Spokes Board Academy 2024

Michael Simkins, Ed.D.
Michael has been a member of several nonprofit boards and served as board secretary, treasurer, and president. His professional experience spans the education and nonprofit sectors from being a school principal in Los Osos and Cal Poly lecturer to CEO of a major Silicon Valley nonprofit. He is past president and current board secretary at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, president of his property owners association, a director and treasurer of SLO Skiers, Inc., and Spokes’ CEO. Michael received his B.A. degree from UC Santa Barbara and his masters and doctorate from UCLA.

Archie Torossian
Archie is Audit Director in the Not-for-Profit Service Group at Hood & Srong, LLP. He has over ten years experience working with nonprofit organizations including educational and religious organizations. He works closely with nonprofit executives and board members to ensure standards are maintained for financial reporting and internal controls. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. Archie holds a B.S. in Professional Accountancy from California State University, Northridge.

Loren Leidinger
Loren is currently the Outreach and Development Director at the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) and is the President of the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of SLO County. Prior to joining CAPSLO she was the Regional Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross Central California Region covering 10 counties for four years. Prior to taking on the lead fundraising role for the region, she was the Executive Director for the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Red Cross covering Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties for three years.  Prior to that she served as Vice President of Development for AIDS Foundation in Chicago.  In all of her roles, she has worked closely with board members in the areas of Fund Development, Board Governance, and Planning. She is also a board member for two nonprofit organizations.

Lynette Dunn
Lynette is a Risk Advisor at Morris & Garritano. A lifelong resident of Central California, Lynette graduated from Fresno Pacific University with an English and Psychology degree. Now a Central Coast resident for nearly 30 years, she has worked with clients in a range of territories from Ventura to Salinas. With strong ties in her community, Lynette takes pride in being a trusted advisor to friends and neighbors, ensuring they have the best protection and the coverage they need. Outside of work, Lynette volunteers with Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture, the Allan Hancock Boosters, Angels Foster Care and other nonprofit organizations.

Kristen Andersen
Kristen is an associate attorney with The Law Firm for Non-Profits providing a full range of legal services to nonprofit organizations. Her passion for working with nonprofit organizations began at a young age when she would volunteer at the local animal shelter. Ever since, she has assisted numerous nonprofits by donating her time and expertise in any way she can help. Kristen has a B.S. in Mathematics, a J.D. and an LL.M in Taxation Law. Kristen is a Certified Legal Specialist in Taxation law with the State Bar of California. As an attorney at The Law Firm for Non-Profits, Kristen loves that she can make assisting nonprofits her life’s work.