United Way names new head of the board

Michael Powers, director of the Ventura County's Health Care Agency, has assumed the duties of chair of the board for United Way of Ventura County. He will serve in this capacity until June 30, 2010.

Powers succeeds Leanne Neilson, provost for California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Neilson will serve as immediate past chair.

United Way's volunteer board is made up of business owners, career professionals, community volunteers and retirees.

Other new United Way officers for 2009-2010 are chair-elect Madeline Hess, vice president of business development for Sayrelyn's Culinary Classics; vice chair Adam Thunell, vice president of operations and COO of Community Memorial Hospital; treasurer Michael Silacci, executive director of external affairs for AT&T in Los Angeles and Ventura counties; and secretary Irma Lopez, community activist.

New members added to the board are Tony Trembley, managing partner at Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP; Michael Silacci, executive director of external affairs for AT&T in Los Angeles and Ventura counties; Aaron Steed, owner of Meathead Movers & Storage; Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza; Timur Taluy, CEO of FileYourTaxes .com; Terry Marvin, president and creator of TBM Associates Public Relations; Elaine Freeman, owner of Urban Strategies; and Cecilia "Ceal" Potts, Pacific Southwestern technical representative for Wilderness Trail Bikes Inc.

During their tenure, members of the board will determine policies, procedures and regulations for the conduct of United Way and also help raise funds to finance the organization and its programs.