Board President
A lifelong Long Beach resident, Valerie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Education. She is a former teacher and longtime real estate professional who brings both community connections and board experience to Long Beach Organic. Valerie is honored to serve as Board President and support the mission of creating green, welcoming spaces.
Board Member
Hi, I’m David! Professionally, I work as a Software Support Analyst and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I’m excited to bring my technical background—as well as my experience in community management—to support the board. My goal is to help keep our systems running smoothly so we can better serve our community and grow our collective impact. I’m a passionate gardener and a big fan of our local pollinators. When I’m not out in the soil weeding, planting, or chatting with neighbors at the community garden, I’m probably off enjoying a free local event or camping somewhere peaceful. I care deeply about Land Back, sustainability, ecological restoration, and creating spaces for community education and connection. Whether it's through tech support or planting native species, I’m here to help nurture both the land and the people who care for it.
Board Member
Board Member
I am a Southern Californian native and a graduate of CSU Long Beach. Professionally, I have helped lead operations and support for growing tech companies for almost 20 years. Currently, I mix business and pleasure by playing in the dirt, helping to add autonomous GPS machine control solutions to heavy equipment for earthworks contractors. My love of the outdoors keeps me hiking, camping, surfing, and gardening whenever I can find the time. I am a father of two and an active scout leader for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. I work with them to teach respect for nature, community stewardship, and kindness through an adventure-filled curriculum. During the pandemic, I was lucky enough to get an LBO plot at Zaferia. I quickly offered to help gather scout volunteers, assist with programming, and start seeds for our annual plant extravaganza. An invitation to the board came, and I was honored to be a part of this great organization.
Board Member
My name is Auzzsa and I am a GIS Analyst in the world of environmental preservation. I love conservation and supporting local communities. My priorities are childhood education, community empowerment, and sustainability. When I’m not mapping or listening to youth orchestras, you can find me in the garden, hiking by water, or doing conservation work with friends!
Board Treasurer
Hyder comes to Long Beach Organic with a background in economic development, non profit program management, and impact investing. After studying economics and international relations at UC Davis Hyder took his interest in international development to the Peace Corps where he supported entrepreneurship education efforts in Nicaragua. Hyder is passionate about compost, circular economics, and promoting a healthy connection to the greater ecology. Hyder joined the board to support LBO's administrative and strategic development. In his capacity as treasurer, Hyder is responsible for overseeing the organization's budget and long term financial sustainability.
Board Member
Dr. John Walker began his medical journey in his native South Africa, where he worked in family medicine, emergency medicine, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. He moved to the U.S. as a clinical researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2000 and then did additional residencies at Case Western and USC. Dr. Walker is dedicated to taking a holistic approach to patient care, and this approach has given him many opportunities to guide people in healthy diets, wound care, weight loss, and general wellness. Dr. Walker believes that engaging with the outdoors is crucial to good health. An avid gardener, he is closely aligned with Charles Moore's (our founder) goal of ridding the groundwater of harmful additives before they harm the ocean. He believes that the filtration of water before it enters the ocean mitigates some of the toxins and harmful effects of mankind. He also wholeheartedly believes in healthy organic food and that food is medicine, and if one eats enough greens and vegetables, they can help prevent the need for pharmaceuticals.
Interim Garden Director
Hello! I received my bachelor's degree in Health Science from CSULB. I am the Garden Director of Long Beach Organic, overseeing garden maintenance and fostering a friendly relationship with our wonderful gardeners. Before being involved with LBO, I was very passionate about growing food in my home garden, so when I was offered the opportunity to assist the organization as their Interim Garden Director, I was happy to help. On a day-to-day basis, you can find me working at one of the many gardens, cleaning areas of the garden while also keeping an eye on my emails in case a gardener has questions or issues. I love meeting our gardeners and learning about what they have growing. When I come to work in the garden, everyone has a beautiful story to tell, and I am happy to listen.