Partners in Action

Steve and Pam Ness were relatively new to philanthropy before joining SDSVP. They always donated to their church, school, and the PTA, but they wanted to see how they could make more of an impact with their dollars. After selling their company, San Diego-based Dynamic Instruments, Inc, they decided to dive in and utilize their 30 years of entrepreneurial expertise by helping the community in a different way. They had more time, treasure, and talent to give but wondered how to pick the “right” organizations. With like-minded people to help them hone their philanthropic skills and leverage their entrepreneurial skills, SDSVP was the perfect choice for Steve and Pam.

In addition to helping TKF with outcome planning and serving on the SDSVP Board, Steve enjoys supporting Pam in renovating distressed homes. Steve and Pam, soon to be “empty nesters,” look forward to traveling more, being more spontaneous, and discovering what the future has to offer.

After 35 years as a top executive and management consultant for several nonprofit hospitals and CEO of a health care association, Andy Rinde knows a lot about nonprofits. “In either the for-profit or nonprofit sectors, the ones that succeed are highly effective and efficient,” he says. “Effectiveness is doing the right things and efficiency is doing the right things in the best way."

Andy says joining SDSVP was a natural fit. “But it’s not just about giving money,” he adds. “I wanted to utilize my leadership skills and work with other Partners.” Andy jumps in with both feet to tackle challenges wherever he can. He helps several Investees, serving on the Lead Partner Teams for Reality Changers and the Tariq Khamisa Foundation and working with ElderHelp.

Andy’s passion for SDSVP was contagious, resulting in his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Glenn Arnold, also joining SDSVP to make it a family affair. In addition to helping the community, Andy loves coaching his grandsons' baseball and basketball teams.

Wendy and Kevin Gibson became SDSVP Partners just after their daughter was born six years ago, and Alexa is already imprinted with a “giving spirit” and sense of community. As marketing manager for a nonprofit software company, Wendy was familiar with the nonprofit community and was ready to get more involved. Last year, she became a Lead Partner for the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF). Kevin initially got involved with Emeritus Investee, La Cuna. He later conducted accountability reviews on behalf of the Portfolio Working Group for the Corporation for Supportive Housing. "I feel like our efforts have an impact that's felt across the country," Kevin says. “As a family, we’re all more thoughtful about positive choices that we make in every aspect of our life.”

Sherri has been pivotal in building and improving SDSVP, resulting in greater impact throughout San Diego. She developed the first Capacity Building Boot Camp for Partners and nonprofits. Sherri was a Lead Partner for Corporation for Supportive Housing and co-chair of the Investment Working Group and the Discovery Team. In addition, she represented SDSVP in the Grantmaker's Homelessness Working Group and has conducted Strategic Outcome Planning for several organizations, including Volunteer San Diego, Regional Task Force on the Homeless, and Community Resource Center.

When she’s not volunteering, Sherri is a fitness buff who enjoys beach volleyball, cycling, and running and can be seen on a scooter or vintage mountain bike wearing flip- flops and sporting a silly grin.

[Pull quote]"Working as a Partner is ideal—a dream come true. It's satisfying and fun to create change with positive, smart people who have become great friends.” Sherri Neasham, SDSVP Partner

His successful career as a television news producer throughout California helped Scott Tritt develop an ability to tell stories in a compelling and memorable way. Now he's using those skills to help SDSVP and the nonprofits we serve.

Scott started working for nonprofits with the Disability Awareness Network. Last year, Scott joined the Lead Partner Team for A Reason to Survive (ARTS). A highlight of his involvement is his relationship with their Executive Director, Matt D’Arrigo. “Critical thinking that can take an organization to the next level” inspires Scott. For Scott, variety in his SDSVP experience is equally important: “I can get deeply involved with ARTS, and also have the chance to join group discussions to learn about new opportunities, and broaden my experience...or network with other Partners and friends."

In his free time, Scott enjoys following Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers. Earlier in life he was a trumpeter and says, “if there’s a desire to put together a band for SDSVP, I could probably be recruited!”