Our Board

Our Board of Directors is a volunteer board, and is comprised of people who bring a variety of resources to the agency. Their primary responsibilities are reviewing the budget, finalizing personnel policies, assisting in raising funds, and supervising OFI's management. The commitment to serve on the Board of Directors is three years.

If you are interested in learning more about OFI’s Board of Directors, please contact: gjones [at] ofiinc [dot] org

KARL HERZER  For more than twenty-five years, Karl Herzer has dedicated his professional life to urban beautification. As Vice President and Director of Field Operations for Herzer Landscaping, Inc., Karl participates in the construction of professionally-designed commercial landscapes. Projects ranging is value from $10,000 to $2,000,000 are all provided a consistent level of dedication to quality, professionalism and safety. For over 15 years, Karl has devoted his time and talent to community service in such diverse areas as youth education and athletics, historic preservation, and church-related activities. Karl possesses a bachelor of arts degree from the University of San Francisco. He and his wife, Francine, are the proud parents of two sons.  Karl was a nominee for the 2010 Heart of Marin Excellence in Board Leadership Award for his service to Opportunity for Independence.

EVELYN LEE  Evelyn is the sister of a long-time resident in the Lincoln Avenue Apartment Program.  She seeks to ensure that OFI continues to provide a superior quality of life for its clients.  She attended Redwood High and Cal before attending Hastings Law School and has practiced public utility regulatory law in San Francisco for more than a decade.  She enjoys being an OFI Board member because this allows her to serve individuals with disabilities, even though her professional career has taken a different path.  She lives in Oakland with her husband, David, and their two children.

DENISE BILLINGS  Born and raised in New Jersey, Denise moved to California in 1974 and began working in the insurance industry in San Francisco.  In 1996, Denise started working with Anixter & Oser, Inc. and in 2000, began specializing in insurance for non-profits.  She currently insures approximately 300 California non-profits.  Denise lives in Novato and has a daughter, Rebecca. 

JOHN CHRISTENSEN  John has more than 34 years of state service under his belt, 16 of which were with the Department of Developmental Services, working around and providing those with developmental challenges much needed support to meet their day-to-day needs within an institutional setting.  Currently, John works at San Quentin State Prison as the Correctional Business Manager II.  He has worked on several major projects for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including managing a $14 million equipment budget for the activation of Kern Valley State Prison.  For the past 18 years, John has worked in the Business Services section of the prison setting, overseeing purchasing, contracts, and service agreements while managing several departments, including Personnel, Firehouse, Procurement/Warehouse, Food Services, Maintenance, Accounting, and IT, along with approximately 150 staff in those departments.  He is also a trainer for the prevention of sexual harassment for the Department of Corrections.  A member of The Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, John has volunteered for and supported several non-profits in the Bay Area, including Sundance, United Way of the Bay Area, and AIDS Walk and Lifecycle.  John is the proud father of a daughter and a son and grandfather of four.

JOHN SEDLANDER  John's introduction to OFI came from his wife, Ellen Flanagan, who worked as a job coach in the STEP program for almost five years.  John serves as Chief Financial Officer for Institute on Aging, a non-profit agency that offers health care and social services for frail seniors. Previously, he was Resource Development Director for West Bay Housing Corp, a non-profit organization that develops housing for adults with developmental disabilities.  From 2001 through 2004, he was Director of Operations for Committee on the Shelterless, where he oversaw the project management and construction of a 130-bed homeless shelter and transitional housing facility.  John's work in non-profits followed thirty years' experience with manufacturing firms where he performed various duties, including Director of Financial Analysis, Controller, and Director of Distribution.  His MBA degree is from the University of Michigan.  John's previous board experience includes Old Adobe Union School District (Petaluma), The Endowment Board (pensions for retired Methodist ministers), and Committee on the Shelterless.  He currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees of University Mound Ladies Home, an assisted living facility in San Francisco.  John is the father of three grown children, two sons and one daughter.  He and his wife live in San Francisco.