CHAIRPERSON

Barry Kielsmeier is a 34 year resident of Huntington Beach. He is a graduate of USC and UC Berkeley and the former head of the Department of Harbor, Business and Transit for the City of Redondo Beach. Barry has been active in non profit causes and has been on the Board of Directors of Circulo De Amigas and Congregation B’nai Tzedek.

VICE CHAIRPERSON

Jevon joined Beach Cities Interfaith Services in 2024 because he was moved by the increasing number of homelessness persons in his community. That’s when he did some research and liked the way, BCIS quickly and directly helped people in need of housing assistance. That’s when he asked to be considered as a board member and was quickly approved to participate in all of BCIS’ initiatives.

When asked about some of the core values that guide him, he responded:

• Always do the right thing for my clients, friends and family, and for my community.

• Deliver excellence in everything I do.

• Build lasting relationships based on trust.

• Be authentic, empathetic, grateful, and humble.

Jevon attended the University of Fairbanks, Alaska with a BBA, International Business and Nagoya Gakuin University in Japan to learn about Japanese culture and to speak Japanese. He enjoys hiking, theatre, camping, riding his motorcycle, bourbon tastings,/ and likes to have a nice cigar with friends on occasion.

CHAIRPERSON, FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

As Fundraising Chairman for Beach Cities Interfaith Services,Ray Jansma is committed to advancing initiatives that prevent homelessness and strengthen community stability. His philanthropic leadership is complemented by a strong background in business and consulting, enabling him to help organizations achieve measurable impact.

LEGAL/HR and MARKETING

Kayla is an HR consultant and employment defense lawyer with experience in compliance and risk mitigation. She joined the Board of Beach Cities Interfaith Services (BCIS) because of the clear wealth disparity she sees in our communities. People pay high rents, while  homeless people live out on the streets right outside their doors. Nonprofits like BCIS are stepping up to intervene in this crisis. Contributing even a modest amount of time or money can make a big difference in peoples' lives.

GRANTS

Barbara K Robinson earned an MS in Psychology/Counseling from California State University at Fullerton. After a 40+ year career in the California’s service delivery system for individuals with a developmental disability, she has retired to a life of volunteer work: as President of the Board for HOPE-Homes in Long Beach and as Secretary for the Board of Literacy Volunteers of Huntington Valley, and works with Heifer International. She is committed to the BCIS mission of preventing homelessness. In her spare time, she enjoys leisure time with her children and grandchildren plus their one dog and two cats and has published seven novels in the last eight years.

CHAIRPERSON, GRANTS COMMITTEE

Diane Bentley has long been concerned about homelessness and has found purpose in the BCIS mission of preventing homelessness. Diane holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and she holds a master’s degree from Cal State University, Northridge. Diane spent 36 years working in higher education administration in a variety of managerial roles. In retirement, Diane served for eight years as a volunteer tutor and board member with the Adult Literacy Program in Huntington Beach. She enjoys visits with her three children and six grandchildren, as well as national and international travel. She is an avid reader and enjoys gardening.

CHAIRPERSON, MARKETING

Christina Leon serves as First Vice President and Sr. Relationship Manager

at American Business Bank, where she specializes in helping mid-size businesses throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire to help them grow, succeed, and steward their businesses as well. With over three decades of banking experience, she brings both expertise and a genuine heart for serving others. Beyond her professional work, Christina is passionate about giving back to her community and is deeply committed to the mission of Beach Cities Interfaith Services to prevent homelessness. Her dedication is rooted in both her personal experiences and her belief that stable housing is foundational to long-term success and dignity. In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time with her family, her grandson, her church family and staying actively involved in community and nonprofit initiative.

CHAIRPERSON, SECRETARY

Linda Rose is a retired HS chemistry/anatomy physiology teacher. She became a member of the BCIS Board in 2014. She has been collecting and distributing mail for those without permanent housing since 2018, in cooperation with St Peters by the Sea Presbyterian Church.

BOARD MEMBER, COMPLIANCE

Richard (“Rich”) is a dynamic legal professional with a diverse and accomplished background. Rich has more than 30 years of experience in litigation and litigation management, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, IP oversight.  He is presently a partner in a law firm that helps businesses with general counsel, corporate and litigation matters.

He earned his BA in Finance from Michigan State University, a JD from Southwestern University School of Law, and pursued an MBA from the prestigious Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Rich joined the board at BCIS to give back to the community and be part of a dynamic group of individuals who can help solve important issues facing the homeless.

BOARD MEMBER

I have enjoyed two decades in credit and commercial finance, and I’m passionate about helping businesses secure the right financing to grow with confidence. My experience spans from credit underwriting of various loan programs, portfolio management, risk and compliance exam, and special assets—working with companies across virtually every industry and stage of growth.

Today at Pathward, I partner with business owners to tailor working capital solutions that drive momentum, whether that means fueling expansion, funding M&A activity, restructuring debt, or supporting turnarounds. Our credit facilities include asset-based lines and ledgered lines solutions from $1 - 25 million routinely, but also up to $50 million and are structured without financial covenants, giving businesses the flexibility they need to move forward.

Business partners and clients describe me as someone who brings integrity, energy, and clarity to every conversation. I take pride in simplifying complex financial decisions, building lasting partnerships, and helping businesses thrive.

Outside the office, I stay connected with the commercial finance community, continuously learning and contributing to industry progress. Away from work, you’ll often find me on the trails or roads training for an ultramarathon, cycling endurance event, or Ironman triathlon, before swapping the finish line for a line dance floor to end the day on a high note.

MEMBER

CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE