Our Board Members

Herb Liberman has had a diverse career spanning education, business, and nonprofit leadership. He spent 16 years in public education as a teacher, school administrator, and superintendent before moving into executive roles in manufacturing, technology, printing, and office furniture.

For nearly 20 years, Herb has consulted startups and small businesses on finance, sales, HR, and acquisitions. He has taught graduate-level business courses and serves on boards for businesses in Kenya and Costa Rica. As an arbitrator for FINRA and the San Diego Bar Association, he brings legal expertise to his work. A nonprofit leader, Herb has founded multiple organizations and served on boards including Alzheimer’s San Diego, Voz Que Clama, Operation HOPE–North County, and the ARC San Diego Advisory Board.

Dr. Richard Muir is a retired orthopedic surgeon with over 41 years of medical practice, including 35 years at Tri-City Medical Center. A U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1966 to 1968, including a tour in Vietnam. Since retiring in 2014, Dr. Muir has served on the Board of Directors at Operation HOPE–North County and has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Vista since 1980.

He also volunteers with the San Diego Library’s adult literacy program, helping adults develop reading skills. Dr. Muir has been married for 67 years and is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Cindy Taylor is a sales and marketing executive with extensive global experience in the inflight entertainment industry. Her expertise in business development, marketing, and administration supports Operation HOPE–North County’s mission. A resident of Oceanside since 2002, Cindy serves as Board Secretary and holds a degree from Ellsworth College.

“I am always inspired by the resilience and courage of those in our program. It is a privilege to volunteer and serve our community,” she shares.

From the classrooms of Vista High School to the courtrooms of San Diego County, Cary Cotten has built a life rooted in excellence, integrity, and community service. A proud Vista native, Cary graduated from Vista High in 1973 before continuing his education at Palomar College, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His drive and dedication led him to Wheaton College in Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Mathematics and set a school record in shot put, a testament to his remarkable strength and determination both on and off the field.

Cary’s pursuit of excellence continued at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he graduated Cum Laudein 1980. He began his career as an Associate at Shadle, Hunt and Hagar Law Offices, quickly earning the respect of his peers and becoming a partner by 1982. Just five years later, Cary and his colleague, Jim, became sole owners of Hagar and Cotten, where Cary’s commitment to justice and fairness became a defining hallmark of his practice. Beyond his impressive legal career, Cary has long been a pillar of service in the Vista community. He has served as Judge Pro Tem in Family Law, Civil Law, and Small Claims Court, and has even had cases published by the Court of Appeal, including Burtscher v. Burtscher and Estate of Bridgeman. His leadership extends far beyond the courtroom, Cary has also served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Vista, President of the Kiwanis Club of Sunrise Vista, and President of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista. Today, Cary continues to serve others as a Mediator, helping clients and community members find resolution, peace, and understanding in challenging circumstances.

Mary Regan has been a longtime Vista resident and an active community leader. She has served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, coached youth soccer, volunteered with the Moonlight Amphitheater, and twice led the Sunrise Vista Kiwanis. She was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops to the Moonlight Amphitheater.

Mary co-founded and served as President of LEAD Vista (now Vista Leadership Academy) and currently volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She is a board member of Operation HOPE–North County and serves on the Senior Citizens Commission. Professionally, Mary has worked in mortgage lending and financial counseling for 40 years. During the financial crisis, she helped homeowners avoid foreclosure and secure loan modifications. She lives in Vista with her husband, Dan, their dog, Ridley, and cat, Julep. She has three children and four grandchildren.

Ms. Satia Austin is a champion and an advocate for the people in the North San Diego County community and beyond. Raised primarily by her single mother, a member of the Black Panther Party, Satia learned early on the importance of purpose and standing up for justice. She now instills that same commitment to service in her own children and the community she serves.

Ms. Austin is an adjunct professor of history at Central Texas College while pursuing her Doctorate in Education at National University. She received an honorary Doctorate from CSUSM in 2023 and is recognized for her lifetime commitment to the NAACP, serving in numerous leadership roles across California and nationally. She sits on several local boards including Operation HOPE–North County, Alliance for Regional Solutions, and North County Promise. Recognized by the San Diego Business Journal and other organizations for her leadership, Satia continues to be a voice for the most vulnerable and underrepresented members of our community.

Johnny Lundy is a human resources leader dedicated to fostering workplace success through mentorship, professional development, and equity. With expertise in talent modernization, HR innovation, and leadership development, he is passionate about building inclusive workplaces rooted in trust, accountability, and integrity.

A native of Los Angeles, Johnny now calls San Diego home. An endurance sports enthusiast, he approaches challenges with a growth mindset. He is actively involved in community service and mentorship, welcoming connections and conversations about leadership and career development.

Alondra Alvarado was born in Lakeview Terrace, CA and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. She is the first in her extended family to graduate from college with a degree in psychology from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and completed the Political Communications and Strategic Governance course with the George Washington University in 2017.

Alondra moved to the United States in 2015 and prior to her career in San Diego, her work experience included Chief of Staff to a Council member for Tijuana’s City Council and Media and Public Relations Advisor for the Baja California State Congress.

Alondra’s professional path in San Diego has been motivated by advocating for traditionally underserved communities and serving as a liaison between communities, services and advocacy, bringing opportunities and resources closer to them. She joined the San Diego Hunger Coalition as Director of Marketing and Communications in June 2023 as she felt the need to start using her lived and professional experience to help reduce the number of families in her community facing nutritional insecurity and was promoted to President & CEO in December of the same year. Alondra has volunteered in a variety of organizations, such as the Castro-Limón Foundation in Mexico and Reality Changers in San Diego. She also has served as board secretary of San Diego & Imperial County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and she as a board member at large with San Diego Friends of the Public Library. During her personal time, you can find Alondra watching a Padres game with her brother while they discuss Star Wars theories, spending time at museums and libraries with her 9-year-old niece, or traveling within the state of Baja California, scouting for new locally owned spots

Beatriz Palmer is a dedicated leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector, specializing in equity, advocacy, and social justice. A first-generation immigrant college graduate, she understands the challenges of food and housing insecurity, having moved 25 times before ninth grade. She became the first in her family to earn a college degree as a 30-year-old adult learner and later obtained a master’s degree in sociology.

Beatriz has been a committed volunteer at Operation HOPE–North County for over 18 years, serving on the board for nearly a decade and currently as board president. Her leadership has strengthened programs, expanded services for families and single women experiencing homelessness, and increased board diversity. She has also played a key role in enhancing community partnerships and resource development to address housing insecurity. Beyond Operation HOPE, Beatriz has served as a commissioner for the City of Oceanside’s Housing Commission and is a member of the Community Relations Commission. She is also the president of the Alliance for Regional Solutions, a board member for TrueCare, and serves on the UCSD Chancellor's Community Advisory Board. As a sociology professor, she draws from her personal and professional experiences to inspire students and create inclusive learning environments.