San Diego HR Forum - Board of Directors

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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

Samantha Wolf

"Samantha is the Director of People & Culture at Flock Freight, where she leads a team of HR professionals in driving strategic initiatives. With a Master's degree in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and multiple HR certifications, including PHR and Board Certified Coach, Samantha brings a wealth of expertise in leadership coaching, performance management, and HR strategy. Her focus is on fostering inclusive cultures and empowering teams to achieve their full potential and has previously worked at Measurabl and UCSD."

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-d-wolf

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, Events

Position available — please email info@sdhrforum.com for more information.

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/

Co-Director, Programs

Position available — please email info@sdhrforum.com for more information.

Director, Legal Education

Shannon R. Finley

"Shannon R. Finley is a shareholder/employment attorney with Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin. Shannon represents California employers in disputes ranging from single plaintiff wrongful termination cases to complex class actions, and everything in between. In addition to defending employers in litigation, she provides guidance to employers, advising on best practices to avoid lawsuits before they arise. Ms. Finley is also a speaker and author on issues including best hiring practices, wage and hour law, discrimination, and implicit bias.

Shannon obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and earned a dual Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Los Angeles. She is a past president of Lawyers Club of San Diego and currently serves on the Executive Committee of California Women Lawyers. She has been recognized as a San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2024), Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2021-2024), and University of San Diego School of Law Rising Star Recent Alumni Award (2022)."

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

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

Co-Director, Mentorship and Scholarship Programs

Position available — please email info@sdhrforum.com for more information.

Treasurer

Seda Onek

"Seda is an accomplished human resources leader with 15+ years of experience driving HR strategy, operational efficiency, and organizational scalability in high-growth, global companies. With a strong foundation in Accounting, Technology, and Strategic HR Management, she has made a significant impact across the technology (SaaS), medical device, and hospitality industries.

Her expertise in financial and strategic leadership enables her to align people and business strategies effectively, particularly in fast-paced environments undergoing transformational change. Seda is recognized for her ability to navigate complex challenges, foster leadership development, and implement sustainable HR solutions that drive business success.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Seda is a dedicated advocate for human rights and foster youth, actively supporting initiatives that promote justice and equity."

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

Director, Membership

Shay Southworth

"Shay Southworth is a Business Development Manager at Johnson Service Group (JSG), an award-winning global leader in talent acquisition and workforce solutions. With over 2 decades in the recruitment industry, she excels at connecting top talent with career-defining opportunities and building trusted partnerships that drive business success. She specializes in Accounting & Finance, HR, Marketing & Sales, Technical & Engineering, Healthcare & Scientific, and Supply Chain & Manufacturing, ensuring the right talent meets the right opportunities.

Beyond her career, Shay is deeply committed to giving back. She actively supports her community, volunteers with youth programs, and serves as a resume coach with VetCTAP, helping transitioning military, veterans, and their spouses navigate career transitions. She thrives on learning from others, drawing energy from their stories, and fostering a thriving workforce network.

Shay’s passion lies in the art of career matchmaking—uncovering ambitions, aligning people with meaningful work, and creating opportunities that make a real impact. Her approach is rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

When she’s not forging connections, you’ll find Shay outdoors, spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and embracing life’s simple joys."