Steve is a retired career executive appointee giving 31 years of service with the State of California Department of Corrections. During that service he was extensively involved with all remote fire camps in the training and deployment of inmate firefighters, providing medical services, education and vocational training, logistics and of course rehabilitation.
He’s managed annual budgets of over $200million, along with 1,600 staff, 900 sworn peace officers and 6,500+ inmates at several major state prisons throughout CA. Working with Legislators, State/Federal Courts, Cal Fire, Orange County Fire, and LA County Fire. In addition, numerous County/City governments, and many of the most effective Nonprofits.
The Fire programs he managed were responsible for millions of man hours of fuels reduction, firefighting, flood response, along with natural disaster dispatches at hundreds of large incidents statewide.
David Ball
Community Relations Director
David is an Oakland native and graduate of Arizona Institute of Drafting, & Cogswell College For Engineers.
As a 30 year licensed contractor, he has worked in both private & public sectors on crucial infrastructure projects working with PG&E, Oakland’s Public Schools and the Oakland Housing Authority. His passion for community extends far beyond his profession, particularly in low-to-moderate income communities.
He’s a dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, an organization focused on advancing the social, economic, health, and educational progress of low-to-moderate income communities, mirroring our mission at SERVE.
David’s extensive relationships and experience, position him as a bridge between SERVE, municipalities, and other stakeholders. His understanding of local government bureaucracies allows him to navigate these systems effectively, fostering collaboration, ultimately advancing our mission critical objectives.
Sheila Mariani
Supportive Programs Director
Sheila brings over 37 years in the Title, Real Estate, and Construction sectors, She’s held key roles such as President, Sales Manager, and Project Manager some with Fortune 500 Companies. Her career is characterized by a commitment to innovative solutions and effective team leadership, consistently driving projects to success.
Her personal experiences have significantly shaped my professional outlook. For 32 years, her father was incarcerated, and she spent many weekends visiting him. These visits taught her resilience and the importance of connection, influencing her approach to leadership and community engagement.
As a board member of SERVE, she leverages her background to support children of incarcerated parents. Her goal is to provide guidance and resources to help them navigate their unique challenges. She is dedicated to using her professional skills and personal experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she touches.
Hector Lozano
Outreach Director
Hector has an extended history serving in various capacities in state and local government, non-profit organizations and various faith-based initiatives.
He served as a Subject Matter Expert on evidence based in-custody drug and alcohol treatment strategies with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation training throughout California, the U.S. and abroad. He subsequently served as National Director of Celebrate Recovery, a prison faith-based initiative at Saddleback Church for many years.
His experience in local government includes various boards and commissions and currently serves as a Calaveras County Planning Commissioner.
He currently lives in Copperopolis, California with his wife of 30 years. They have 5 children and 5 grandchildren.
Mike Clemensen
Housing Director
Mike comes from a family with an extensive background in construction, bringing over 35 years of experience to the table. After earning his Business Administration degree at Purdue University, he began his career as a residential contractor in 1986. Leveraging his expertise, he joined Kaiser Permanente’s Capital Projects Facilities Construction team in 2012, managing large-scale healthcare facility construction projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
In his current role as Construction Manager for the Diablo Service Area, he leads a team of over 120 professionals overseeing projects across multiple hospitals and medical office buildings. His experience encompasses managing annual budgets exceeding $90 million, overseeing project timelines and scopes, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring adherence to regulations.
He is deeply committed to applying his extensive construction experience to support SERVE’s mission of providing safe and affordable housing for our communities.
Program Advisors
Nore Bluitt
Supportive Housing
Nore Bluitt is a dynamic Oakland native and a dedicated single mother of two daughters who is driven by a relentless pursuit of her goals. As a successful gym owner and fitness professional, her passion for wellness and community opened doors to incredible connections, eventually inspiring her to launch a supportive housing business in 2019.
Deeply committed to the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, Nore has built strong partnerships with case managers and directors of numerous organizations throughout Alameda County. Her unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit make her a true force for positive change in her community.
Stuart Wright
Programs Support
Stuart is a passionate advocate for a World of Wellness, dedicated to addressing the pressing mental health crisis through innovative solutions. With over 40 years of experience in residential housing and a deep understanding of financial literacy, his unique perspective and open-book approach to knowledge sharing, position him as a valuable asset to any community.
His commitment to creating a supportive and safe communities aligns perfectly with SERVE’s mission. Stuart’s expertise in housing, coupled with his innovative thinking, will help significantly develop sustainable solutions addressing the interconnected issues of housing, education, and community safety.
His ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, combined with his proven track record in the field of housing, makes him a valuable addition to the advisory board.
Wendell El-Amin James
Supportive Housing
Wendell was born into a family of 6 boys all raised in San Francisco. He is currently the Founder & Director of Multicultural Metamorphosis, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide supportive services for formerly incarcerated men desiring to successfully re-enter into society
His passion of starting his non-profit began in 1987 when he was wrongly convicted of a crime and was eventually released in 2015 after serving 27 years, 9-nine months in state prison. During his incarceration he started an inter-faith group focused on motivational development, cognitive behavioral change support, and life skills, ultimately developing a business plan supporting former inmates transitioning from prison to becoming contributing members of society. His plan includes Transitional Housing, Employment Skills, Parenting Skills, Coping Skills, Support Circle Groups, and Re-Entry Resource Navigation
Following an interview by the Bay Area Video Coalition, a public television show, he was asked to host his own show called “The Wendell El-Amin James Show” interviewing ex-offenders on their challenges and successes of reentry. We are extremely honored and proud to have Wendell’s advice and support in helping achieve SERVE’s vision.
Natasha Knighton
Shared Housing
Natasha, is an extremely dedicated mother and CEO of several group homes. She’s worked tirelessly to build a career that uplifts and supports those who need it most. From her early days as a nursing assistant, she discovered a deep passion for caring for others. In 2014, she took a leap of faith and transitioned into managing supportive group homes for individuals with mental health challenges, and she’s been dedicated to this mission ever since.
Coming from a community where opportunities weren’t always abundant, She understands the importance of giving back and helping others find their path. Her life’s work is about more than just providing a roof over someone’s head—it’s about showing people that no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through, there is always hope and a way forward. She is driven by the belief that within each person is a light that, with the right support and care, can shine brightly.
