Board and Staff

Board of Directors

The Excellence in Education Board of Directors represents businesses, schools, community leaders, and parents. If you are interested in serving on the board or a committee, please contact our staff.

  • Michael Brown
  • Lauren Chorey
  • Sara Coustette
  • Katja Dahl
  • Elena Deluna 
  • Megan Evans, President
  • Cindy Flores 
  • Jaime Gignoux, CFO/Treasurer
  • Amanda Helm
  • Jooly Hopkins
  • Nathan Kendall
  • Max Leabman
  • Amy Macosko, Past President
  • Annie MacFadyen
  • Susie Overall
  • Kirsten Pekarek 
  • Hayden Pruitt
  • Jojo Rouas
  • Christine Ngai Ryan
  • Liza Smith
  • Saira West

Advisory Board

  • Linda Brown
  • Jan Ganong
  • Ed McGargill
  • Cindy Gustafson
  • Roger Kahn
  • Bob McClintock
  • Donna Morgan
  • Scott Ryan

Of Counsel

  • Michael Brown

TTUSD Liaison

  • Kerstin Kramer

Foundation Staff

Laura Abbey Brown
Laura Brown
Laura has served as the Executive Director for the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation for nearly 20 years. She became a Certified Education Foundation Leader in 2020 by completing a six-month course through the National Education Foundation Association. Laura also served as a Nevada County First 5 Commissioner for ten years, including two years as the Chairperson. In 2012, Laura led a coalition of public and private agencies to develop a regional plan to address third-grade reading proficiency. This resulted in the National Civic League designating the Tahoe Truckee region as an All-America City. Before her time with Excellence in Education, Laura worked in Marketing for Northstar Ski Resort and Creative Concepts. She received her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences from UC Davis. Laura is busy with her family outside work, including three school-age children and her husband, Jeff. Laura and Jeff have lived in Truckee for over 25 years and are active members of the Tahoe Truckee community. Contact: Laura@ttcf.net
Beth Pascalli Hirsh
Beth Pascalli Hirsh
Beth joined the Excellence in Education Foundation in 2015 after many years in medical sales. Following her sales experience, she was involved with the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, sitting on many committees at the school and district levels. She is active in coordinating aspects of Excellence in Education programs and continues to be involved with community partnerships. She has many years of nonprofit experience and has been on the Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe Board of Directors since 2015. Contact: Beth@ttcf.net