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Board of Directors
Posted November 28th, 2007
BREATHE LA Board of Directors are a dedicated group of accomplished volunteers from all walks of life who have made a commitment to clean air and healthy lungs.
Mr. Nelson, a registered principal with First Wall Street Corporation, one of Southern California's largest locally owned brokerage firms, provides a wide range of client-specific financial services, including portfolio management, retirement and post retirement planning, estate planning, wealth transfer, credit counseling and repair.
In addition, Mr. Nelson is a consultant for the financial services industry and serves as an expert witness in securities litigation dealing with fraud and broker abuse.
Mrs. Eileena James currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA). Her volunteer contributions to BREATHE LA includes serving as former Chair of Development Committee and is currently a member of the Audit, Planned Giving and Development Committees.
She is the Assistant Agency Director-Administration and Assistant General Agency Director for Golden State Mutual Life Insurance.
Lawrence M. Lebowsky of the Law Offices of Lawrence M. Lebowsky in Los Angeles, is Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Mr. Lebowsky focuses his practice on income tax planning, estate planning, compensation, and other federal, state and local tax issues for tax-exempt organizations, individuals and business entities. Mr.
Among many positions of notable service in the medical profession, Dr. Richard Barbers is currently the Associate Medical Director of the USC Asthma and Allergy Center and the Medical Director of the USC Lung Transplantation Program.
Mr. Port currently serves a member of the Board of Directors for BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) and on the Communications/Marketing and Program Committees of BREATHE LA.
Mr. Port is a retired certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional and as numerous professional credentials.
Treasurer 2008-2009.
Chair, Audit Committee 2008-2009.
Immediate Past Chair
- Visionary
- Rainmaker
- Creative Catalyst
- Change Agent
- Charismatic Leader
Mr. Arlen is a seasoned business leader; successful serial entrepreneur, resourceful out- of-the-box thinker; and respected mentor. His service to BREATHE LA as a visionary with persuasive consensus building skills has been invaluable in leading the organization through dynamic change.
Co-Chair of Marketing/Development Committee 2008-2009. Chair, Bylaws & nominating Committee 2008-2009.
Yossef Aelony studied at the Universities of Chicago & Minnesota, where he graduated first in his major field of undergraduate study & was awarded Phi Beta Kappa. His initial interest was neurophysiology, but after a stint in Marseille, France, he attended Minnesota Medical School, focusing on patient care. Postgraduate training in internal medicine & respiratory diseases was undertaken at the UCLA Affiliated Hospitals, and, later,
Mr. Robert Berliner is also a past chair of the Board for BREATHE California of Los Angeles County the successor organization to American Lung Association of Los Angeles County. A long time volunteer with the organization with more than 30 years of involvement and support.
"Breathe L.A. has opened my eyes to the medical and environmental aspects of clean air and breathing issues," says Caster, who has been involved with the organization for almost three years and whose family members have been afflicted with asthma and lung cancer. "It led me to look at the causes of and treatment options for lung diseases, and what we can do to have an impact on the environment to prevent such health problems."
Mr. Del Rio is President of DOME Enterprises, a communications consulting firm specializing in corporate video productions and product marketing campaigns.
Mr. Del Rio is immediate past chair of BREATHE California of Los Angeles County's (BREATHE LA) Communications/Marketing Committee.
As KTLA's director of community affairs for 35 years, Ray Gonzales is responsible for ascertaining the needs and concerns of the community KTLA serves. He develops strategies, relationships and partnerships with organizations and individuals who are in need or can work with KTLA in addressing community concerns.
Dr. James is a retired Professor of Medicine. He received his M.D. degree from the University of Lausanne School of Medicine in Switzerland; and also received his Ph.D. degree at the same University. He has authored and co-authored several research papers, publications and abstracts during his tenure. Dr. James' experience also includes sports medicine.
He has a dual citizenship (U.S.A. and Swiss) and speaks five languages (English, French, Swiss German, Italian and Spanish).
Dr. Anita Kriplani is a solo practitioner of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care and Internal Medicine in Los Angeles. She is Board certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Kriplani's clinical interests include diagnosis and management of Asthma, Acute Lung Injury and Pulmonary Hypertension. Dr. Kriplani is concerned about the air quality and it's impact on Lung Health and that led to her affiliation with BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA).
- 20 years of professional experience
- CA licensed solo practitioner
- Certified Specialist in Appellate Law
Randy Ledesma has practiced law for more than 20 years and is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law.
Recognized as a Local Hero for Hispanic Heritage Month 2008, Mr. Medina retired from the Los Angeles County Health Department after thiry years, working his way up to Chief of the Hazardous Materials/Waste Management Program.
Anastacio Medina was born in Huanusco Zacatecas Mexico and came to the United States at the age of 15. He served in the US Army as a Surgical Technician. Married for 51 years to Esperanza, he has four children 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Jud Schoendorf, M.D., Allergist-Pediatrics Medical Director at the Miller's Children's Hospital in Long Beach also associated with the Harriman Jones Medical Group in Long Beach.
Co-chair, Research/Program/Advocacy Committee 2008-2009.
Jud is very active in the field of asthma, having developed the "Breath Games" to encourage children with asthma to build their self-confidence by participating in sports.
GUY W. SOO HOO received a B.S. degree from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. graduating with Special Honors in Biology and was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a, M.D. degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico and M.P.H.
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- Average cancer risk due to air pollution 60% higher at Ports of Los Angeles, Long BeachDr. Elaine Chang, Deputy Executive Director, South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2008
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