Robert Hirsch, President: A marketing and management executive and entrepreneur, Bob retired in 1988 after 32 years in business and began working on various civic and philanthropic boards. From 1991-1998, was primary caregiver for his mother with Alzheimer's disease. He has been involved with the Alzheimer's Association for 10 years and on the Chapter's board since 2007.

Bill McBride, Vice President: is the retired chairman and CEO of Assisted Living Concepts, a NYSE-listed assisted living company, which he co-founded in 1994. Prior to that, he was the president and co-founder of LTC Properties, a NYSE-listed real estate investment trust that owned and financed long-term care properties. A pilot and co-owner of Santa Barbara Aircraft Management, and co-owner of Coastal Aircraft Maintenance. Bill joined the Chapter board in 2009.

Lol Sorensen, Secretary: Lol was a lawyer specializing in probate and trust litigation and conservatorships with the Santa Barbara firm of Mullen & Henzell. In 2007, he co-founded  Rubenstein & Sorensen Mediation. He has served on the boards of several charitable organizations and first became a member of our Board in 1995. He was president from 1999 to 2002. He returned to the Board in 2005 and has been Chair since 2009. Lol’s grandmother died from Alzheimer’s disease. This and his involvement in elder law gave rise to his concern about Alzheimer’s disease.
 

Ross Hashemi, Vice President: Ross owns Leisure Living, six private and residential homes for senior citizens. Ross earned his master's degree from Minnesot State University. He sits on a several boards and committees including the California Council of the Alzheimer's Association. He founded Senior Community Outreach Professionals for Elderly in Conejo Valley and has been involved with the Alzheimer's Association and the California Council for more than six years. About 65 percent of his clients suffer from Alzheimer's.

Danna McGrew: A CPA and partner the accounting firm Bartlett, Pringle and Wolfe, Danna earned her bachelor's degree in economics and accounting at UCSB. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the California Society of CPAs and the Certified Fraud Examiners Association.She serves on the audit committee for the Santa Barbara Foundation, is the president of the Santa Barbara CPA Law Society, a member of the South Coast Business Technology Committee, and was awarded the California Special District Association’s 2007 Meritorious Service Award as Accountant of the Year.

Robert Short.  Bob is the retired founder and CEO of The Genesee Company, a homebuilding and community development company in Colorado and Arizona.  He is still actively involved in investment real estate and entrepreneurial endeavors. Prior to his career in real estate, Bob was a CPA and management consultant. He is a member of the advisory board of The Home Builders Foundation and is a Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders

Stan Smith, Treasurer: Stan, who joined the Chapter's board in 2010, was a senior executive with The Farmer’s Insurance Group for more than 33 years. After his wife, Anne, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he retired in 2007 to become her caretaker. Since then, he has been serving on the board and the audit committee of Farmers New World Life Insurance Company in Mercer Island, Washington, and on the board of regents of Farmers Corporate University in Agoura Hills. Stan is also an Alzheimer's Ambassador, working with elected officials to keep Alzheimer's disease a national priotity.

Lee R. Ferrero: Lee retired in 2009 after many successful years as an executive, working for cities, nonprofits and colleges. His most recent work experience was as president and CEO of the Private Industry Council of San Luis Obispo County, as well as director of several training and employment programs. He has served on several boards including SLO Chamber of Commerce, Mercy Medical Center, California Workforce Assoc., and United Way, among many others. He is a member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo Daybreak and is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. After receiving a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's, he retired. He has been a member of the Chapter's board since 2011.

Sharon J. Bick, RN: CEO and owner of MediTech Health Services, Inc., and MediTech Home Health, Inc., Sharon joined the Chapter's board in 2011. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Boston University and has worked in a variety of administrative, clinical and teaching positions before opening her own company in 1987. Sharon is dedicated to her community and has served on various boards, and she works with many service organizations, as well. She says: "I do what I do because it's the right thing to do. It's all about caring."

Dana Newquist: A long-time business owner in the Santa Barbara area, Dana built and owns Mission Villa, a dementia care facility, in 2000. As well as being a successful businessman, he is an antique car collector, and he sits on several boards including Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Montecito Association, Montecito Fire Protection District, the Murphy Auto Museum and the Antique Automobile Club of America, among others. Dana says he is "passionate about my work with elderly clients, their families and professionals."

Care Consultant
Luciana Cramer
luciana.cramer@alz.org 

Care Consultant
Lasaro Coreas
lasaro.coreas@alz.org

Public Policy and Advocacy Manager
Andrew Peake
andrew.peake@alz.org

Director of Finance

Executive Office Manager
Lauren Wertz
lauren.wertz@alz.org

Area Director
Sara Bartlett
sara.bartlett@alz.org 

Care Consultant
Jessica Mezzapesa
jessica.mezzapesa@alz.org