Our Team

Susan Barnes is the owner of Barnes & Company, an award-winning strategic consulting firm specializing in the areas of land planning, land use approval, communications, public outreach and strategic communications. Susan works throughout Northern California in a wide spectrum of businesses, industries and nonprofits. Susan earned both a B.A. Political Science and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. Susan has over 30 years of experience in dealing with federal, state, county and local government providing public affairs, land use, public outreach and media services.

Peggy Clark is the Chief Nurse Executive at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. She has been a registered nurse for over 20 years, earning her BSN from the University of Washington. She holds an MBA from Seattle University and is certified in both Healthcare Risk Management as well as Healthcare Quality. Peggy lives in Santa Rosa with her husband and daughter. She is a member of the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association and spends her free time enjoying nature in one of the many beautiful parks in Sonoma County or in her garden, playing with the bees.

Heather Nelson-Tapia is the Business Development Manager for Entire Productions, with over 20 years of sales and management experience in the hospitality and events industry. A dedicated volunteer, Heather has served on committees for the Sutter Health Catwalk for a Cure Event, Redwood Empire Food Bank, American Heart Association’s Go Red Event, and Lytton Springs 4H. She is a member of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Leadership Santa Rosa Program, Class 36, and a facilitator in the Be Better Platform, a networking and professional development group. She served 8 years on the ILEA Napa Sonoma Board, including 2 years as the President.

Heather is a mother of four, a lover of good food and wine, and an 80s enthusiast. She can often be found supporting local restaurants and wineries while connecting with colleagues, friends, and family.

Mark Stapp is a Director of Development at Sonoma State University, where he assists with resource development and community engagement. Mark’s work experience also includes roles at the San Francisco Zoo, Paradigm HealthCare Services, and Logistics.com. In addition to serving on SAY’s board, Mark currently serves on Santa Rosa’s Measure O committee, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Foundation board, and the board of the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County. Mark earned a B.A. in Religion from Williams College and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Chicago. Mark and his wife, Viviann, live up the street from the Dream Center and enjoy walks in Annadel.

Tina Wallis practices land use and environmental law, with the Law Offices of Tina Wallis, Inc. The firm advises private and public clients on all aspects of land use, such as general plan updates, zoning code updates, compliance with California’s Environmental Quality Act, land use entitlements for residential and commercial projects, conservation easements, and many other natural resource issues.

Outside of her work, Ms. Wallis can be found swimming, cycling, or walking her very bossy dog.