Board of Directors

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    Ryan Marovish | Class of 2023 | President

    Ryan Marovish, PMP, CDFM, is a senior executive leader and entrepreneur with 20+ years of success driving organizational performance and innovation. As Founder & CEO of Crown Point Systems and former Co-Founder & President of Cypher Analytics, he has extensive expertise supporting the Department of Defense in program management, financial management, acquisition, systems integration, and IT services. A strategic thinker and communicator, he leverages deep knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation and government contracting. His career includes leadership roles at BearingPoint, KPMG, and Ernst & Young. Ryan holds an MBA from USC Marshall and a BSBA with honors from Boston University.

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    Yuki Marsden | Class of 2014 | Immediate Past President

    Yuki Marsden is a retired executive with over three decades of leadership in higher education and research administration. Most recently, she served as Chief Administrative Officer at UC San Diego’s Calit2, where she managed fiscal operations, contracts, HR, facilities, risk management, and student programs for 15 years. Previously, she was Business Officer at UCSD Extension and Senior Financial Analyst at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, following work as a Financial Analyst at General Atomics. Known for strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and operational leadership, Yuki holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and a BA in Economics and Political Science from UC San Diego.

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    Rob Ilko | Class of 2022 | Vice President

    Bob Ilko is an experienced community leader, property manager, and situational awareness specialist with a long history of service in San Diego. As President of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association for over three decades, he has been a trusted voice in civic engagement and local leadership. He currently manages properties with El Tigre Properties and serves as a Crisis Interventionist with the San Diego Police Department. Certified as an Advanced Situational Awareness Specialist, Bob also shares his passion for wine as a blogger at It’s the Wine Talking, offering reviews and industry insights. He holds a BA in Economics from San Diego State University. 

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    Dale Ganzow | Class of 2018 | Vice President

    Dale Ganzow is a dynamic executive and community connector with a proven record of driving growth, building partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. As President of Confero Partners and a founding member of the San Diego Tech Hub, Dale blends strategic insight with a people-first approach to create meaningful impact across business, education, and nonprofit sectors. Formerly Interim Associate Publisher at the San Diego Business Journal and President & CEO of the San Diego Employers Association, Dale has consistently expanded market opportunities, enhanced operational efficiency, and cultivated stakeholder trust. Known for ethical leadership, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, he has successfully engaged corporations, government agencies, and community organizations to strengthen regional economic and workforce development initiatives.

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    Marie Joyce | Class of 2011 | Treasurer

    Marie Joyce is an accomplished leader with extensive experience spanning government, business, media, and community relations. Most recently serving as Government Affairs Grants Manager for the Office of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, she previously supported Mayor Kevin Faulconer as Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Her career in public service includes over a decade with the California State Legislature, where she held senior representative and director roles for Assemblymembers and Senators, building strong ties with community leaders and advocacy groups. Earlier, she gained private-sector expertise in marketing, real estate, and property management. She holds a Communications and Journalism degree from California State University–Fullerton.

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    Marie Charron | Class of 2023 | Secretary

    Marie Charron was born, raised, and educated in Cleveland, Ohio. She proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from September 1987 to April 1994 as an Aircraft Electrician on the McDonnell Douglas A-4M Skyhawk Fighter Jet, with assignments in Florida, Hawaii, and Japan. During her seven years of honorable service, she attained the rank of Sergeant. Following her military career, Marie continued her commitment to public service through various government roles. She has held positions with the U.S. Department of State at the American Embassies in Ankara, Turkey, and Guatemala City, Guatemala, serving in both security and administrative capacities. Additionally, she worked with the Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, aboard Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Marie currently serves in the Attendance Office at Temecula Valley High School within the Temecula Valley Unified School District. A dedicated community member, she is the proud mother of three and has been married for more than 30 years to her husband, a retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant Major. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

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    Claire O'Leary | Class of 2024 | Director

    Coming soon……

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    Nigel Hook | Class of 2024 | Director of Sponsorships

    Nigel Hook is a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence with a career dedicated to using data to fight fraud, money laundering, and terrorism. He is the Founder and CEO of TradeSun, applying AI to transform global trade compliance and financial crime prevention. As Founder and Chairman of Dataskill, he has led innovation in AI and cloud solutions for over four decades. Beyond technology, Nigel co-founded SilverHook Powerboats, setting world records with advanced marine engineering, and serves as Commodore of Ocean Cup. An IBM Premier Business Partner, he holds degrees from Staffordshire University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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    Judith Landry | Class of 2012 | Director of Memberships

    Coming soon….

