barbara J. Brown
Executive Director
Barbara became Executive Director of LITA in August 2020 after serving for nine years as Head of School at The Marin School in San Rafael. Barbara was a leader in nonprofit K-12 schools and colleges for over 30 years. She now uses her experience in program development, strategic planning, financial management, community relations, fund-raising and board development in her work at LITA
Barbara has a master's degree in education from Stanford University and a doctorate in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Barbara is interested in the experience of older adults, issues around aging, and research about longevity. Barbara brings warmth and vitality to the Marin community.
david knepler
Director of Volunteers
David joined LITA in November 2022 as Director of Volunteers. With his Certificate in Applied Gerontology and Residential Care Administrator’s License, David has worked in Senior Communities for 18 years, as well as been a Board Member of the Alzheimer’s Association and West Marin Senior Services. He has also led Alzheimer’s Support Groups, and been an Executive Board member of the Marin Interfaith Council.
David has lived in West Marin for over 30 years, and spends his free time with his wife, two adult daughters, two middle aged cats, and three book clubs, all while following the Bay Area sports teams. He also volunteers with the Suicide Prevention Hot Line, and is a co-founder of Congregation Gan HaLev and the San Geronimo Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving.
Robert Thomure
Bridging thru Music Coordinator
Robert joined LITA in July 2018, after many years as an audio director, sound designer and composer for film, games, broadcast, educational media, and interactive exhibits. One of his favorite projects was doing the soundtrack for “Swimmer’s Ear: A Journey to the Deaflympics”, an inspiring documentary film about a 15 year old deaf swimmer from South Central LA on her quest to reach the Deaflympics (see movie trailer at Audiosourcery.com bottom of page).
He is currently a guitar and ukulele instructor in the Forte music program at Marin Country Day School in Corte Madera, and he provides private music lessons and music production services in his Mill Valley studio. He plays classical guitar as well as many other styles, and loves working with kids and adults of all ages.
KITTY WALKER
BRIDGING GENERATIONS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Kitty Walker is a devoted wife and mother, and is deeply engaged in her community. With over 15 years of professional executive assistant experience, she is coordinating Bridging Generations and other youth programs. In these programs she is uniting students with older adults in Marin for heartfelt visits throughout the school year.
Kitty's mission is clear: to enhance the quality of life for older adults by providing companionship and fostering friendships that combat social isolation and loneliness. Her efforts also aim to raise awareness of the unique needs of older adults in Marin County, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
When not championing her cause, Kitty remains actively involved in LITA as a volunteer with her dog, as well with her children's schools, participating in parent-teacher associations. She's a dedicated member of her neighborhood community, always ready to lend a helping hand, organize local gatherings, and share her warm and friendly presence. Kitty Walker is a true advocate for connection and compassion, brightening the lives of those around her.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REED McCLINTOCK Board of Directors Chair, Executive Committee Chair. As owner of a commercial property firm in Greenbrae, Reed has been very active in the Marin community. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and past President of the Rotary Club of Central Marin.
WILLIAM STRAWBRIDGE Board of Directors Vice Chair, Executive Committee Officer, Fundraising Committee, Marketing/Communications Committee. An Epidemiologist, Dr. Strawbridge is an Adjunct Professor with the Institute for Health & Aging at UCSF focusing on how the health of spouses impacts the health of their partners and on hearing health care for older persons. He previously worked as Project Director for the Alameda County Study which pioneered studies on the importance of social connections for health and wellbeing.
BRIAN FINNEGAN Treasurer, Executive Committee Officer, Finance Committee Chair. Brian is a partner in the Accounting & Advisory Firm, BPM LLP, and he serves as LITA’s Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair. Outside of work and board responsibilities, Brian enjoys coaching each of his 3 children in softball, basketball and soccer.
CATHERIN A. SCHWEMM Secretary, Executive Committee Officer. Cathy joined the board in 2017 after moving to Marin County from Southern California. Cathy's interest in senior care developed from experience as a nurses' aide at several care centers during high school, and in later years helping to care for her elderly grandparents and then parents.
JENAY SOUTHWICK COTTRELL, Finance Committee, currently serves as Program Manager of the Marin Area Agency on Aging within Marin County's Health and Human Services Department. She has more than 12 years of experience working in services for older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers. Jenay began working in older adult services after a career in public relations, and corporate communications management, and consulting. As a former executive director of LITA, she has served on LITA's board at different times since 2009 for a combined total of nine years.
ERIK FLATT has been a board member since August 2016 (with a brief hiatus from 2020-2021 due to the pandemic). Erik has spent over thirty years working in Senior Living facilities and is the owner of Three Home Village, a board and care home in San Rafael. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Marin Senior Information Fair. He lives in Tam Valley with his wife and two kids
CATHY SEDLOCK Marketing/Communications Committee. Cathy’s second grade classes volunteered for LITA’s Bridging Generations program for 15 years before her retirement, after 29 years of service at Mark Day School. She was honored to join LITA’s board in 2014 to share her perspectives as an educator and volunteer.
RENEE SHAPIRO Party a la Heart Committee Chair. A board member since 2019 and long time Marin county resident, she helps bring community awareness and support to LITA’s invaluable programs and events.
JOE SIMMONS Fundraising Committee Point Person, Marketing/Communications Committee. After retiring from a career of over thirty years in financing low income housing across the country, Joe looked for ways to help underserved populations in Marin. Joining the LITA Board in 2017 proved to be just such an opportunity!