San Diego HR Forum - Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

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About Us
Board of Directors

President

Kellie Fontes

"Kellie is a results-oriented HR leader, recognized for her ability to build strong teams and lead in the creation of positive, passionate and dynamic company cultures. She has vast experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical and high-technology industries, bringing in-depth knowledge of all aspects of HR. Kellie has led extensive coaching of Senior Leaders on building personal capabilities and execution of business strategy. Kellie is currently the Vice President of Human Capital at IRRAS, and has held key leadership roles in companies including GlaxoSmithKline, General Atomics and Quidel Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from Montana State University and a Human Resource Management Certificate from University of California San Diego (UCSD). Kellie enjoys entertaining and spending time with her daughters."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-potter-fontes-0888b071

Past President

Teddi Reilly

"Teddi Reilly, President of Reilly Advisory Group is an accomplished human resources executive,
coach and advisor to management possessing experience across diverse for profit and non-profit,
private and public sector rapid growth, transitioning and start-up organizations, which include
life sciences, technology, manufacturing, academic, and consumer products with international
and domestic markets.

Recognized as a results-oriented leader, diverse thinker and team player with high standards and
a passionate commitment to human capital development who implements sustainable strategies
and infrastructures that align organizational efforts and financial commitments, while
maximizing employee potential and engagement. Currently, she is an active trusted advisor and
coach to executive management and Board of Directors in various industries and actively serves
on various not-for-profit boards and has teaches undergraduate and professional Human
Resource management programs.

Ms. Reilly has held Executive positions throughout her career in San Diego and a few of those
companies were: Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, D&K Engineering,
ASML (formerly Cymer), Illumina, and La Jolla Pharmaceutical company. She earned a BS in
Business Management and MBA from the University of Phoenix."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddi-reilly-mba-1717633

Secretary

Melina Fairleigh

"Melina, known as “Mel” to most, is passionate about building innovation and inclusivity into high-velocity workplace cultures. She currently leads the strategic human resources transformation of La Jolla based Scripps Research as Vice President, People. Before joining Scripps, Mel led high velocity tech startups as SVP People at Housecall Pro and Flock Freight. Prior to life in San Diego, Mel spent 15 years building and leading recruitment and development at her favorite place on the planet, Trader Joe’s.
Mel holds a Masters of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA. On weekends, you can find her sitting in the sun sipping a San Diego IPA and eating Trader Joe’s hummus."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinaranii/

Director, Sponsorship

Dena Ayala

"Dena Ayala is friendly and forward thinking talent acquisition executive. She has served on SDHRF’s board for 10 years and has been an active member for over 12 years. She is thrilled to be a part of the 2022 board, which is filled with talented professionals aiming to make a difference in our HR community. In her career, Dena has gained 22 years’ experience in the recruiting industry and has been an active contributor in several nonprofits throughout Sothern California. At SDHRF she leads our career transition group and is also our sponsorship chair. For her day job, she is the CEO of Ignite Human Capital, a human resources and talent consulting firm, and recruiting agency that supports clients national and internationally. She also enjoys stand up paddle boarding, yoga, reading, HH with friends, and recently purchased a boat to enjoy summers around Mission Bay."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaayala/

Director, Membership

Debra Gregory

"Debra is an accomplished Human Resources Executive, Fractional CHRO, and Executive Advisor with diverse experience in start-up, mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies. As President and owner of DJG Advisory Group, Debra is a strategic partner for business owners, executive leadership, and board members to help drive talent initiatives, optimize systems, shepherd positive change to support and improve business outcomes. She has 25+ years of management and HR leadership experience in multiple industries, including B2B, B2C, manufacturing, construction, retail, and federal contracting. She is experienced with large decentralized multi-state and global employee base with relatively high turnover industries and skilled at driving retention within the same population.

Debra holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Science in sociology from San Diego State University."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-gregory-5bb59221/

Co-Director, Programs

Tracy Ward

"Tracy Ward is President and Founder of Forward Talent Strategies, a boutique HR consulting company that partners with businesses to strengthen their HR strategy and HR practices, develop their organizational vision, and build programs to attract, engage and retain top talent. Tracy previously held HR executive roles with oversight of Human Resources, Organizational Development and Risk Management, and is passionate about helping companies cultivate positive workplace cultures and environments for people to thrive.