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    Surbhi Mahhajan | Class of 2025 | Director of Victim Assistance Program (VAP)

    Coming soon…………..

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    Jaimin R. Shah, Ph.D. | Class of 2025 | Director of Community Outreach

    Dr. Jaimin R. Shah is a life sciences executive, scientist, and community catalyst. He serves as the Senior Vice President of R&D and Operations at Genzum Life Sciences and is the Founder, President, and CEO of Upsilon Innovations, leading its R&D, business, and corporate strategy. Prior to founding Upsilon Innovations, Dr. Shah was a founding team member of Solaris Pharma Corporation, an R&D-based product development company in New Jersey. Over his 14+ years in academia and industry, he has led and contributed to more than 80 pharmaceutical product development projects spanning transdermal, topical, lipid-based, ophthalmic, and injectable dosage forms. His research centers on innovative drug delivery technologies for cancer, autoimmune, and rare diseases. Dr. Shah holds a B.Pharm from Gujarat University, an M.S. in Pharmaceutics from Long Island University, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. He has published multiple research papers, co-authored book chapters, and holds several patents. Beyond science, Dr. Shah is a dedicated community leader, volunteering thousands of hours with the San Diego Police Department as a Crisis Interventionist. His contributions have earned him the Volunteer of the Year Award, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and multiple recognitions from local government and community organizations.

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    Stephanie Jones | Class of 2025 | Director of Partnerships

    Stephanie Jones, MBA, is a Client Manager at Lenovo, where she helps organizations modernize technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and optimize IT infrastructure. She has sales expertise spanning end-user technology, data center solutions, networking, and security, with prior roles at Enstal Technologies and Galaxy Media Partners. Stephanie earned her MBA in Technology Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she also serves on the Advisory Committee. Beyond her corporate role, she is a board member of Labs and More Dog Rescue, and a mentor with SD2.

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    Jenny Dixon | Class of 2025 | General Counsel

    Jenny Dixon is a seasoned litigation attorney with over 20 years of experience representing individuals and companies in business and employment disputes, securities fraud, and antitrust matters. She is currently a Partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, following leadership roles at Dixon Williams LLP, Robbins LLP, and other prestigious firms. Recognized among the Top 25 Women San Diego Super Lawyers 2024, Jenny brings a balanced perspective from both plaintiff and defense work, ensuring strong advocacy for her clients. She holds a JD from UC Hastings (now UC Law San Francisco) and a BA in Political Science from UC Irvine.

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    Janell O'Meara | Class of 2025 | Director of Academy Activities

    Janell O’Meara is a seasoned REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, bringing over 14 years of experience helping clients navigate the San Diego housing market. A second-generation San Diego native, she leverages her deep knowledge of local neighborhoods to match clients with the right homes and investments. Passionate about providing exceptional service, Janell specializes in residential and luxury real estate, guiding buyers and sellers through every step of the process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies & Psychology from University of San Diego and is a licensed Real Estate Broker/Sales Agent (DRE# 01730366).

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    Danny Pasawongse | Class of 2025 | Director of Alumni Engagement

    Danny Pasawongse is a distinguished technology and cybersecurity executive with a proven record of advancing innovation and operational excellence in K–12 education. As Executive Director of Technology Infrastructure & Operations at the San Diego County Office of Education, he leads the countywide technology infrastructure, data centers, networks, and cybersecurity initiatives that support nearly half a million students across 42 school districts and 129 charter schools.  Mr. Pasawongse previously served in technology leadership roles at Chula Vista Elementary School District, Mater Dei Catholic School, and Archbishop Mitty High School, where he was recognized for his strategic vision, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to mentorship and professional growth.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and executive education credentials from the Harvard Kennedy School in Cybersecurity: Mitigation & Management and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in School Management and Leadership. He also completed the Chief Business Officer Certification Program from the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education.

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