Board of Directors Members
Valerie Luekens – Board President
Val began her career working in a non-profit organization, right after her graduate education in Public Administration. She ended her professional association with non-profits after seven years, but ever since then has been a volunteer and Board member/officer for several organizations, including churches, youth agencies, and schools. Professionally, Val is a performance analyst, organizational consultant, and management trainer. Her primary work right now is with the United States Coast Guard. Personal statement: For years I have been involved in organizations that were related to my or my kids’ interests. I am drawn to OVC because it is something that I am truly doing for others. The most important thing we can do as a society is to take care of our most vulnerable kids, and Our Village Closet is completely dedicated to that purpose. If a bit of the dedication and love that OVC’s founders and staff show rubs off on me, then I am a happy person!
Genie Del Secco– Board Vice President
As the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Summit State Bank, Genie bring to the OVC Board extensive administration experience. With previous board experience in the non-profit sector, she has interfaced with the foster care system here in Sonoma County. Genie is a long time Sonoma County resident and proud mother of three amazing, beautiful young women. We extend a warm welcome to Genie!
Jess Headington – Board Secretary, HR Whiz
Jess Headington has served as Secretary on the OVC Board since 2001. She and her husband Billy live in Santa Rosa where they are active resource parents and adoptive parents. Jess is the Accounting & Human Resources Director at Child Parent Institute, a nonprofit family resource center serving families throughout Sonoma County. She is also active in the local theater community as an actor, director, and youth educator.
Catherine McCracken Jones – Board Member
Catherine wears many hats as a Certified Positive Discipline Parent & Classroom Educator and Trainer through the Positive Discipline Association AND the Director at Franklin Park Co-Op Preschool. She lives in Santa Rosa, California with her family, dog and two cats.
Catherine has 25 years of experience Early Childhood Education as both a Teacher and Director. While working for the Santa Rosa Education Cooperative, umbrella for the Santa Rosa Co-op Preschool & K-8 Independent Charter school, she learned about this wonderful thing called Positive Discipline. Catherine obtained her initial training and started teaching Positive Discipline to families in 2003. She can’t imagine doing anything more rewarding!
