Who We Are
The Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) is a strategic advisor, advocate, and catalyst for the social impact sector across Southern California.
For nearly 50 years, we’ve brought practical tools to mission-driven leaders to help them grow their organizations.
Our Commitment
We Empower The Sector
Today, CNM is redefining how the sector is valued and resourced. We’re reframing nonprofits as essential infrastructure, strengthening collective voice, and advocating for more flexible, equitable funding systems.
With deep roots in the region and a sharp eye on the future,
CNM is championing bold, systemic change to ensure the sector thrives in a time of growing complexity and opportunity.
Mission & Vision
CNM envisions a thriving social impact sector that is a cornerstone of the Southern California economy.
Our Board
Chair
Ellah Ronen
Founder & Principal
Crestline Collective
Vice-Chair
Stephania Ramirez
Executive Director
Perenchio Foundation
Treasurer
Sam Joo
CEO
Asian American Drug Abuse Program
Secretary
Zahirah Mann
President & Founder
Sustainable Vision Partners
Board Member
Maricela Carlos
Senior Manager, eMobility Business Development & Partnerships
Southern California Edison
Board Member
Angel Daniels
Executive Director
Angell Foundation
Board Member
Rudy Espinoza
Executive Director
Inclusive Action for the City
Board Member
Adam Fowler
Founding Partner
CVL Economics
Board Member
Brett Heeger
Partner
Impact Matters Law LLP
Board Member
Maral Karaccusian
Interim Director
Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department
Board Member
Scott Pansky
Co-Founder
Allison+Partners
Board Member
Patty Riady
Managing Director, Audit & Assurance
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Our Leadership
Efrain Escobedo
President & CEO
Cynthia Cortez
VP of Learning & Innovation
Eric Derghazarian
VP of Research & Social Impact
Angelica Frias
VP of Action & Engagement
Our Staff
Jazmin Aceituno
Accounting Associate
Alicia Avalos
Senior Learning Integration Manager
Briana Erhard
Program Manager
Michelle Escamilla
Engagement & Outreach Manager
Gabrielle Felder
Research Analyst
Gilberto Gutierrez
Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Phillip Herrera
Senior Manager, Systems & Data
Won Jung
Project Manager
Stacy Lemus
Administrative Assistant
Monica Llerena
Director of Operations
Rigoberto Marquez
Director of Learning and Innovation
Patricia Navarro
Senior Learning Manager
Mario Palomares
Accounting Coordinator
Jai Phillips
Senior Director of Special Initiatives
David Preciado
Contracts & Grants Manager
Leslie Schnyder
Research Fellow
Salma Shakoor Ahmed
Executive Liaison
Jordan Trimble
Executive Assistant
Nathan Witkin
Research Analyst
