Leadership and Board

Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. This group of people provides long-term planning, oversees the Executive Director, and makes major policy and financial decisions as required by the Lanterman Act and the contract with the Department of Developmental Services.

Daily operations are managed by GGRC’s Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, and five department directors. Together with the Executive Director’s administrative assistant, these seven individuals form GGRC’s Management Advisory Committee (MAC).

Executive Team

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Eric Zigman 

Executive Director

Since May 2016, Eric has served as the Executive Director of Golden Gate Regional Center. He has worked in service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 37 years including executive and senior management positions in human service agencies in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. He also consulted on dozens of projects for service providers and regional centers in these same areas of central California. Prior to GGRC, Eric served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco from 2013 -2016.

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Amanda Pyle (She/Her)

Associate Executive Director

Amanda became GGRC’s first Associate Executive Director in 2025. She joined GGRC in 2017 as Director of Community Services, focusing on the final year of Sonoma Developmental Center closure and the related community services, while refocusing department efforts on developing new community services to meet more diverse needs throughout the community.

  • James Latin Self-Advocacy Memorial Award (2011) 
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Brenda Gonzales (She/Her) 

Intake Assessment, Early Start and Clinical Services Director

Brenda Gonzales joined GGRC as the Director of Intake Assessment, Early Start, and Clinical Services (IEC) in 2022. She is an alum of San Francisco State University, holds a License in Marriage and Family Therapy, and comes to GGRC with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health supportive services.

Throughout her career, Brenda has focused on early childhood mental health, complex case management, leadership, healthcare policy, and advocacy for behavioral health services. Her dedication lies in helping the communities that need maximum support access services. Her time at managed healthcare provided her with invaluable experience in managing and coordinating care for individuals with complex behavioral and physical health needs. She led teams related to clinical service, case management, and ABA services.

Ihsan Shagiwal  

Director, Human Resources and Organizational Services 

Ihsan serves as Director of Human Resources and Organizational Services at GGRC. His role works closely with leadership to strengthen organizational culture and develop systems that support staff in delivering high-quality, person-centered services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Ihsan’s work focuses on leadership development, performance management, HR policy development, and building effective teams that advance the organization’s mission. He has over 10 years of experience in human resources, including approximately eight years in the developmental disability service system. 

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Jayashree Nathaniel

Director, Regional Center Services

Jayashree was recently announced as GGRC’s new Director of Regional Center Services in March 2026. She previously served as Manager of Regional Center Services for GGRC’s San Mateo office for 12 years and has been part of the social work team at GGRC for 20 years.

Lop Hou

Chief Financial Officer 

Lop has worked in the Accounting and Finance field for over 35 years, of which 15 years were spent in Public Practice. Since 2014 Lop has worked within the California Regional Center System as Chief Financial Officer at GGRC.

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Sean Galvin

Director, Community Services

Sean is the Director of the Community Services Department at GGRC. He began working in the developmental disability service delivery system in 1999, and has extensive experience in regional center services, community resource development, employment services, housing development, and provider engagement. At GGRC, Sean previously served as Manager of the Community Services Unit and Interim Community Services Director, leading systemwide initiatives related to service development, policy implementation, and compliance.

Sean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Menlo College and a Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Other experience and awards:

  • GGRC Leadership Award – 1st recipient
  • Certified Person-Centered Thinking Trainer (The Learning Community)
  • National Certificate in Employment Services (ACRE Supported Employment)

Social Work Management Team

Elisha Prather

Manager, Early Start Services

Elisha is Manager of Early Start Services at GGRC. She has 15 years of experience as a social worker working in public schools, Early Start, and with the aging population of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Laura Wilson

Manager of Regional Center Services, Marin

Laura is Manager of Regional Center Services (RCS) for the GGRC Marin office. Throughout her time at GGRC, Laura has been a part of the RCS team in the Marin office providing case management services for the people GGRC serves, first as a social worker, followed by lead social worker and then supervisor, before becoming manager of the Marin team.

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Norman Manglona

Manager of Regional Center Services, San Francisco

Norman is Manager of Regional Center Services for the San Francisco office at GGRC. Previously, he held supervisor and social worker roles at GGRC, originally joining the agency in 2008. Prior to GGRC, Norman worked as a direct support professional in a variety of settings including day program, employment support, and residential services (Supported Living Services, Independent Living Skills, and a community care facility).

