Each member of our team brings unique skills and a shared vision for a Sonoma Valley where everyone has a place to call home.

Get to know the people behind Homeless Action Sonoma who work every day to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Whittaker – Chairman of the Board

James Whittaker serves as the Chairperson of the HAS Board of Directors. In this role he has led efforts to develop plans and budgets for the organization, and write grant applications to the City, County and local philanthropic groups.  He previously served as a board member and board chair for Path Forward, a large homeless services organization in Arlington, Virginia, and has served on 6 other nonprofit boards. He was a co-founder of Marasco Newton Group, a management and IT consulting firm, and was Sr. Vice President at SRA International. He is a father of three adult children and lives with his partner and two young dogs in the town of Sonoma.

William Stafford – Vice President

As a new Board Member of the Homeless Action Sonoma I am eagerly looking forward to helping HAS reach its goals of helping our clients and community move forward. My life work was dedicated to the safety and health of workers and communities throughout California. My career stops included State Compensation Insurance Fund, TransAmerica, and American International Group. My last stop was 14 years as Director of Risk Management for the Golden Gate Bridge District, where I oversaw the environmental and occupational safety of the Bridge, Bus and Ferry employees and customers. Employee and Client Safety and Health will continue to be my passion as a member of the HAS Board.

Barry Tanis – Treasurer

Barry manages the financial health of Homeless Action Sonoma, overseeing budgets, grants, and fundraising initiatives. With extensive experience in non-profit finance, Barry ensures that all resources are used efficiently and effectively to support HAS’s mission. Transparency and fiscal responsibility are at the core of Barry’s work, ensuring HAS remains financially sustainable for years to come.

Patrick Favale– Secretary

As Secretary of HAS, Patrick  handles all organizational documentation, communications, and ensures that board meetings are conducted smoothly. Patrick is essential to maintaining the structure and efficiency of Homeless Action Sonoma, helping to keep everyone on the same page as we work toward ending homelessness in Sonoma Valley.

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ted Nordquist – Executive Director

As Executive Director of Homeless Action Sonoma, Ted brings years of experience in non-profit management and a deep passion for addressing homelessness. Ted oversees all of HAS’s operations, including program development, fundraising, and community outreach. With a focus on innovation and integration, Ted is dedicated to expanding HAS’s impact in Sonoma Valley and developing long-term housing solutions

Marie Kohler- Director of Operations

As the Program Manager, Marie oversees all of HAS’s programs, ensuring they run smoothly and meet the needs of the homeless community. Marie coordinates with volunteers, service providers, and community partners to deliver critical services like housing assistance, health care referrals, and job placement. Marie manages the daily operations of our emergency shelter, providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families in crisis. Marie works closely with clients, helping them access supportive services and take their first steps toward housing stability.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

At Homeless Action Sonoma, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and energy to support our mission. Every month, we like to highlight one of our incredible volunteers who has gone above and beyond.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?

We are always looking for motivated individuals to join our team, whether through employment, board membership, or volunteering.

WHY IS OUR TEAM DIFFERENT

The strength of Homeless Action Sonoma lies in the diversity and commitment of our team. Our leadership, board members, staff, and volunteers all share a common goal: to create long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness. Each team member brings unique perspectives and skills, ensuring that we tackle homelessness from every angle. Together, we are building a stronger Sonoma Valley—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Interested in learning more about our team or how you can get involved? Reach out to us at:

  • Email: info@hassonoma.org
  • Phone: (707) 991-0496
  • Address: 18820 Highway 12, Sonoma, CA 95476