The Wooden Floor Expands Board Of Directors With Addition Of Three New Members

About Jehan N. Jayakumar

Jehan N. Jayakumar is a Founding Partner of Carlson & Jayakumar LLP, where he practices all aspects of employment law, healthcare law, and related litigation. Jayakumar deals extensively with general employment issues, as well as employment and corporate issues affecting the healthcare industry with experience in matters involving race discrimination, sexual harassment claims, wage-and-hour claims, wrongful termination claims, business litigation, and representation before administrative agencies. In addition, Jayakumar regularly advises clients on contractual matters affecting employee compensation.

Jayakumar is a member of the Orange Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, and the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys. He received his J.D. in 2002 from the University of California, Davis, School of Law. Jayakumar received his B.A. degree from the University of California, Irvine in 1999.

“I am honored and grateful to serve on the Board of Directors of The Wooden Floor. The organization provides meaningful opportunities for under-served youth to gain self-esteem, explore creative expression, and set constructive, tangible goals to achieve lasting success in life,” states Mr. Jayakumar.

About Meg Lehmann

Meg Lehmann is the Vice President and Managing Director at Gochnauer Foundation, a family run foundation that primarily supports organizations and programs that promote spiritual, medical, cultural, and educational growth or provide essential services. In addition, as the owner and photographer at Mary Elizabeth Photography, Lehmann had the unique opportunity to partner with nonprofits to utilize her photography skills, fundraising knowledge, and experience in marketing to increase their fundraising initiatives through sponsorship, TV appearances, events, and photography exhibits.

Lehmann also serves on Art With Impact’s Board of Directors and is chair of the fundraising committee. Art With Impact (AWI) is an organization that aims to promote mental wellness by creating space for young people to learn and connect through art and media. In addition to AWI, Lehmann is also on the Board of the Carroll College Anthrozoology Program (ANZ) in Helena, Montana, where she has overseen growth from the conception process to it becoming the only undergraduate degree of anthrozoology in the nation. Lehmann is also on the Advisory Board at Equest, a Texas-based organization that brings hope and healing to children and adults through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

“The effects that The Wooden Floor has on its students goes far beyond the dance studio. Through dance and movement, these children develop confidence, improve their academics, learn effective coping mechanisms, and have opportunities to continue their education in college. It’s an honor to be a part of such an innovative and transformative organization,” states Ms. Lehmann.

About Dale A. Merrill

Dale A. Merrill serves as Dean of the College of Arts at Cal State Fullerton with prior experience as Dean of the College of Performing Arts at Chapman University, where he was instrumental in forming the college under his tenure. Under Merrill’s leadership at Chapman, the college spearheaded the new screen acting BFA, a collaborative degree offered with the College of Film and Media Arts, the first accreditation of self-studies with both departments of dance and theatre, and the creation of the President’s Piano Series through a sponsorship with Kawai Pianos. Merrill was also instrumental in securing a $2 million endowment to create the Henri Temianka Endowed Professorship and Scholarship in string studies, and creating a fundraising guild for Opera Chapman, which raises $50,000 annually.

Merrill received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet from the University of Utah and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of Washington. He has over 20 years of choreographic credits and has taught for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Backhausdance; Anaheim Ballet; Cornish College of the Arts; University of Washington; University of California, Irvine; University of Montana; The Wooden Floor; Washington Contemporary Ballet; Ballet Bellevue; Montana Dance Arts Association; Black Hills Dance Association; and The American College Dance Festival.

“I have been involved with this organization for over 17 years in many different capacities—now serving as board member I am excited about sharing my experience in higher education with an organization that helps so many young people achieve their dreams of going to college,” states Mr. Merrill, “I have seen firsthand the impact The Wooden Floor has had on families and our community—the outcome is amazing.” 

The Wooden Floor 2018-2019 Board of Directors

Arthur Ong, * Chairman

Executive Vice President,

Deputy General Counsel

PIMCO

Saar Swartzon, * Vice Chairman

Principal Attorney,

Cohn & Swartzon, a Professional Law Corporation

Judith F. Posnikoff, Ph.D., * Treasurer

Managing Director,

Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company, LLC

Epiphany Owen, * Secretary

Partner,

Best Best & Krieger, LLP

Theresa Allen, *

Managing Director and Portfolio Manager,

First Republic Private Wealth Management

Sasha Ayloush,

Director of Sales and Marketing,

Hydraflow

Falon Baltzell, MFA

Artistic Director,

The Wooden Floor

Joseph Chatelle,

Principal,

Mercer

Michelle Dean, *

Community Leader

Bryan Green,

Financial Advisor,

Edward Jones

Jehan Jayakumar,

Founding Partner,

Carlson & Jayakumar, LLP

Jeremy Krout,

President/CEO,

Environmental Planning Development Solutions, Inc.

Meg Lehmann,

Vice President and Managing Director,

The Gochnauer Foundation

Iris Lopez-Guevara, Parent Representative

Community Leader

Catherine M. MacIver,

Community Leader

Dale A. Merrill,

Dean, College of the Arts,

California State University, Fullerton

Alix Portillo, Alumni Representative

Compliance Specialist,

Opus Bank

Dawn S. Reese, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer,

The Wooden Floor

Rossi Tassev, Parent Representative

Community Leader

Mary E. Tolar,

Vice President and Senior Strategic Program Manager, American Funds/Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Ernesto M. Vasquez, FAIA, NCARB

Partner & CEO

SVA Architects, Inc.

BOARD EMERITI

Joan Beall

Community Leader

Beth A. Burns

Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05)

Sharon Hartshorn

Community Leader

Richard C. Hunsaker

President,

Hunsaker Management

Virginia Hunsaker

Community Leader

Damien M. Jordan, *

General Manager, Retired,

American Funds/Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Yvonne M. Jordan,

Community Leader

*Executive Committee Members