Renee Young – Board President

Renee has over 25 years of experience in business development and sales. Her professional background has been with leading multi-national management consulting firms in pursuit of multimillion-dollar efforts. Renee has 4 years of service on the board.

Brian Kraatz – Board Vice President

Brian Kraatz is Vice Chair and Associate Professor of Anatomy at Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona, CA), and has volunteered with House of Ruth since 2017. Brian volunteers his time in our Residential Shelter.

Leslie Negritto – Board Treasurer

Leslie Negritto is currently the Vice President for Finance and Administration/Treasurer and provides fiscal leadership for Claremont Graduate University housing. Leslie is excited to begin her 2nd year on the board.

William Swartz – Board Secretary

William (Bill Swartz) coaches the Pomona-Pitzer men’s soccer team and teaches Pomona College Physical Education classes. This Year Bill was appointed to the Pomona College President’s Advisory Committee on Sexual Violence Intervention and Prevention.

Thomas Allison – Board Member

Thomas is a Family Attorney and a professor of law at the University of La Verne. Founder of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, which was awarded the California Non- Profit of the Year for 2020. Thomas has been supporting House of Ruth since 2016.

Julianne Baumann – Board Member

Julianne, owner of Exact Escrow is a long-time supporter of House of Ruth and has previously served on the board for 2 terms. After a brief year off, Juli is starting up another term on the board. She volunteers her time on the Development and Event Committees.

Robin Leonhard – Board Member

Robin is actively involved in the Claremont community and has served on the board of directors for numerous terms over the years, including Board President. Robin volunteers her time to cater events as part of the Event Committee and begins another term of dedicated service.

Ehmandah Ramsay – Board Member

Ehmandah is a Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Founder of She Stories and Host of Hey Suga podcast. With 15+ years of experience providing life guidance in the community, Ehmandah serves as the Co-Pastor of the Church. She is also a domestic violence survivor.

Lisa Phillips – Board Member

Dr. Lisa W. Phillips, M.D. is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist at the Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Hospital in Loma Linda. She specializes in providing telehealth services and is the lead for recruitment of psychiatrists at the VA Hospital. Dr. Phillips has served 2 terms on the House of Ruth board as Secretary.

Lynn Sarf – Board Member

Lynn brings years of experience to her board service, as a retired Major Gifts Officer. Her knowledge of fundraising is extremely valuable. Lynn has served 3 years as a board member.

Heather Davis – Board Member

Heather Davis, MD, is a Board-Certified Internist/Critical Care Specialist who has practiced at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center since 2004. She became the Medical Director of Hospitalist Services at Pomona Valley Hospital in 2013 and continues to oversee physicians actively involved in provision of inpatient care at the hospital. She has previously served as the President of the Medical Staff as well as on the Board of Directors and currently still serves on the Board of Directors for the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation. She is also a domestic violence survivor.

Pat Bell – Executive Director/Ex Officio

Pat is the Executive Director for House of Ruth. Pat’s background includes 35 years of leadership in the corporate sector with expertise in fundraising and sales. Pat has worked at House of Ruth for 14 years.