Biography
» Executive:
Geosef Joey Straza - President
Mr. Geosef Straza has more then a decade of leadership experience in the Aerospace Industry. A primary influence in his career has been his family, who have been active participants in the Aerospace Industry for over 50 years. A member of his family has been involved with every manned space program including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle missions.
In 1997, Mr. Straza founded Aerovision International, a global provider of honeycomb seals for the Aerospace and Industrial Gas Turbine Industry. Through this experience, he founded, CellTech Metals in 2005 which is focused on lightweight cellular structures for the Automotive Industry. Mr. Straza believes that this patented technology will transform automobiles to be lighter in weight and in turn have fewer emissions.
In 2007, Mr. Straza started VerTechs Enterprises. As President and CEO, he heads up a company which specializes in lightweight honeycomb and cellular structures for the Aerospace Industry. Additionally, to facilitate the R&D needs of his companies, Mr. Straza acquired Luchner Tool Engineering which has been the premiere tool and die shop in San Diego for 37 years.
Mr. Straza has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since its inception in 2006 and in January 2009 was elected as President of the HeadNorth’s board.
Mike Macie - Vice President
Mr. Mike Macie is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield where he provides his clients with a diverse knowledge of law, real estate and construction related disciplines. He has represented a number of noteworthy clients throughout the Western United States such as: Morgan Stanley, Texas Instruments, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, The County of San Diego, Nextel, Williams Communications, Klinedinst, Rockwell International and KLA Tencor.
Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Mr. Macie had a successful career at The Staubach Company where he was a top producer specializing exclusively in the representation of corporate tenants in a wide range of real estate related matters. Prior to joining Staubach, he was a litigation attorney in Orange County, California where he represented real estate developers in complex construction and real estate transaction matters throughout Southern California.
Mr. Macie received his Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1992. Prior to law school, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Business Administration from The University of San Diego.
Mr. Macie has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since its inception in 2006 and in January 2009 was elected as Vice President of HeadNorth’s board.
Robert P. Regnery - Treasurer
Mr. Robert P. Regnery is a Director as well as one of the founders of RPR Partners, LLP, a progressive CPA firm that specializes in providing tax consulting and tax advisory services in the areas of real estate and entrepreneurial business.
At RPR Partners, LLP, Mr. Regnery focuses his time and attention primarily on helping his real estate and entrepreneurial clients benefit from the ever-changing tax laws as well as help them create opportunities through his tax consulting and strategic planning services. His innovative ideas have enabled clients to reduce or defer taxes, while at the same time meet the economic and business/personal objectives of the client. Mr. Regnery is highly involved throughout the initial planning, implementation and closure phases of all of his clients' transactions.
Mr. Regnery is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis in Accounting. He also holds a Masters of Science in Taxation from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He is both a California and Illinois CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Regnery's professional activities include involvement in various organizations to help children including The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. He is also actively involved in raising money and awareness for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Mr. Regnery has held the position of Treasurer for the Head North Foundation since it's inception in 2006.
Claudia Laird Obertreis - Secretary
Ms. Claudia L. Obertreis has enjoyed a dynamic management career providing operating, technical, strategic and business leadership to manufacturing companies. Experienced in both turnaround and high growth corporation settings, she has been successful in identifying and capitalizing on critical development phases, creating market-driven synergies, and generating revenue in diversified manufacturing environments. Ms. Obertreis is notably proficient in the management of multi-unit, international manufacturing operations.
In 2003, the Bush Administration and the SBA appointed Ms. Obertreis to the National Women’s Business Council. The Council serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress and the government’s Small Business Administration.
On November 3, 2002, Ms. Obertreis was invited to join the Ability Center as Vice President. She was appointed President of Ability Center on October 1, 2007. The Ability Center is a full-service company dedicated to providing products and services to the disabled community. She has been asked to shepherd the growth of this small, growing company which is headquarted in San Diego with additional locations in Orange County, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento and Tucson. Ms. Obertreis’ leadership and entrepreneurial spirit is steering the expansion, professionalism and growth. Ability Center is the West Coast’s largest mobility company with its "One Stop Shop" concept offering a full line of accessible vans, wheelchairs, adaptive driving equipment and home care medical supplies.
Ms. Obertreis attended California State University, San Louis Obispo and the University of California, San Diego. She is a Board Member of various civic and non-profit organizations, the Past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the recipient of the BRAVO Award in recognition of her service to the business community.
Ms. Obertreis has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently holds the position of Secretary.
William "Bill" Lundstrom - Board Member at Large
Mr. William "Bill" Lundstrom is a Professional Civil Engineer. He started his professional career with Lundstrom and Associates in 1996 and recently made principal in 2007. Mr. Lundstrom is a licensed engineer in California, Arizona, Australia, Texas and Hawaii. Additionally, he is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southern California.