Rights Advocate

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Elizabeth Grigsby (She/Her)

Rights Advocate

Elizabeth is the Rights Advocate at GGRC, supporting self-advocacy efforts across Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. She has lifelong experience advocating about her own disability because she knows what she wants her life to be like and how she wants people to treat her – with respect and dignity. Anyone who knows Elizabeth knows that her disability does not define who she is.

Leadership Team Support

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Aria Alokozai

Executive Assistant

Aria is Executive Assistant at GGRC, supporting the Executive Director and Board of Directors’ operations. She is an administrative and operations professional with experience across nonprofit, healthcare, government, and international development sectors.

Board of Directors

GGRC’s Board of Directors is selected based on its bylaws and the diversity requirements in Section 4622 of the Lanterman Act. This approach ensures our board members best represent our community.

Photo of Jacy Cohen, GGRC Board Chairperson

Jacy Cohen

Chairperson

Jacy has over 40 years of experience working with GGRC as a service provider and community partner, including previously being a voting member of the GGRC Service Provider Advisory Committee. 

Professionally, Jacy worked in the developmental disabilities field for over 50 years. Her experience and roles included Teacher, Head Teacher, and Day Treatment Supervisor in addition to 42 years at The Arc San Francisco in several leadership roles including Director of Intake and Director of Strategic Partnerships. 

Jacy has also served on numerous community partner committees and councils including the Executive Committee of the SF Paratransit Coordinating Council, Dignity Fund Coalition, UCSF Developmental Disabilities Conference Planning Team, C2A Transition Workgroup, Liaison to the San Francisco Unified School District Secondary Transition Department (ACCESS), Community Alliance of Disability Advocates (CADA), and as a mayoral appointee to the San Francisco Long Term Care Coordinating Council.

Jacy brings a deep passion for the developmental disabilities field and GGRC’s mission to the Board. Her leadership of the Board of Directors is built upon her background in special education with both children and adults, strong community connections and networks across a diverse range of partners, extensive understanding of the California developmental disabilities system, and years of leadership experience including strategic planning, management, grant review and execution. 

Jacy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. Outside of work she likes to read and explore the outdoors. She especially enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and going to the gym. She also loves visiting friends and trying out new and old restaurants with them. 

“Serving on the GGRC Board allows me to fulfill both personal and professional aspirations I have for myself in my retirement years. I am fully committed to giving back to my community as an ambassador and advocate. I feel I can leverage my years of experience in the developmental disabilities field to effect positive impact.”

Photo of David DeLira, GGRC Board Vice Chairperson

David DeLira

Vice Chairperson

David is the parent of an individual who has received services from GGRC for the past 30 years. He currently works as an educator with the South San Francisco Unified School District, providing instruction in K-12 classrooms and special education settings. He has also provided in-home instruction to students outside of the classroom. Before becoming an educator, David was a Property Specialist for a number of insurance companies. 

As a parent and caregiver of a person with disabilities, understanding and experiencing the day-to day struggles and triumphs are the building blocks that enable him to thrive and share his perspectives with other parents who have sons and daughters with disabilities. 

David received a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Francisco State University. Outside of work, David enjoys cooking, hiking, and drinking a good glass of wine. 

“My primary reason for serving on the GGRC Board is to be an advocate for my son and other families with disabilities.” 

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Gita Gupta

Secretary

Gita Gupta (she/her) brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning technology, healthcare innovation, philanthropy, and nonprofit governance. She has been part of the Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) community for approximately 15 years as the parent of a child receiving Regional Center services, which has given her first-hand understanding of the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across the lifespan. 

Gita spent more than two decades in the technology industry, with leadership experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and venture-backed startups. Her responsibilities included technology and product strategy, global go-to-market execution, market development, and the launch and growth of enterprise technology businesses. She later led marketing and product strategy for several venture-backed startups, helping guide young companies through growth, market development, and acquisition. Her corporate career gives her experience operating across organizations of very different sizes and stages, from large global enterprises to early-stage companies. 

Today, Gita focuses much of her work on children’s health and disability. As co-founder and General Partner of NextStep Ventures, she directs philanthropic capital toward high-need areas of children’s health, with particular emphasis on AI-enabled healthcare and medical technology. 

As the parent of a medically complex, non-speaking autistic adult, Gita brings extensive lived experience navigating disability, healthcare, education, and support systems. She combines this perspective with a professional background in strategic planning, technology, organizational leadership, and data-driven decision-making. 

In addition to GGRC, Gita serves on the Board of the Foundation for Hearing Research and is active with The Autism Community in Action (TACA). She holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Rutgers University and an M.S. in Engineering from Purdue University. 

