BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SANDRA CARTER
Co-Chairperson
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Languages Instructor
Cosumnes River College, Sacramento
Los Rios Community College District
DAVE KESTY
Co-Chairperson/Treasurer
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Supervising Auto & Equipment Mechanic
Retired
California State University, Sacramento
LINDA DEEGAN
Secretary
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University Campus Gardening Specialist
Retired
California State University, Sacramento
RUTH McELHINNEY
Board Member
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Economic Developer, Legislative Staffer
Retired
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
GERARDO E. BENKOVICH
Projects Coordinator
b. May 8, 1937 - d. February 26, 2021
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Construction Inspector
Retired
Hakerman Engineering, Palo Alto
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Native of Argentina
FELIPA JESUS BENKOVICH
Cultural Liaison
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Manufacturing Quality Assurance Technician
Retired
Hewlett Packard/Agilent Corp, Santa Clara
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Native of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua
ALISON GIST
Board Member
b. August 23, 1927 - d. January 1, 2025
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Social Worker
Retired
THE FRIENDS OF SAN JUAN DE ORIENTE was founded in 1988 by Don Coan. This group of passionate professionals works closely with the San Juan de Oriente community to fund important projects and further the original mission of its founder.