Mr. Lundstrom was involved in a life-threatening motorcycle accident on August 18, 2002 that severed his T-7 vertebra leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. The paralysis was complicated further by serious health problems which arose during the acute recovery and rehabilitation. A choice needed to be made – fight or die. Mr. Lundstrom not only chose to fight but to live with a courageous attitude and dedication to improve his quality of life which defied his doctor’s dismal prognosis. He founded the Fighting Chair Sports Foundation in 2003 which promotes activities for the physically challenged by providing fishing trips in the ocean surrounding San Diego.
Mr. Lundstrom graduated in 1998 receiving a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal State Long Beach. He has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006 and currently sits on the executive board.
Stephen A. Rosetta - Board Member at Large
Mr. Stephen Rosetta joined Cushman & Wakefield’s San Diego office, as a Senior Director in 1996. In 2002, he purchased the San Diego region from C&W and formed Corporate Real Estate Advisors, a member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance. In four years Mr. Rosetta grew the Alliance office to over three times its original size and a dominate leader in the San Diego region for Tenant & Landlord Representation. Due to the firm’s success in the region Cushman & Wakefield purchased the Alliance office at which Mr. Rosetta continues to manage the branch.
Mr. Rosetta has been a consistent top producer in the San Diego office and is an active Tenant Representation and Investment broker. He has represented numerous corporations on lease transactions, primarily service industry and high tech assignments. With twelve years of real estate experience, Mr. Rosetta has specialized in the representation of corporate tenants in the acquisition and disposition of office and R&D space.
Mr. Rosetta obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University San Marcos and a Masters Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He holds the SIOR designation, is a member of the Urban Land Institute and is a Board Member for Junior Achievement.
Mr. Rosetta held the position of President for the HeadNorth Foundation since its inception in 2006 to Dec. 2008. He continues to be an active member of HeadNorth’s executive board.
» General:
Jack Burger
Mr. Jack Burger, President of Burger Construction which he started more than 15 years ago, focused on building a business which would be among the best tenant improvement contractors in San Diego. Utilizing his experience and relationships in the development arena, the company has experienced steady growth and expansion without compromising quality and attention to clients needs.
Mr. Burger’s building experience spans more than 25 years in the construction industry. He has overseen the planning and construction of developments with major builders such as Ryland Homes, The Buie Corporation and The Douglas Allred Company, all based in San Diego
He graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance.
Mr. Burger is a current Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito, Project Mercy/ Baja Challenge and NAIOP San Diego Chapter. Additionally, he is a member of BOMA’s San Diego Chapter as well as a committed fund-raiser for local organizations such as Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, HomeAid San Diego, Big Brothers & Sisters San Diego, San Diego Children’s Center, Project Mercy and many others.
Mr. Burger has been an active Board Member of the HeadNorth Foundation since it’s inception in 2006.
Paul Jacobson
On November 5, 2003, while leaving work, Mr. Jacobson was involved in a tragic car collision. In an instant, his life was changed forever. Among his many injuries, he sustained a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him a quadriplegic.
As an accomplished E-Marketing professional and Internet Marketing Instructor, Mr. Jacobson now spends his time retraining his body in hopes of regaining strength and independence. During his recovery, he discovered that he was part of an underserved population whose fundamental needs were not being met by social service or nonprofit agencies. Mr. Jacobson’s experiences have made clear that providing those with SCI the tools, financial resources, and information to support them in those critical first months is the best way to ensure their long-term independence.
Today, Mr. Jacobson's energies are focused on rehabilitation and helping others as they begin the long and challenging process of recovery. In addition, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management at the University of San Diego.
Mr. Jacobson also possesses a B.S. degree in Marketing Management from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. specializing in Organizational Behavior and Development from the University of Bridgeport.
Mr. Jacobson received the Eagle Spirit Award for Community Service in 2009. He is a 'Big Brother’ mentor and represents Think First in advocating injury prevention in the San Diego County school system.
Mr. Jacobson became a member of the HeadNorth Board in November, 2007.
Christopher J. Pascale
Mr. Chris Pascale, Senior Vice President of CB Richard Ellis, has consistently ranked among the top sales professionals in San Diego County. He is recognized among his peers as the I-15 Corridor's market leader by his impressive client list representing both landlords and tenants throughout San Diego County. Mr. Pascale was the 2000 and 2004 recipient of the McCarthy Award, CBRE's highest local honor, and is a four term board member of the San Diego Chapter of NAIOP. He was voted NAIOP Broker of the Year in 2001 and 2003, is a founder and steering committee member of the San Diego Real Estate Challenge benefiting the Monarch School and the HeadNorth Foundation, and acting chair of the Commercial Advisory Board at the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego.
Mr. Pascale is a graduate of the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Economics. His achievements include the 2004 Commercial Realtors Association of San Diego Office Deal Maker of the Year as well as Costar San Diego Power Broker Award 2004 -2006.
Mr. Pascale has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.
Stacey Tyree
Stacey Tyree is an associate in the San Diego office of Troutman and Sanders. She joined the firm in 2007 after working at the firm as a summer associate in 2006. Ms. Tyree received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude and is a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Order of the Coif. While in law school, Ms. Tyree served on the San Diego Law Review and spent two semesters working in the school’s pro bono Entrepreneurship Clinic.
Ms. Tyree graduated with highest honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2004, with a double major in Global Studies and German.
Ms. Tyree brings both legal experience and enthusiasm to the HeadNorth Foundation and will be a key contributor to the development and legal foundation of our organization.
Jerome Stenehjem, M.D.
Jerome Stenehjem, M.D. is a board certified physician who since 1989 has been the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Dr Stenehjem is also a Clinical instructor at UCSD School of Medicine Division of neurosurgery and guest lecturer at SDSU Masters Degree Program in Rehabilitation Counseling.
He is well published in medical and rehabilitative journals and is active in many professional societies including American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, San Diego County Medical Society and California State Medical Association. Dr. Stenehjem is also a board member of the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation and an expert reviewer for the CA State Medical board.
Dr. Stenehjem adds essential medical experience to the HeadNorth Foundation and will be instrumental in guiding the organization in its pursuits to provide the essential guidance to the SCI community and oversee the current research studies being funded by HeadNorth
Tim M. Himstreet
Mr. Himstreet joined Torrey Pines Bank in 2004 and is Senior Vice President and regional manager for the Golden Triangle office. His banking experience includes 13 years in all aspects of the industry including branch operations, training, platforms performances, customer satisfaction and staffing for the office.
Mr. Himstreet received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno where he received a college baseball scholarship and continues his interest in athletics. He is passionate about supporting both non-profit philanthropies as well as the development of businesses to builds a stronger community.
Mr. Himstreet brings to HeadNorth experience in the non-profit industry as a recently board member of the La Jolla YMCA and proven leadership skill as prominent member for the San Diego community.
Matthew Root
Mr. Matthew Root is a Managing Partner with The Shidler Group, responsible for the acquisition, disposition, leasing and value creation of the group’s portfolio. Mr. Root is also a co-founder of Pacific Office Properties Trust (AMEX: AZL), the fourth public real estate investment trust founded by The Shidler Group. Mr. Root has over 15 years of experience in asset management, acquisitions, dispositions, investment analysis, leasing, and property development.
Mr. Root is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Mr. Root has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.
D. Nielsen Pollock
D. Nielsen Pollock, LEED AP, is President of Nielsen Construction California and a seventh generation builder. He is the grandson of S. Falck Nielsen, who began building in San Diego in 1935. Niel, a thirty year construction veteran, and his team love to build. The model he leads with is one of Advocacy – advocacy, depth of experience and exceptional service brings clients repeatedly turning to Nielsen Construction for their building projects. They continue to build throughout Southern California offering Construction Management and General Contracting services on commercial, public and private projects specializing in Healthcare/Hospitals, Educational, Entertainment/Hospitality, and Alternative Energies.
Mr. Pollock graduated from University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration (and a minor in Performance Art). A native San Diegan, he currently serves his community as a member on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities, the Leadership Trust, the Chamber’s CEO Roundtable and on the boards of the Peninsula YMCA and Aquatic Adventures. Niel is the co-founder of the Ranchero Fund for Spinal Cord Injuries at the Sharp Healthcare Foundation with his wife, Rebecca. They received the Eagle Spirit Award for Community Service in 2005.
Mr. Pollock brings invaluable experience and expertise not only through his professional career in the local community but also with his work as an advocate in the spinal cord injury community.
Rebecca Pollock
Rebecca Pollock is the CFO and Director of Marketing for Nielsen Construction California. She provides financial oversight for a range of finance issues such as budgeting, fiscal planning, risk management, and accounting. She is also responsible for business management, strategic planning, proposal supervision, marketing communications, and client development.
Prior to joining her husband at Nielsen, Rebecca was the Senior Manager for the International Division of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s International Auction House in New York City. In that capacity she managed Sotheby’s 16 Contemporary departments worldwide with annual sales in excess of $475 million and a multi-cultural workforce in multiple offices. She subsequently was the Director, COO and Global Marketing Director for a private art advisory business with sales of $735 million.
Ms. Pollock holds a B.S. in International Business and Political Science from DePauw University. She studied at American University in Athens and in Cairo, and then completed the International Business Graduate Program at New York University. After her return to San Diego, she graduated from the LEAD San Diego program. Rebecca is committed to giving back to her community. Among several organizations she is involved with she currently serves on the Board of the Sharp HealthCare Foundation, the Board of the Foundation for Women, is a member of the Leadership Trust and with her husband Niel, co-founded the Ranchero Fund for Spinal Cord Injuries. They received the Eagle Spirit Award for Community Service in 2005.
Ms. Pollock experience and heart towards community service is a perfect fit as an active member of the HeadNorth Foundation.
Ernest W. Hahn, II
Mr. Hahn, a partner of the Arena Group 2000, has served as the General Manager of the Sports Arena since December, 1996. Mr. Hahn has been with Arena Group 2000 since 1991, when he started as the event coordinator and later became the business manager in November of 1992. His current responsibilities as general manager are to oversee the booking, development, sponsorship and other day-to-day operations of the Sports Arena with an added emphasis on the potential redevelopment and improvements of the existing Sports Arena site. Mr. Hahn serves on the board of directors for Outsource Manufacturing and the San Diego Police Foundation. He’s also a member of the Rotary International Club 33 and received his CFE (Certified Facilities Executive) in 2003. Mr. Hahn is a graduate of Santa Clara University. He and his wife Kristin reside in Rancho Santa Fe, California with daughter Alexis and two sons Ernie and Carter.
Mr. Hahn brings to HeadNorth valuable experience in the local business community and immediately became a key contributor to our foundation.
» Staff:
Randal P. Schober, M.S., Ed.D. - Executive Director
Dr. Randal Schober was hired as the first Executive Director of the HeadNorth Foundation in June 2007. Throughout his career, he has focused his energies on making a difference in people’s lives, which makes him an ideal choice to lead the Foundation.
With over 15 years of experience in the health and education industries, Dr. Schober began his career as a Professor in the Health and Physical Education Department at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. After moving to San Diego, Dr. Schober held positions as an Exercise Physiologist at Sharp Memorial Hospital and as the Director of Education for efi Sports Medicine. His professional experience includes instructing executive level workshops, directing physiological research in product engineering and development, as well as, successfully launching an international sports and rehabilitation program.
A native Australian, Dr. Schober loves to travel and is actively involved with Horizon North County Church in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Karolyn Baker - Development Director
HeadNorth is proud to announce the hiring of Karolyn Baker as Development Director. Ms. Baker joins HeadNorth after eight years planning events in the San Diego area including association conferences, special events with a destination management company, and most recently corporate planning acting as the event planner for the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield.
Ms. Baker brings her expertise in organization and time management working to enhance the Foundations infrastructure and business development. Ms. Baker will be working in conjunction with the Executive Director to provide the Foundation with leadership vision and direction.
Ms. Baker graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts – Sociology with a minor in Business Administration. She holds a Certificate in Festival and Event Management from the University of Oregon Continuing Education.
HeadNorth is excited about having Ms. Baker on board as an integral part of the team who is dedicated to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission.
Eric A. Northbrook - Founder
An eighteen year veteran in real estate, Mr. Eric Northbrook gives Cushman & Wakefield a prominent presence in the commercial markets of Central San Diego County and the I-15 Corridor. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2004, he was with Colliers International for 12 years, where he was a consistent top producer. From 1994 to 2003, Mr. Northbrook was recognized with outstanding sales achievement awards on local and national levels. His accomplishments include the sale and leasing of over 12.85 million square feet of space and 100 acres of land with a total value of approximately $1.47 billion.
Mr. Northbrook is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In addition, he is an active member of SIOR and was President of the San Diego Chapter in 2002. Furthermore, Mr. Northbrook is an active board member of NAIOP and is also involved in COMMNEXUS, San Diego Venture Group, Connect, Software Industry Council, BIOCOM and MIT Forum.
Mr. Northbrook is the founder of the HeadNorth Foundation. HeadNorth Foundation enhances the quality of life for those individuals and families afflicted with a spinal cord injury by providing direction, resources and financial assistance. The foundation is actively involved in spinal cord research and encourages others to open their minds and hearts towards a cure for paralysis.
» Advisory:
Martin L. Togni
Mr. Martin Togni is a partner in the law firm of Allen Matkins in their San Diego office. Focusing on real estate leasing, Mr. Togni has represented a variety of institutional landlords and tenants in the leasing of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use developments. Additionally, he represents a wide variety of clients in the acquisition, disposition, development and financing of shopping centers, industrial projects, office buildings and other commercial and mixed-use projects.
Mr. Togni received his B.A. from California State University, Fresno where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of California and International Council of Shopping Centers.
Mr. Togni has been an active HeadNorth Board Member since it’s inception in 2006.