Valerie Brown, Director and Chair

Valerie leverages her extensive background in crisis counseling, case management, and community coordination as United Policyholders' Deputy Executive Director, championing disaster relief and recovery efforts. With over a decade of experience, she expertly navigates both immediate and long-term responses, drawing upon deep understanding of federal/state programs, funding sources, and insurance/mortgage matters to advocate for impacted individuals. Inspired by her own community's devastation in the 2007 Witch Creek fire, Valerie actively participates in wildfire and insurance recovery across California, Colorado, and Oregon. Her dedication extends beyond her role, as she serves on the national Disaster Leadership Team, San Diego County VOAD, and the National Aging In Place Council. Valerie has been instrumental in standing up our local Long Term Recovery Group in the wake of the CZU Fire.

Aretha Rodriguez, Director and Vice Chair

Aretha Rodriguez brings over eight years of nonprofit leadership experience in disaster recovery, financial stability, and community-based services to her role as Financial Stability Program Director at Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey. She oversees disaster relief and financial programs across four counties, managing FEMA-funded initiatives and fostering partnerships with Long Term Recovery Groups, local government, and nonprofits to ensure survivors access critical resources. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Aretha is dedicated to advancing equity and providing culturally responsive services for underserved communities. Beyond her professional role, she contributes her expertise in disaster case management, financial coaching, and cross-agency collaboration as a member of the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group Board of Directors, helping to strengthen coordinated recovery efforts and community resilience.

Heather LaFontaine, Director and Treasurer

Heather La Fontaine is a seasoned financial executive with a passion for driving strategic initiatives and delivering measurable results. With over 20 plus years of experience in the finance industry and now consulting, she has honed her expertise in business operations, compliance, audit, risk management, human resources, and electronic banking. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions, demonstrating a strong track record of optimizing financial performance and enhancing operational efficiency. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. La Fontaine is committed to improving the community by volunteering and contributing to non-profits. Having experienced a total CZU Fire loss and subsequent rebuild, she bringing her expertise and experience to the Board in the service of others that have been impacted by disaster.

Creedence Shaw, Director

Creedence Shaw, a financial veteran with over 15 years of expertise, brings diverse skills to the Long Term Recovery Group. From Teller to Chief Credit Officer, he understands how finances impact communities. Today, he champions fire survivors, consults a local bank, and builds financial models for crucial housing projects in Santa Cruz County's recovery. His decade at Santa Cruz County Bank saw him lead lending systems, integrate mergers, and spearhead the vital Paycheck Protection Program, injecting $500 million into the local economy. His leadership, innovation, passion and ability to connect to the issues that hinders recovery efforts make him a valuable asset to the board. 

Shawn Williams, Director 

Shawn Williams, Director of Construction at Nielsen Studios, brings over 35 years of experience in residential construction, project coordination, and community rebuilding across Santa Cruz County. His background in homebuilding, cost management, and team leadership directly supports SCCLTRG's efforts to construct modest homes, restart stalled projects, and complete vital storm repairs. With hands-on expertise in navigating complex rebuild challenges, Shawn is deeply committed to ensuring families affected by the CZU Complex Lightning Fire can return to safe and lasting homes. A Santa Cruz resident for more than 55 years, he volunteers and supports several nonprofits and enjoys mountain biking and hiking. His deep roots and decades of construction experience make him a vital contributor to community recovery and long-term resilience.

Jack Robertson, Director and Construction Commitee Chair

Bio Coming Soon