board of directors
Beth Burnside
Beth chairs Ashby Village’s Neighborhood Group Council and has participated in developing the leadership and coordinating the activities of these groups. She retired as Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also served as Dean of Biological Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Research. As Vice Chancellor, she was responsible for university/industry relations, research compliance, research communications and research support for the Berkeley campus.
Jan Corazza
An experienced advancement leader, Jan has served in senior development roles at UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego. Prior to returning to Berkeley, where she was raised, Jan served the Johns Hopkins University for thirteen years, including as Executive Director of the $1.5B Johns Hopkins Initiative Campaign. Jan has also served as Director of Major and Planned Gifts for the San Francisco-based environmental organization, Save the Redwoods League. She co-chairs the Village’s Development Committee.
Robert L. Davis
A retired environmental scientist and teacher, Bob has volunteered his time, energy and leadership to multiple community organizations, including Reach for Learning, Rebuilding Together, the Lawrence Hall of Science, the Elders Network, the downtown Berkeley YMCA, the Berkeley Breakfast Club and the Northbrae Community Church Council. Bob has been the Board's voice in helping develop and maintain community connections.
Marcia Freedman
One of the founders of the Israeli women’s movement, Marcia was elected to the Knesset and served four years. She helped found the Women’s Computer Literacy Project and was Director of Marketing for the American Society on Aging, where she established the Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network. The author of “Exile in the Promised Land,” Marcia is at work on a second memoir. Marcia coordinates the Speakers Bureau.
Karen Grimsich
Karen is the Administrator for Aging and Family Services, a division of the City of Fremont Human Services Department. She manages a division with 25 staff and more than 200 senior volunteers and interns, and a $3.5 million budget. Programs under her supervision include a multiservice senior center, case management, caregiver support, senior peer counseling, in-home geriatric mental health team and health promotion team. She also serves as treasurer on the board of the Tri-City Elders Coalition, which includes more than 60 senior service providers and groups advocating for seniors.
Janet M. Howley, Treasurer
Janet brings a lengthy background in affordable housing development. She served as Vice President, Community Services & Housing, for Northern California Presbyterian Homes & Service. She also was Director of Asset Management for East Bay Asian Local Development Corp. and worked for Mercy Housing California. Janet worked for the City of Oakland for nearly 20 years in a variety of positions in housing and community development. She has served on the Board of Directors of LifeLong Medical Care since 2001 and is a past board president.
Rochelle G. Lefkowitz
For 25 years, Rochelle ran Pro-Media Communications, with offices in New York and California, that designed and ran local, state, national and global public education campaigns and represented nonfiction authors, foundations and organizations committed to progressive social change. Clients included the American Library Association, author Barbara Ehrenreich and The Kaiser Family Foundation. Rochelle co-chairs Ashby Village’s Communications Team.
Andra Lichtenstein, President
Founder and principal of Capital Incubator, Andra consults with nonprofit community health centers and aging services organizations to develop their capital projects. She has 40 years of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors as an Executive Director, Planning and Development Director, small business owner, banker, financial advisor and board member. She serves on the Ashby Village Development and Planning Committees.
Steve Lustig
Steve, an Executive Coach and Organization Consultant, retired from the University of California, Berkeley, as Associate Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Health and Human Services, where he was in charge of the campus’ health and counseling programs for students, faculty and staff. Building community has been one of his passions, beginning with work as an activist in the ‘60s. He has led strategic and business planning efforts for Ashby Village.
Laura Peck, Vice President
The Founder and Principal of Claros Group, Laura serves as a master facilitator, strategist and coach to nonprofits and corporations nationwide. She brings more than 25 years of experience working with mission-driven organizations and leaders, including the arts, sports and health-care organizations. She’s also a certified yoga instructor. Laura currently leads the Board Transition Team, and provides expertise in facilitation and organizational development.
Patricia Sakai
Patricia, a Learning and Organization Development consultant, worked for more than 25 years in corporate leadership positions. She has consulted with a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations and in addition has a background in public and private education. Pat has served on the boards of The Management Center of Northern California and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She co-chairs the Village’s Development Committee.
Patricia Carson Sussman
As a co-founder of Ashby Village, Patricia has brought years of experience as a health-care executive and board member of community organizations to her work in building the Village. A former hospice director, she also was Chief Operating Officer for Lifelong, gaining practical experience as well as an understanding of the public policy issues around aging. She has also maintained an independent consulting practice that specializes in aging and health-care delivery.
Betty Webster, Secretary
After many years in administrative positions Betty has devoted her skills and time as a dedicated community volunteer, including the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley and the Kensington Improvement Club. When she discovered the village movement she realized that here was a "place" where she could blend all her interests. Betty has had various roles and responsibilities with Ashby Village since the early planning days.