Regional Directors & Staff

Kim Parker

Executive Vice President

Sacramento, CA

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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Kim Parker has been thoroughly immersed in human resources and operational management for 17 years. She exhibits her comprehensive bank of knowledge and crystal clear strategic guidance with CEA members everyday. Kim thrives on challenge, motivates by example and is the perfect role model for employee morale. She takes great pride in her ability to build strong, cohesive teams. You'll see evidence of this talent the moment you begin working with the staff here at CEA. Kim has brought together some of the brightest, most talented people across all disciplines of human resources. No task is too great, no solution too prohibitive for this integrated group of professionals.

Kim's experience speaks for itself. An experienced HR Generalist, a dynamic speaker and a successful leader, Kim is proud to be leading the way for CEA. She is dedicated to her team and all CEA members. Kim will work hard to prove the endless benefits that come from having CEA on your side. Kim earned her BA degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Human Resources, at the University of Puget Sound.

Dennis Pufpaf, PHR

Regional Director

San Francisco, East Bay and North Coast

415-458-1704

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Dennis is an experienced human resource professional as well as a seasoned small business owner. After having owned his own successful bakery in the Bay area for over 16 years, Dennis entered the world of manufacturing as a Controller and Director of Operations. Although quite adept with a knack for numbers, Dennis missed working in employee relations. An effective communicator who is practiced at developing complementary relationships between business objectives and human resources, Dennis spent the next 13 years as a Human Resource Director for two large manufacturing facilities until CEA was fortunate enough to be able to recruit him to join our team.

Dennis brings a well rounded knowledge of human resource expertise to his members in the Bay Area and can truly identify with both business owners and human resource managers alike! Dennis earned his B.A. in English from Southern Illinois University, and earned his PHR certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Bruce D. Murray

Regional Director

Sacramento/Redding Region

530-878-1410

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We wouldn't consider ourselves a true "team" without Bruce Murray on board. He's a walking encyclopedia of knowledge on employment laws, corporate policies, resource planning and all other practices relative to union and non-union working groups. Bruce has nearly thirty years of business experience, with the majority of those years spent in large corporations supervising crisis management, arbitration, employee development and human resources planning. Large multi-national conglomerates, small specialty manufacturers and the diverse business segments that exist in-between have all benefited from this seasoned HR professional. Bruce is an excellent communicator, particularly in tense and potentially volatile situations. Additionally, job analysis, staffing, compensation administration and policy development tasks are executed with precision. Bruce is thoroughly schooled in the HR trade, having earned a BA from California State University, San Francisco and completed programs on negotiation at Harvard Law School.

Art Tharpe

Regional Director

Oakdale, CA

Serving the Central Valley

209-845-8976

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Art has spent nearly 30 years as a human resources and labor relations professional inside many manufacturing and agricultural companies, both large and small, throughout the state. While heavily relied upon for his extensive knowledge of safety program implementation and risk analysis, he is also well respected for his achievements in labor relations, organizational development and strategic staffing. With several fire districts and ambulance companies as members, Art understands and has overcome the challenges in working with the public sectors in addition to private companies.

Prior to calling CEA his home, Art served as Human Resources Manager for a major agricultural grower, supervising a staff of 11 that provided HR and LR support for 3500 employees in multiple locations. Simultaneously, he acted as the company's Labor Relations Manager supporting up to 8 facilities with a total of over 10,000 employees. Art received a BS Degree in Psychology from California State University,Chico.

Craig Strong

Regional Director

Madera, CA

Serving the Fresno Area

559-675-3885

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Craig has over 24 years of extensive experience in human resources. His areas of expertise include recruiting, interviewing, record keeping, regulatory compliance, conflict resolution, union relations, employment law, training and team building. Craig began his human resource career right out of high school, when he joined the Navy. Working in personnel administration with both military personnel and civilians. Craig gained knowledge in all aspects of human resources, and specialized in criminal investigations. He also played a key role in developing and implementing the Sexual Harassment Awareness program for the Navy after the Tailhoook scandal.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management, Craig retired from the military. He continued to round out his career by working for a large banking institution, later a small private employer, and most recently was employed by a large manufacturer in Fresno.

Stacy Rochelle

West Covina, CA

Serving So. California

626-374-0080

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Stacy has over 15 years of Human Resource experience in the State of California. A personable and experienced HR generalist, Stacy has extensive knowledge in all matters of Wage and Hour Law, Employee Relations, Labor Negotiations and is also a skilled trainer. Stacy has complimented her experience with her education and has a degree in Business Administration and a Professional Human Resource (PHR) certification.

Mari Bradford

Hotline Director

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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Mari is our Human Resource Hotline Manager located in our Sacramento office. Mari has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organization Communications from CSU Sacramento and her PHR from SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. Before joining CEA, Mari spent the last ten years working as a HR Manager for a major contract manufacturing company and a Fortune 500 software development company.

An outgoing and energetic trainer, Mari also supports CEA by conducting onsite training and assists the Regional Directors in supporting their members.

Regina Ruby

Director of Operations

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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At CEA, we've earned a reputation for being one step ahead in an effort to make our members' lives easier. That's not easy to do, and downright impossible without an office manager like Regina. She is an integral part of our team and provides daily support for our staff and members alike. Always cheerful and congenial, Regina is the epitome of outstanding customer service. She keeps the channels open and flowing efficiently.