“I believe Regional Centers have an extraordinarily important mission. I am honored to bring both my lived experience and professional background to supporting GGRC and the people and families it serves.” 

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Michael Bernick

Treasurer

Michael is the parent of a son with autism. He has been active in the autism community since the early 1990s when his son was first diagnosed. Michael’s background is in the employment field, law and policy; and among other positions, he served for five years as Director of our California labor department, the Employment Development Department. Currently, Michael is an attorney, based in the financial district, with the international law firm of Duane Morris LLP.  

Michael’s focus as a board member is on employment strategies for adults with developmental differences. He is the facilitator of the Job Club sponsored by AASCEND, and an advisor to several job placement programs for adults with developmental differences in California. His books on autism employment include The Autism Job Club (2015), the Autism Full Employment Act (2021), and The Autism City (in progress). 

Photo of Kate O'Connor, GGRC Board Member and Service Provider Representative.

Kate O’Connor

Service Provider Representative

Kate (she/her) has served as Facilitator of the GGRC Service Provider Advisory Committee since 2024. Over the course of her 40-year career, Kate’s professional path has gone from The Arc in New York, to Lifehouse in San Rafael, and now to Cornerstone Community Homes, where she serves as Executive Director. Each chapter has shaped her approach to leadership, collaboration, and building organizations that truly support the people they exist to serve. Kate is someone who truly values the unique differences in every person and enjoys building meaningful connections with the individuals, families, and colleagues she works alongside each day. 

Other Board experience and awards: 

  • Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery Board 
  • Lifehouse Residential Opportunity Board 
  • Lifehouse Staff Recognition Award – 3x 

Kate holds a Master of Business Administration from Dominican University of California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. In her personal time, Kate values moments with her family, time with her pets, being in nature, music, the theater, and the simple joy of rest. 

“At the heart of my work is a simple mission: to make each day better for the people, families, and teams I have the privilege to serve.” 

Photo of Marta Guzman, GGRC Board Member and ARCA Board Delegate.

Marta Guzman

ARCA Board Delegate

Marta is a parent whose daughter has received GGRC services since 1990. In addition to working with GGRC, she has had the opportunity to be involved with many community programs through Support for Families and Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults (PARCA). Marta’s advocacy has also included working with the school board, parks and recreation department and city council in South San Francisco to increase access and inclusion. 

Marta’s education is in taxation and for 27 years she worked as Controller of a commercial laundry business in South San Francisco. She is now the owner of Royal SSF, a laundry and transportation company that serves hotels throughout San Francisco and San Jose. In her free time, Marta enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and gardening. 

“The reason I serve is to educate myself and then share with others to advocate for people who receive GGRC services. As a family, we need to prepare for a great future for our daughter.” 

Photo of Brindicy Alcaraz, GGRC Board Member.

Brindicy Alcaraz

Brindicy (she/her) has received services from GGRC since 2008. She has worked as an office assistant for the last 3 years and earned her Associates degree in Administrative Support. 

Awards: 

  • Employee of the Year at JVS 

Brindicy enjoys songwriting, reading books, and being out in the community during her spare time. 

“As someone with a disability, I would like to use my role on the GGRC Board to advocate for those similar to me.” 

Photo of Jane Diaz, GGRC Board Member.

Jane E. Diaz

Jane (she/her) has over 30 years of experience working with GGRC as the parent of a child, and now adult who receives services. Her professional experience includes over 52 years working as a Registered Nurse in school, clinic and hospital settings in Nicaragua and the United States. 

Jane brings her experience as a bilingual (Spanish and English) healthcare professional to the GGRC Board. She values being a powerful advocate for parents and those receiving regional center services, ensuring needed services and supports are in place.

Other Board and Organizational service and awards: 

  • Board member of The Arc of San Francisco (2018-2024) 
  • Hero of the Year Award at Kaiser Permanente 
  • Member of the Nicaraguan American Nursing Association (NANA) 
  • Volunteer at Clinic by the Bay, San Francisco 

Jane received her Registered Nursing degree from Escuela Nacional De Enfermeria in Nicaragua. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, spending time together with her daughter, and trying new recipes. 

“Serving as a GGRC Board Member, I bring with me my medical expertise and my lived experience to support individuals and their families, particularly those navigating seizures and related treatments. I will use my language skills to advocate for Spanish-speaking families that need help getting the resources they need.” 

Photo of Mariana Abballo, GGRC Board Member.

Mariana Abballo

Mariana (she/her) has been receiving services from GGRC since 2010. As someone who teaches self-advocacy to those with I/DD, she finds that it’s very important to not only be able to listen to what someone is saying, but also not be afraid to use your own voice. 

