Elaine Cohen, former educator, elected as chair

Redwood City, CA — Gatepath, a nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 98 years, announced the appointments of a new Executive Committee to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring to the organization an array of professional expertise in the areas of finance, education, health, law, and operations.

“Our board members who also serve on the executive committee add incredible value in shaping our strategy,” said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider. “I look forward to working with each of these committee members as we steer Gatepath into our 100^th anniversary year in 2020 and beyond.”

Elaine Cohen (Chair of the Executive Committee) joined Gatepath’s Board in 2013 and has served on the Development Committee, as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and as Vice Chair, in addition to holding leadership positions with the Gatepath Auxiliary.

Elaine holds an Ed.D. in Education from the University of San Francisco, and her professional experience includes teaching, research, and administration at all levels of education. She’s a proven leader of numerous community groups, including Notre Dame de Namur University, Mission Hospice of San Mateo County, Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, University of Pennsylvania, Hillsborough Schools Foundation, Phi Delta Kappa Chapter at College of Notre Dame, San Mateo County Medical Auxiliary, AAUW, ABWA, and San Francisco Symphony Upper Peninsula League.

“Working with Elaine over the years, I’ve always been impressed by her intelligence, resourcefulness, integrity, and work ethic,” said Neider. “She’ll make an outstanding Chair and be a very strong advocate of Gatepath’s mission.”

Other new appointees to Gatepath’s Executive Committee to the Board are:

• Linda Leao (Vice Chair) provides a unique voice and perspective to the Board through her extensive experience working with nonprofits, including Community Service League and Family Service League. Linda joined Gatepath’s Board in 2014 and has served as Co-Chair of the Development Committee and as Secretary.
• Steve Eskenazi (Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee) – Prior to becoming an angel investor, Steve was a Managing Partner with Walden Venture Capital, where he was responsible for building the firm’s digital media and technology practice. Steve also worked at Alex. Brown & Sons as a Managing Director and founded Alex. Brown’s New Media Group. He joined Gatepath’s Board in 2017 and has served as Vice Chair of the Nominating Committee.
• Matt Edling (Secretary) – A partner and co-founder of Sher Edling, LLP, Matt represents public agencies in water contamination cases. He also litigates other high-impact and high-value environmental cases on behalf of cities and other agencies, as well as affected businesses. Matt was named one of the top fifty California attorneys with less than ten years of practice and has the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing both his legal ability and ethical standards. Matt joined Gatepath’s Board in 2014 and has served as Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer.
• Todd Gemmer (Chair of Development Committee) – A financial advisor since 2001, Todd coordinates comprehensive wealth management strategies for individual and corporate investors, including financial planning, asset allocation strategies, fixed income, 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. He is a past board member of Support for Families of Children with Disabilities and the Burlingame Rotary Club. Todd joined Gatepath’s Board in 2011 and has served as Co-Chair of the Development Committee.
• Paul Regan (EX OFFICIO Immediate Past Chair) joined Gatepath’s Board in 2012 and has served as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, Chair of the Real Estate Subcommittee, and Chair. Paul served on the Hillsborough School Board for 10 years, including two terms as President, and on Hillsborough’s City Council for 12 years, including a term as Mayor. He now serves on the Board of the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley – Santa Clara University, as well as on the Board and Executive Committee of Catholic Charities of San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. He is a past Chair of the California Society of CPAs and is the Chair of Hemming Morse, LLP CPAs, Forensic and Financial Consultants.

In other Board news, Gatepath announced that Gayle Youlden, the newly appointed President of the Gatepath Auxiliary, joined the Board as the Gatepath Auxiliary liaison. She will serve a one-year term and is the successor of Cathy Nessier. The Board also recognized outgoing Board member Scott Atkinson for his dedication to Gatepath. Scott was involved with various Board committees between 2011 and 2018. His service includes chairing a subcommittee on new business, providing legal advice to the organization, and serving as an ambassador for the Giving Tuesday campaign.

About Gatepath:

For more than 98 years, Gatepath has been one of the premier nonprofits in Silicon Valley, providing inclusive programs for people with special needs at all stages and ages. These programs enable Gatepath to create opportunities of greater independence for children, youth, and adults with special needs and disabilities, empowering both individuals and families through diverse, individualized education and support services. Our dedicated staff encourage physical, developmental, and social well-being at all levels, including early intervention and therapy for children, inclusive preschools, support services for families, social communication programs for youth, vocational training for adults, and employment placement.