Tracy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, and holds several certifications, including the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), California (PHRca), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), and Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Tracy teaches Human Resources courses at the California State University, San Marcos Extended Learning program. She serves on the succession planning committee for Clearity Foundation and volunteers as a resume coach for VetCTAP, the Veterans Career Transition Assistance Program. Tracy enjoys carving out time for hiking, golf, cooking, and traveling."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-ward-shrm-scp

Co-Director, Programs

Andrew Johnson

"Andrew Johnson has been a partner to the Human Resource function for over 10 years as a business development leader, across multiple modalities. His experience ranges from L&OD initiatives, leadership development, strategic planning, organizational design, and corporate downsizing projects. Most recently, Andrew Bolton/IMA to build and grow their business operations around employee benefits in the San Diego market. His passion has always lied in creating a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining key talent through employee engagement, learning and development and now through health and wellness initiatives. Andrew also has a deep passion in partnership through building the HR community. Involved with the San Diego HR Forum since 2013, Andrew became Programs Director in 2014 and served until 2018. He has also served in building the National Human Resource Silicon Valley chapter since 2018, serving as both programs director and President as of July of 2021. As programs director, Andrew likes to tap into local San Diego leaders to speak."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-johnsongray/

Co-Director, Programs

Jasmin Lucy

"With a robust background spanning two decades, Jasmin is an accomplished Human Resources executive renowned for her strategic prowess and cultural competence across diverse industries and global landscapes. Having held leadership roles at renowned innovators like Mercedes-Benz (formerly DaimlerChrysler), UC San Diego Health Sciences, and PIRCH Inc., she embodies dynamism, innovation, and adaptability.

Jasmin's career trajectory reflects her ability to navigate through the intricacies of start-ups and mature, global enterprises across three continents. Adept at leveraging her extensive experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, she excels in crafting and implementing forward-thinking HR strategies that drive business success.

As Chief Human Resources Officer at The Arc of San Diego, Jasmin's leadership has been instrumental in shaping inclusive workplaces that foster collaboration and innovation. Her strategic vision and operational acumen align HR initiatives seamlessly with organizational objectives, contributing to tangible outcomes and sustained growth.

Recognized as a finalist for the SDHR Executive of the Year in 2022, Jasmin's commitment to excellence and innovation is unwavering. Armed with a Master's degree in International Business and Cultural Studies, she brings a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and business acumen to her role, enabling her to navigate complex challenges with ease. Certifications in Executive Coaching, Strategic and Global Human Resources Management further augment her ability to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, driving organizational success through talent optimization and cultural alignment."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminlucy/

Director, Legal Education

Ryan H. Nell

"Ryan H. Nell is a shareholder/employment attorney with Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin. He is an experienced litigator who represents California employers statewide in both counseling and comprehensive litigation support. With the ever-changing landscape of California and federal employment law, Ryan prides himself on assisting clients in staying ahead of the curve in an effort to avoid legal trouble before it arises. He has extensive experience representing clients in harassment, retaliation, and discrimination matters, as well as large-scale wage and hour lawsuits.

Ryan speaks regularly on a wide range of topics aimed at assisting California employers in the avoidance of legal trouble before it arises, and his work in the field has led to his recognition as a San Diego Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2018-2021 and his inclusion in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list in 2021 and 2022. Ryan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law. Before law school, Ryan attended the University of Southern California where he was recognized as a Presidential Scholar."

Contact: https://pettitkohn.com/attorneys/ryan-h-nell-esq/

Co-Director, Mentorship and Scholarship Programs

Kc Martin-Dickey

"With two decades of experience in human resources, Kc brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for creating dynamic and engaged workplace cultures. Known for her creativity and drive, Kc has consistently leveraged technology and continuous improvement methodologies to foster innovation and accountability within organizations.

Kc’s leadership philosophy centers on trust, inspiring others to reach epic goals and make significant, positive impacts on both the business and the people they serve. She is committed to working with teams that share her enthusiasm for collaboration, excellence, and making a difference, which is why she’s so excited to be joining the SDHR Forum.

Kc is currently VP of HR for Full Swing Golf (sports simulators), where she oversees all HR, IT and Facilities. She holds a Bachelors in Communication from San Diego State University, as well as PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with and attending various activities for her three children, from football to performances to princess park play dates."

Contact: linkedin.com/in/kc-martin-dickey

Treasurer

Kaylo Greenwell

"Kaylo is a caring and compassionate HR leader who prides himself in fostering both individual and organizational excellence through building meaningful HR infrastructure that addresses core needs. He believes these needs are identified through developing meaningful relationships through organizations fostering trust and transparency. He’s spent his career developing a wide-ranging HR skill set spanning from the operational side of HR, leading complex HR systems, multinational benefits administrations, HR policy design all the way to the one on one people side serving as the strategic HR partner to leaders providing coaching and employee relations guidance. His current role is Sr Director, Global HR Operations & Total Rewards at Orthofix/SeaSpine. In this role, he led the HR operations team through a merger or two publicly traded, multinational companies. He’s passionate about bringing joy and happiness to those around him and gets meaning from building teams that can channel their own joys through the organization. He has his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Cal State San Marcos and his Masters of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Southern California."