaya's journey from a classical conservatory to the forefront of the global music scene is a testament to her versatility, creativity, and relentless dedication to her craft.
Redy Babasa-Thompson
Vice President/Client Advisor, Partners Bank of California
With over two decades of banking experience, Redy Babasa-Thompson specializes in commercial and SBA lending, deposit management, and portfolio oversight. He has a strong track record of exceeding financial goals and providing tailored financial solutions that drive business growth. His expertise includes credit analysis, risk management, and commercial real estate lending, all underscored by a deep commitment to client service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Redy is actively engaged in community development and economic empowerment initiatives. He has held leadership roles in several organizations, including serving as an Assistant Governor for Rotary International District 5280 and as Past President of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown. He also serves as a board member of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles and volunteers with Meals on Wheels, supporting underserved communities.
At California State University, Dominguez Hills, Redy serves on the CBAPP Advisory Board, where he provides strategic guidance, industry insights, and mentorship to help shape academic programs and career opportunities for students. His dedication to education, business, and community service reflects his passion for fostering meaningful connections and long-term success.
Gene Eidelman, MBA
Cofounder, Azure Printed Homes, Inc.
From developing multifamily projects to revolutionizing the construction industry with 3D-printed homes, Gene's journey in real estate is marked by innovation and impact. After coming to the US as a refugee from Ukraine, Gene developed over 3,000 condominiums and apartments.
He launched Azure Printed Homes in 2022, breaking new ground with a patented 3D printing process that constructs entire structures from recycled polymers. This eco-friendly method is not only 70% faster but also 30% cheaper than traditional construction, revolutionizing how we think about building homes. Azure Printed Homes delivers units ranging from backyard studios, ADUs, tiny houses and primary residences to emergency housing, with a focus on sustainable, affordable housing for all.
Gene is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, 3D Printing, construction and real estate. He recently delivered a TEDx talk on the future of housing, which is currently streaming on YouTube.
Richard T. Fleming
CEO & Founder, FLEMING | Neuro-Architect
A visionary in neuro-architecture, Richard T. Fleming has spent over two decades designing transformative, human-centered environments that engage all the senses. As the CEO and Founder of FLEMING, he challenges traditional design paradigms to create innovative user experiences. His work spans more than 10,000 built projects for global brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Apple, Starbucks, Ferrari, the City of London, UCLA, and the Irvine Company. As Principal Architect at Disney, he received the prestigious Spirit of Disney Award for his outstanding contributions to innovation and culture.
Beyond architecture, Richard is an entrepreneur and award-winning innovator. He co-founded Ryzzz, an AI-driven wearable that gamifies cognition and neuroscience, earning recognition as one of the Top 8 Tech Stars. He also serves as an advisory member for IntelliTwin, a healthcare AI product named a Top 5 Finalist at the AiMed International Conference.
Richard is a committed educator and mentor, collaborating with universities worldwide, including UCLA, UCI, ETH Zurich, and CSUDH. Since joining the CBAPP Advisory Board in 2023, he has actively supported CSUDH’s Innovation Incubator, helping students launch and grow small businesses.
A sought-after speaker and author, Richard is honored to contribute to the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit, fostering global collaboration in neuroscience, AI, climate, and space exploration.
Dennis Hum
Vice President, Community Manager of Long Beach – South Bay, JPMorgan Chase
Dennis Hum, a South Bay native, brings a wealth of financial expertise with 19 years in the banking sector and 22 years in leadership roles. A graduate of California State University Long Beach's College of Business, his academic focus includes Management, Supply Chain Operations Management, and Marketing.
Currently, as Community Relations and Business Development at JPMorgan Chase, Dennis advocates passionately for the South Bay. Beyond his corporate role, he serves as Vice Chair at the Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion, contributes to economic advancement being a board member with the SoCal Community Development Corporation, and serves on the Small Business Council with the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis's commitment to community wellbeing is evident through extensive volunteerism and advocacy in various sectors, reflecting his dedication to community-based nonprofits, schools, universities, churches, youth centers, veterans, and military. His leadership journey of 16 years has honed his skills in team leadership and community building – contributing significantly to helping residents create generational wealth through his financial empowerment seminars throughout the cities of the South Bay.
Bree Nguyen
College Educator, Business & Technology Leader, Founder, Investor
Bree currently serves as professor at her alma mater, California State University Dominguez Hills, teaching classes in Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship. She also speaks publicly for student and corporate audiences and serves as an advisor and consultant for various early-stage companies across entertainment, gaming and digital and education nonprofits.
Earlier, Bree worked as Facebook's Head of Talent and Creator Partnerships leading the talent partnerships team that works with celebrities, actors, creators and public figures to utilize Facebook and Instagram in impactful ways. At Facebook, she also worked closely with the media product development teams to develop best in class product experiences on Facebook for media and talent partners.
Prior to Facebook, Bree has worked for music and entertainment companies like Maverick Records and Warner Bros. Records pioneering the way artists define and establish their brands online and through technology to generate sales. Bree has worked directly with artists like Mariah Carey, *NSYNC, Linkin Park, Michelle Branch, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Talib Kweli, Neil Young, E-40, The Veronicas, Ashley Tisdale and many more.
In addition to her entertainment industry experience, Bree is an experienced startup entrepreneur with a strong technical background. Using her finance and technology expertise, she started an investment fund in 2019, focusing on startups and companies that make an impact in media, gaming, and education. These startups include eco-conscious and female-founded companies such as Kindfully and esports team BearClaw Gaming.
She has worked with early-stage technology companies like CampusExplorer.com, where she led the Internet Marketing team and helped raise nearly $9 million in funding, and Rent.com, which was acquired by eBay for $415 million in 2005. She was featured for her digital marketing expertise in publications like The New York Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and featured in the book “Get Together” about her history in developing marketing campaigns for Mariah Carey.
A magna cum laude graduate of CSUDH, she earned her B.S. with honors in Business Administration: Finance. She also recently earned her master’s degree in business analytics from Cal Poly Pomona. As a student at CSUDH, she earned 1st place in the Business Plan Competition, two 1st Place Student Research Day awards and a California State University state title for her research on Venture Capital Growth in Southern California. As a proud alumna, she now serves on the Advisory Board of the College of Business and Public Policy for CSUDH.
Beth K. Whittenbury, Esq.
Beth K. Whittenbury started her law career with what was then San Francisco’s largest law firm, litigating employment cases and giving advice to employers. She left to found her legal consulting practice dedicated to resolving employment issues without litigation. She currently conducts, employee mediations, and implicit bias as well as anti-discrimination/harassment training for both managers and employees. She also helps organizations change their culture to one of inclusion, thus preventing harassment and discrimination from occurring. In addition, she teaches Business Communications at California State University, Dominquez Hill.
Her book, Investigating the Workplace Harassment Claim, made the American Bar Association Best-Seller List. She’s also the author ofA Manager’s Guide to Preventing Liability for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and How to Handle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace During the #MeToo Era: A Guide for Employees and Managers as well as numerous articles for law reviews and practitioner publications.
Ms. Whittenbury is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). She has chaired the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Employment Law and Litigation Committee for the Tort, Trial, and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the ABA. She also currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California Lawyer’s Association Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates. She is an active member of the California Bar Association.