Other Board experience: 

  • Cedars Client Advisory Board 
  • Cedars Self-Advocacy Committee – Founding Member 
  • Best Buddies International – Local ambassador and friendship program 

In her free time, Mariana enjoys reading, sending happy mail, going to Best Buddies events, going for walks, and going to art museums in the city. 

“As someone who receives GGRC services for both day program and staff to help me live on my own, I want to be able to give my perspective and the perspectives of others to show that these services are so much more than just day program and staffing to help me live on my own. I want to help GGRC understand there’s much more than meets the eye.” 

Photo of Sharon Jones, GGRC Board Member.

Sharon Jones

Schedule of Meetings

The GGRC Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30pm to 8:00pm PT (except for the months of July, August and December). Please visit the GGRC News and Events page for calendar listings of GGRC Board meetings.

The following Board meetings are scheduled for Fiscal Year 2026-27:

DATELOCATION
September 15, 2026San Francisco Office & Zoom
October 20, 2026San Francisco Office & Zoom
November 17, 2026San Francisco Office & Zoom
January 19, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom
February 16, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom
March 16, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom
April 20, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom
May 18, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom
June 15, 2027San Francisco Office & Zoom

All Board meetings offer virtual Spanish interpretation. ASL interpretation is available virtually on screen in the GGRC Board room. Anyone interested in additional information regarding any of these meetings, interested in participating (via Zoom or in person) or needing additional language access support should contact Aria Alokozai at aalokozai@ggrc.org or 415-832-5792.

Board Committees

The following committees meet virtually via Zoom the first Tuesday of each month (however, there are no committee meetings in July, August or December).

3:00pm to 3:45pm Legislative Committee – This committee reviews policy proposals from the California State Legislature and works in conjunction with the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) to take positions and advocate on behalf of the interests of individuals served by GGRC and their families.

4:00pm to 4:30pm Finance Committee – This committee monitors budget expenditures, reviews fiscal information presented by the Executive Director and makes fiscal policy recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Finance Committee also assists in selecting an independent auditor and reports on audit findings to the Board of Directors.

4:30pm to 5:15pm Services Committee – This committee reviews services and policies as they relate to individuals served by GGRC and their families.

The Executive Committee meets on the Wednesday following the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm via Zoom. GGRC’s Executive Committee consists of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Board’s delegate to ARCA. The committee is responsible for considering policy and oversight issues that affect GGRC, coordinate activities of the various Board committees and make recommendations to the overall Board. This committee sets the agenda for each Board of Directors meeting.

The Service Provider Advisory Committee (SPAC) meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 11:00am to12:00pm via Zoom. SPAC meets to discuss and review state and local issues that impact service providers and those who use their services. SPAC designates two members as co-chairs, one of whom serves as a voting member of the GGRC Board. The voting member serves as a representative of the service provider community as a whole to provide advice, recommendations, guidance, and technical assistance to the GGRC Board. All GGRC service providers are welcome to attend SPAC meetings.

The Board Operations Committee meets as deemed necessary by the Chairperson of the committee and is primarily responsible for recruiting and recommending new members to the Board of Directors. In addition, the Committee is responsible for board training and regular review of the Board’s Bylaws.

The People’s Caucus meeting is currently being reorganized and has not yet set regular meeting times.

Please contact Aria Alokozai at aalokozai@ggrc.org or call 415-832-5792 to confirm meeting schedules.

Applying for Board Membership

The GGRC Board of Directors welcomes new applications. You may apply if you are:

  • An individual receiving GGRC services
  • A parent or family member of an individual receiving GGRC services
  • A member of the general public with an interest in serving those with developmental disabilities.

To serve on the Board, you must:

  • Work or reside in Marin, San Francisco or San Mateo county
  • Attend monthly Board meetings regularly
  • Actively participate in at least one Board Committee, which includes attending monthly Committee meetings
  • Complete a series of required trainings
  • Attend annual Board Retreats and other Board trainings

To apply for Board membership, email or mail a completed application to:

Aria Alokozai
Golden Gate Regional Center
1355 Market Street, Suite 220
San Francisco, CA 94103

Email: aalokozai@ggrc.org

Call: 415-832-5792

Record of Meetings

The Record of Meetings contains the agenda, meeting minutes and related handouts. Select a date below to access the Record for that meeting. Please contact GGRC if you would like to have Board materials translated into another language. 

Board Meetings are not held in July, August or December.