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.

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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

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Chair

Ellah Ronen

Founder & Principal

Crestline Collective

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Vice-Chair

Stephania Ramirez

Executive Director

Perenchio Foundation

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Treasurer

Sam Joo

CEO

Asian American Drug Abuse Program

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Secretary

Zahirah Mann

President & Founder

Sustainable Vision Partners

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Board Member

Maricela Carlos

Senior Manager, eMobility Business Development & Partnerships

Southern California Edison

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Board Member

Angel Daniels

Executive Director

Angell Foundation

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Board Member

Rudy Espinoza

Executive Director

Inclusive Action for the City

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Board Member

Adam Fowler

Founding Partner

CVL Economics

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Board Member

Brett Heeger

Partner

Gundzik Gundzik Heeger LLP

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Board Member

Maral Karaccusian

Interim Director

Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department

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Board Member

Scott Pansky

Co-Founder

Allison+Partners

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Board Member

Patty Riady

Managing Director, Audit & Assurance

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Our Leadership

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Efrain Escobedo

President & CEO

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Cynthia Cortez

VP of Learning & Innovation

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Eric Derghazarian

VP of Research & Social Impact

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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