Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors
Marie Caldwell has worked both in education and as a community builder across the region for over 30 years. She is a graduate of Montague Elementary, Yreka High School, received her BA at University of California, Santa Barbara and completed her graduate work at Simpson University. She has held both nonprofit and education agency positions in Siskiyou County: teacher, principal, superintendent, and most recently as a Director of the SiskiyouWorks Collective Impact project.
She has and will continue to bring dollars, expertise, & programs into our County & Region to support helping students make the connection to a life long learning and the ability to succeed in multiple careers.
Ashli is an attorney with +10 years’ experience working in legal roles that include Benefit Cosmetics, Western Digital, Tory Burch, and Louis Vuitton. Ashli spends her free time mentoring tech companies through 500 Startups (largest global tech accelerator program) and advising as a member of Chief (private network of women executives). She’s regularly featured in globally recognized publications, with her most recent being The Guardian and NBC News.
Ashli grew up in Jones Valley, attended Bella Vista and graduated from Bishop Quinn. She serves as a Board Member and is the Secretary for College & Career Options.
Chad Scott is a Redding native dedicated to the enrichment of the North State area. After graduating from Shasta High School and completing a year abroad in Italy as a Rotary International exchange student, Chad began his college career at Shasta College before transferring to SDSU to study International Security and Conflict Resolution, with a minor in Italian. After returning to Redding, he joined the Shasta Builders Exchange and was promoted by the board to the position of Executive Director in 2018.
Under his leadership, the Shasta Builders Exchange Community Fund served as the fiscal agent for the community’s 2018 Carr Fire reconstruction efforts and helped over 50 families rebuild their homes. Dedicated to the success of the North State’s small businesses, Chad has secured both state and federal funds to help local employers train and retain promising employees and trade professionals and continues to engage with local partners to develop economic opportunities in northern California.
In addition to his work responsibilities, he regularly volunteers at local events and devotes time as a board member for a number of local organizations including, one of his favorites, College and Career Options!
Chad continues to seek personal and professional growth opportunities, recently graduating from Leadership Redding and being selected as the club president of Redding West Rotary for 2024.
Bob was born in Marysville, CA and raised in the North Sacramento area. He attended Chico State College majoring in Business Administration with minors in Economics and Physical Education. He played four years on the Wildcat basketball team and was a member of the Far Western Conference Championship tennis team his junior year!
Bob began his career in education in 1972 as a business teacher/basketball coach at Central Valley High School. Six years later he transferred to Shasta High School where he assumed the same duties for the next eight years. In 1986, after earning his Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential, he became the Work Experience/ROP Coordinator in the Shasta Union High School District Office. Later Bob would become the Director of Career and Technical Education and Special Projects for the district until his retirement in 2006. During eight of those years, in addition to his above duties, Bob also served as Co-Director of a federally funded School to Career grant for Shasta, Tehama and Trinity Counties.
He remains active in retirement having served as a Special Consultant for Shasta College developing articulation agreements and establishing dual enrollment classes in CTE between local high schools and Shasta College. He currently serves as Sponsorship Co-Chair for the Nor Cal Retired Coaches Association in addition to his role as a Board member for College and Career Options. He remains passionate about advocating for and promoting programs that offer relevant educational opportunities that equip them with the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and their chosen career.
Bob is happily married to his college sweetheart and bride of 52 years, Jann, who is a Redding native and descendant of a pioneer family. Together they have two loving and beautiful daughters, Lyndsey and Lauren, and are the proud grandparents of Macray, 21; Katelyn, 8; and Makenna, 5.
Laura Gerhard is the Vice President of Blue Diamond’s Global Ingredients and International Branded businesses. Laura leads the day-to-day operations providing strategic leadership for the world’s largest processor and marker of almonds, overseeing international market expansion and driving innovation ingredient expertise. She is responsible for accelerating growth across the product portfolio, which includes Blue Diamond branded products and a growing array of almond-based ingredients such as almond protein powder, almond butter, and flavored almonds. Laura began her career with Blue Diamond Growers in 2017 as Director, Strategy and Planning with Global Ingredients where she has driven business growth, developed a strong team and organized strategic planning. In 2020 Laura’s role was expanded as she assumed responsibility for Global Ingredient Division Marketing. Laura was promoted to lead the Global Ingredient Division in 2021.
Laura has worked in food and agriculture for over 25 years. Prior to her tenure at Blue Diamond, Laura held various leadership positions at Cargill where she gained rich experience in global commodity trading, demonstrated a commitment to product innovation, customer development, and strategic planning. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Finance from Saint Olaf College and a master’s degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University. Laura is also actively engaged on industry committees and boards, further showcasing her dedication to advancing the agriculture and food sectors.