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.

Jared Cooley is the Director of Leasing/Financing for Hansel Leasing, a local company focused on providing equipment leasing across the US including the local Sonoma County wine industry.

Born and raised in Northern, CA, Jared spent 15 years in the commercial banking industry after receiving his BA from University Nevada Las Vegas and MBA from California State University Sacramento.

Jared spends his time outside the office with his wife and 3 young children supporting their interest in sports and his interest in cycling/mountain biking.

Heather Nelson-Tapia is the Business Development Manager for Encore Events Rentals, 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 three, 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.