The role of WPE’s Board of Directors is to oversee the organization’s growth and strategic planning; to adopt sound policies; and to help secure adequate resources for WPE’s sustainability and impact.
Mike retired in 2021 from Chevron after a 35-year career, serving primarily in Information Technology. He traveled to six continents with Chevron and managed teams globally in the US, Africa, Europe, and Asia. His skill sets include application development and support, process improvement, project and change management, and sourcing and supplier management. Mike is an active WPE volunteer and oversaw the construction and move to WPE’s new Concord location. He is a deacon at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, treasurer for the Chevron Retirees Association, and works for the Red Cross in biomedical deliveries and disaster response.
Bridget Sakarata, Treasurer
Bridget Akre Sakarata, Senior Fiduciary and Financial Analyst at Soloway Fiduciaries, brings to WPE a wealth of experience in fiduciary and financial management. As a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Enrolled Agent with the IRS, Bridget has advanced expertise in statistical analysis and fiduciary risk management to enhance financial strategy and ensure the organization’s assets are secured. With a master’s degree in applied economics and finance from UC Santa Cruz and a certification in Applied Data Science from MIT, Bridget is committed to data-driven decision-making to help manage compliance, financial integrity, and strategic planning at WPE.
Tim retired in 2021 after a 40-year career spanning marketing, communications, and business development in both the public and private sectors. His work included extensive international travel and service to clients across the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. In the final eight years of his career, Tim Senior Business Advisor for a $500 million division at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Since retiring, he has been an active volunteer at White Pony Express, supporting strategic planning, fundraising, and development efforts.
Chris currently serves as a Vice President of Community Relations for Wells Fargo. In his role, he works with community-based organizations, community leaders, and Wells Fargo employees to address community needs through grant-making and volunteerism. Chris also maintains a role with the United States Army Reserve, continuing a service career spanning over 17 years. He currently leads a unit of elite trainers known as Drill Sergeants as the unit’s Senior Enlisted Advisor (First Sergeant).
Bob retired in 2008 as President and CEO of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) after 25 years with this nationwide non-profit social science research foundation based in Washington, D.C. Bob served for over 10 years as director of the New Sanctuary Project for Sufism Reoriented in Walnut Creek and as President of its Building Fund. Bob has degrees in Psychology and Education. He has been a food rescue volunteer for White Pony Express since 2014 and serves as a member of WPE’s Governance Task Force.
Liz is Director, Regulatory Affairs Group at Google, where she manages a team of privacy lawyers addressing governance, compliance, and product privacy issues. She previously worked as a policy counsel and analyst on Google’s government relations team and as a law clerk with the Federal Trade Commission and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Liz received her undergraduate degree from Stanford and her law degree from UC Berkeley. She is a volunteer with White Pony Express and also serves on the Board of the Meher Schools in Lafayette.
A Walnut Creek native, Francesca has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, home care, and senior services as she serves as Home Care Director and Partner at Hillendale Home Care. Hillendale has been serving the East Bay for more than 20 years, and since Francesca and her business partner took the helm in 2022, the agency has grown into an award-winning and trusted provider for families across the region. Deeply anchored in the East Bay, Francesca is committed to community service. Her values of dignity, service, and abundance perfectly align with White Pony Express’ mission to end hunger and uplift neighbors in need. Francesca finds inspiration in using her decades of experience, strong community connections, and passion for service to support an organization so closely aligned with her personal and professional goals.
Brant, Senior Vice President at Heffernan Insurance Brokers, is a commercial insurance broker, based in Walnut Creek since 1993. In addition to providing strategic insurance placement services to non-profit and privately held organizations, he is a board member of the California Assisted Living Association. He is also a former board member of Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, based in Berkeley, which operates eight affordable housing communities in Contra Costa County.
The WPE Board of Directors is a team of strong leaders with big hearts and bright minds. They are committed to our mission, staff, volunteers, and the people we serve in the community. We are always looking for strategic thinkers who want to help organization. Please contact us if this sounds like you or someone you know.
Donating food isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about providing a sustainable solution to end food insecurity. It’s about becoming a driving force of change in the community. From all of us on the WPE board, thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Together, we can end hunger, prevent food waste, and help our communities thrive! As a largely volunteer-powered organization supported by food and product partnerships, we have low overhead – your contributions go right to work changing lives. Will you join us?
Thank you to our network of volunteers who dedicate their time to ensure that love in the form of food and essential items is shared daily throughout our community. If you or someone you know would like to be involved in the day-to-day operations at White Pony Express, please contact us.