As a previous small business owner of a photography studio, Regina understands the needs and concerns of business owners. She knows that each client is unique, and she will go the extra mile to ensure great service. She's also extremely proficient with dozens of computer software applications as well as keeping our website up to date. Regina's enthusiasm is contagious. You'll enjoy working with her!

Rapheal Ogwudire

Operations Accounting Specialists

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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With a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, Rapheal handles the daily general administrative duties. As an amazing multi-tasker, she also works in our accounting department and handles the accounts receivable and accounts payables ensuring the operations of your association run smoothly day in and day out.

Scott Dear

Director of Membership Services

Notary Public

800-399-5331

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Scott is responsible for the new member aquisitions in Southern California. With an extensive background in human resource and association membership sales, Scott does a beautiful job of helping potential members realize the value of a CEA membership.

Scott has over 20 years professional sales experience. His friendly demeanor and great sense of humor compliment the CEA team.

Mary Ann Grant

Director of Membership Services

800-399-5331

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Mary Ann heads up Northern California when it comes to new member acquisitions. A lively and stimulating communicator and a prior Finishing School instructor, Mary Ann is always poised and professional. As a prior VP of Marketing and Sales in the retail world, before she came to CEA, Mary Ann truly believes that the “member” always comes first. She is here to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your CEA membership.

Allison Nardone

Operations Specialist

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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Allison is the friendly voice you hear when you call the CEA Headquarters office. A great communicator with a warm personality. Whether you are calling to place an order, get in touch with your regional director, or have a question, Allison will handle your needs professionally and efficiently.

Terry Paterson

Communications Coordinator

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

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With a Masters degree in Education, Human Resource Management, Terry is the administrator of our Member Services department. Marketing to our members, membership retention, monthly newsletter editor and organizing the Employer Forums are just a few of Terry's main responsibilities.

With over 10 years of experience in the Grant and Non-Profit sector, Terry brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Terry earned her masters degree from Boston University in Heidleberg Germany.

John St. John

Independent Training Consultant

916-921-1312

800-399-5331

Johnathan E. St. John, MBA, PHR is CEA’s Director of Training and Education. John’s learning management philosophies and experiences were developed while supporting national training initiatives for three Fortune 500 companies generating $5 - $60 billion in sales revenue annually. He has been involved in progressively complex learning program developments and has delivered quality programs to private, not-for-profit, and public agencies with state, regional, and national presence. As a seasoned learning consultant, trainer, and public speaker, John has delivered countless hours of engaging, innovative, and competency-based learning solutions.

John works to ensure CEA’s training programs are effective, accredited and impactful meaning for all of our members. He received his Bachelor's degree from California State University Sacramento and his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also received his Professional in Human Resources (P.H.R.) Certificate from Human Resource Certification Institute/Society for Human Resource Management.

 

Melissa Drake, MA, CCP, SPHR

Hotline Manager

San Diego, CA

858 449-6296

800 399-5331

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Melissa Drake is the newest partner and Senior Consultant with RMC Consultants. Prior to joining RMC, Melissa spent three years as the President of the San Diego Employers Association (SDEA) managing the day to day operations and strategic direction of the non-profit HR consulting firm in San Diego County. Here, Melissa managed a staff focused on assisting employers with their human resources, training, and compensation planning issues through personal consultation, customized and course trainings, consulting projects, survey development, and development of solutions that address a wide variety of the daily challenges of managing their Human Resources.

Melissa’s over 10 years of experience encompasses work with both profit and non-profit organizations. Utilizing a variety of valuable perspectives gained through past employment in diverse commercial environments, she serves as an effective advocate and consultant to human resources departments and individuals in companies of all sizes. A regular speaker on human resources and compensation matters, Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She has a certificate in HR Management from San Diego State University, is a Certified Compensation Professional, and Senior Professional in Human Resources. Melissa teaches in the HR Management Certificate program for SDSU, and is also past president and programs director for the Compensation & Benefits Association of San Diego.

Daniela Devitt
Director of Outreach Programs
Sacramento, CA
916 396-9298
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Daniela Devitt is a marketing specialist, professional facilitator and trainer with over 20 years experience. Her career highlights include the creation and implementation of a start up company that created a nationwide network of remote workers. Daniela’s expertise includes Executive Forum Development, Marketing, Social Networking, Promotions, Internet/Intranet, Training and Customer Care. She is a solution oriented troubleshooter that will direct projects from concept through delivery.

Prior to her CEA position as Director of Outreach Programs, Daniela was Vice President of Bridges to Leadership C-Level Forums. She was responsibilities for the forum planning, screening and interviewing potential speakers and forum candidates, conference planning and business development. The facilitated forum meetings were structured to encourage members to leverage the experiences and knowledge.

Daniela Devitt holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from the Kansas State University/Fort Hays.

Brian McInerney has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1999. Previously, two CPA firms have employed him, and a few of the audits he has been involved with include Tower Records, W.E.A.V.E., and Correctional Peace Officers Association. He was also employed as the Budget Analyst for Educaid, Inc. Educaid is a student lending institution, and a subsidiary of Wachovia Bank. As the Budget Analyst for Educaid, he was responsible for generation of the annual budget and management of the budget-to-actual monthly variance reporting. He interacted with Wachovia personnel for the monthly financial statement “roll-up” and helped prepare the monthly financial statements. During his tenure as the Budget Analyst, he was promoted to Accounting Manager. As the Accounting Manager, he managed a staff of four employees, oversaw the daily accounting operations, participated in the month-end close operation, and reviewed the general ledger account reconciliations. He has also been Treasurer of his Homeowner’s Association in Auburn. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific.