The mission of the Community Fund is to provide financial support and assistance to programs which improve the health, quality of life, and benefit the communities we serve. As the organization’s Board of Directors we are the governing body honored to hold these roles which provide oversight and management of program. We take pride in ensuring our duties are executed with the utmost integrity and efficiency to achieve their intended goals and make a positive impact on the community.

Board of Directors

Totran Mai

Board President

Totran has years of community service experience, volunteering with the Geospatial Professional Network and contributing to causes ranging from literacy programs to providing support during natural disasters. Driven by a strong belief in service and collective impact, Totran is committed to advancing nonprofit missions.

Jessica Kissel engineer

Jessica Kissel

Application Administrator

Jessica has always valued giving back to her community through volunteering. She’s worked with organizations focused on animal welfare, poverty alleviation, education, and more. She is happy to support the community fund and her fellow employees in their work for causes that are important to them.

Maria Vizcaino

Board Member

As a nature and animal lover, Maria splits her free time between sailing, hiking, gardening and taking naps with her cat. She's excited for this opportunity to give back to the community and aspires to bring about positive change. She believes small kindnesses can make a world of difference.

Paula Tran

Board Treasurer

Paula is currently the board treasurer. Her area of expertise are in budgeting and financial reporting. As part of the board she enjoys learning about organizations, and colleagues life outside of work. Outside of SJW she enjoys swimming, volunteering, eat nuts and chocolates.

Lucy Perez

Board Member

As a board member of the community fund, Lucy likes to be engaged in the community and advance the awareness and assistance in community projects. She volunteers with City Team helping those who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, hunger and addiction.

Ramiro Garibay

Board Member

Ramiro is a husband and father of 3 children. When he is not at work, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He coaches his daughter’s soccer team and feels rewarded to be able to volunteer and give back to his community.

Mark Gutierrez

Board Vice President

Mark brings over 20 years of experience serving his community and mentoring children and young adults. He is committed to helping youth achieve their goals and guiding them toward long-term success.

He currently serves as a varsity softball coach at a local high school, where he mentors student-athletes on and off the field. In his free time, he offers free hitting lessons to young athletes to help them improve their skills and build confidence and achieve their full potential.

Margaret McWilliams

Board Member

Margie is a huge 49er fan that has over two decades of community service experience. She has supported multiple organizations including the United Way, the American Cancer Society, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She believes it is an honor to serve those in need, and that giving in any capacity is an extension of our own hearts. 

Helen Evans

Helen Evans

Board Secretary

Helen believes that giving back through volunteering is a powerful way to inspire change and uplift communities. She has participated in a range of volunteer activities, including local clean‑up efforts, park restoration projects, and animal‑focused events. Most recently, she had the privilege of supporting an organization dedicated to providing medical care and facilitating adoptions for animals in need. As an animal lover herself, she is especially passionate about this work and is the proud owner of two rescue pets.

Jose Villagomez

Retiree Board Member

Jose dedicated more than 53 years of service to SJW, building a remarkable legacy of professionalism and community impact. His decades of service reflect on his lifelong commitment to excellence and his contributions have a lasting mark. He continues to serve by volunteering for the SJWECF.

If you are a SJW retiree or know someone who is, consider submitting your application to become a board member!

Michael Zanders

Board Member

Michael Zanders is a proud member of the SJW Employees’ Community Fund Board. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about public service, leadership, and helping others. He is committed to supporting organizations that make a lasting impact and looks forward to working with fellow board members to strengthen employee involvement and invest the community.