Leadership
Executive Team
Susan Gilmore President & CEO
Susan Gilmore is responsible for the oversight of the entire organization, which includes board development, fund development, program development, community relations, budget and finance, and the supervision of the administrative team. Ms. Gilmore has been with the agency since 1986. She holds a degree in Child Development and has more than 35 years of experience in the child development field.
Susan serves on various boards and commissions throughout the North Bay further linking NBCC to numerous resources in Marin and Sonoma County. Susan chairs Petaluma’s Health Action Cradle to Career work group, serves on the QRIS consortiums for Marin and Sonoma County, and is actively involved on committees for both counties on establishing strategies that support early education investments. Susan’s ability to make connections, network and build relationships with different community sectors creates a win-win situation for all involved. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion inspires those around her, and encourages collaboration toward system change.
e: sgilmore@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Kristina Sisseck, M.A. VP of Programs
Kristina works closely with NBCC’s Site Supervisors on all aspects of program operations, which include: processing enrollment, state reporting, curriculum development, program evaluations, staff development, and parent engagement. She also works closely with NBCC’s elementary school partners and program enhancement specialists on curriculum alignment and implementing school readiness strategies. Kristina received her Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Leadership in Early Childhood Education from Chapman University and a Bachelors of Art in Family and Consumer Science with a focus in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She holds a Program Directors permit from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 12 years.
e: ksisseck@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Teresa Fogolini Garden of Eatin’ Director
Teresa brings over 17 years of experience and education developing and teaching nutrition, garden, and literacy programs for children and communities in Sonoma and Marin counties. Her work in education includes non-profit organizations, libraries, early childhood and elementary schools. She holds a California multiple subjects teaching credential and reading certification. She earned her Master’s degrees in Education and Reading & Literacy in order to further her commitment to provide enhanced and equitable learning experiences to children and families. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at UC Davis.
e: tfogolini@nbcc.net t: 415.559.3207
Lori Mogan VP of Development
Lori works closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Team to support the organization in all aspects of fund development, marketing, and communications. She has more than 20 years nonprofit experience in fundraising and program administration. Lori holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco. Prior to joining NBCC’s Executive Team, Lori served as the Managing Director for Marin Girls Chorus and as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer for the nationally recognized Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Lori is a past Board President for Marin County’s San Rafael Host Lions club and volunteers for several nonprofits. Lori lives in Novato with her husband and two children.
e: lmogan@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Ralph O’Rear Facilities & Operations Director
Ralph O’Rear is a legendary “Facilities” figure and has three decades of experience in large scale building and operation management, strategic planning and project management. The children call him “Fix It” Ralph. Ralph’s career in Marin County was spent at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, the Lucas companies (Lucasfilm Ltd., Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts Entertainment Company) and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Even in his early years Ralph was very aware of the pressing need to develop affordable early child care options that serve working families. He led onsite initiatives for child care services at the Lucas Companies and the Buck Institute.
Coming out of semi-retirement, Ralph joined NBCC in 2018 with the new role of Facilities & Operations Director. Ralph oversees all aspects of facilities management, capital and construction projects, and information technology. Ralph leads NBCC’s Bright Futures Task Force and is overseeing the capital construction project to replace and expand NBCC’s main campus facility in Novato.
e: rorear@nbcc.net t: 415.883.6222
Board of Directors
Dr. Mike Pelfini
Chair
Mariah Shields
First Vice Chair
Gina Benedetti-Petnic
Second Vice Chair
Marty Rubino
Secretary
Jeff Belingheri
Treasurer
Todd Allen
Brandi Campbell
Mickele Carpenter
Beth Spotswood Daza
Stan Hoffman
Patricia Kendall
Steven Leonard
Jeanne Peters
Alice Pidgeon
Beth Wolk
Emeritus Board
Forrest Craig
Susan McQuaid
Advisory Board
Melissa Ahern
Al Brayton
Brad Breithaupt
Col. Bill Cope
Beverly Eden
Nancy Gorsich-Bracken
Nannette Griswold
Norma Howard
Cynthia Murray
Anthy O’Brien
Jordan Shields
Kathy Shields
Brian Sobel
Walt Spevak
Frima Stewart
North Bay Children’s Center
932 C Street, Novato, CA 94949 415.883.6222
15 School Site Locations across the North Bay
Healdsburg • Santa Rosa • Petaluma • Sonoma • Novato