Our Team

Jeff Ahlers initially joined La Tortilla Factory as a Board Member in 2013 and was immediately captivated by the company’s values and culture. A year later, he accepted the opportunity to take on the role of President and CEO.

Jeff has worked in the food industry for over 30 years, embracing an entrepreneurial approach to cultivate business success and build strong relationships. Jeff and his wife, Kelly, have been active with many non-profit organizations over the years including Courage Worldwide and locally in fostering youth and adoption advocacy. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and keeping fit. He has two grown sons, three young children and one grandson.

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.

Matt Brewer was born and raised in Sonoma County, and graduated from Sonoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. Matt is a certified public accountant and works for Pisenti & Brinker where he is a manager in taxation and assurance services. Matt provides corporate, partnership and individual tax planning and compliance services and oversees audit, review and compilation engagements. Matt married the love of his life, Chloe, in 2010. When he is not working and volunteering, he keeps busy raising his three children.

Gerard Giudice is the owner of Sally Tomatoes Catering and Event Company in Rohnert Park. Born in the Bronx, Gerard is proud to call Rohnert Park home, and is a proud member of the Rohnert Park Cotati Rotary Club and the Rohnert Park Planning Commission. He also serves as a board member for the Sonoma State Athletic Association. Gerard is married to Suzanne Knauer-Giudice and has two inspiring daughters, Katarina, 2 and Isabella, 18.

Cynthia Negri has been with Redwood Credit Union since 1997. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the operational functions of the institution, including branch operations, wealth management, marketing and communications, member experience, and project management. During her tenure, Redwood Credit Union has grown from a $300-million institution to a credit union that’s the 8^th largest in California with over $4.9 billion in assets. An advocate of high service standards, Cynthia keeps the credit union focused on supporting its members and communities to help them succeed financially and achieve their dreams. She holds bachelors degrees in accounting and finance from San Francisco State University.

Ted Patchet is a Client Executive at Alight Solutions, a benefits administration and cloud-based HR services provider. He has expertise in strategic business planning and has led clients through a wide variety of projects across the HR landscape over the past 24 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master of Arts in Sports and Fitness Management from the University of San Francisco.

Ted lives in Petaluma with his wife Patience and their two teenage sons, Gavin and Colin. He is the Secretary for the Northern California Chapter of US Lacrosse. Other organizations that Ted has served previously include Petaluma Youth Lacrosse, the Marin Cricket Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts-Rhode Island and Boys Scout of America. In his down time, Ted enjoys playing golf, visiting new craft breweries and relaxing with his 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.