WHO WE ARE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Siefkin, President taught a variety of Political Science courses at Modesto Junior College for 31 years; he continues to be involved in a variety of nonprofit community organizations. His interest in the mission of the FCA was prompted by his late mother, a medical social worker, whose membership in an FCA in another California county was recognized by the local group when she passed away here.
More recently the FCA of Stanislaus/Merced Counties provided expedited services for a good friend, much to the relief of his family during a highly stressful time.
Jack Heinsius, Vice-President is a former Yosemite Community College District Business and Political Science professor. He taught as a full-time instructor for thirty years and as an adjunct for an additional ten years. He also taught at Chabot College in Hayward, CA, and Ohlone College in Fremont, CA.
Prior to entering the field of education, he pursued a career in industrial sales and management.
He holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from the University of San Francisco and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Cal State University East Bay.
Linda Masuda, Corresponding Secretary is a retired Animal Health Technician, part-time bookkeeper…loves fauna and flora, supportive of things that improve our environment, enjoys volunteering, and giving back to the community. Linda accepted an invitation from Jean Okuye to join the FCASMC board.
Chris Paul, CLTC, LUTCF, ChLAP, Director, Webmaster has been serving individual and business clients in multiple states with insurance planning solutions, including but not limited to income replacement, long-term care, employee benefits, estate planning, and charitable giving as an independent insurance agent/broker since 1988.
Chris has also participated as a public speaker and Chartered Lifetime Assistance Planner for California Center for Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities, a non-profit organization now operating as National Center on Life Planning that provides special needs life planning in a team approach with families and professionals to plan for the future care, supervision, security, and quality of life of a loved one with special needs.
Ted Neu, Director was raised in Nebraska. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served for 4 years. After Ted was discharged, he was hired by IBM where he worked for 15 years, after which Ted joined Memorex where he worked for 20 years.
Ted moved from San Jose 15 years ago to settle in Modesto, a few years after his wife passed away in 1999. Ted has volunteered to serve at the Gallo Center and Modesto Junior College Museum of Natural History.
Currently, Ted volunteers at Move VetVan where he can be found transporting vets who are unable to get to their medical appointments.
Ted joined FCASMC as a lifetime member some time ago, after hearing about our organization at a meeting we held in Modesto.
At our 2019 Annual Meeting, being held this Saturday, October 19, 2019, Ted will be nominated to serve on our FCASMC board.
Debra Budding, Director is a life-long learner, experienced instructor, researcher, and librarian who is passionate about cultivating an information-rich environment and working with students to develop information competency skills for academic and personal growth. I am employed with Modesto City Schools (23 years) and as an Adjunct Librarian at Modesto Junior College (14 years). I was born and raised in the northern San Francisco Bay Area and have lived in Modesto since 1980. I have two grown children, both of whom work in the world of computer science and engineering which makes for interesting and sometimes mysterious conversation! Personal interests include yoga, meditation, book club, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and the great outdoors.
Randy Siefkin introduced me to FCA of Stanislaus/Merced Counties, quite coincidentally at a time when I needed information for end of life planning. I continue to be impressed with FCA’s consumer advocacy and dissemination of essential information and at a nominal cost, making membership available to all. I look forward to supporting the FCA of Stanislaus/Merced Counties consumer advocacy efforts and to help spread the word about this valuable organization.
Education: BA, English, CSU Stanislaus; Teaching Credential, CSU Stanislaus; Library Media Services Credential, San Jose State U; MLIS, San Jose State U.
MaryAnn Reynolds, Director
Before moving to Modesto 3 years ago, I lived in Merced for 29 years. Past President of FCASMC, Bill Sanford, introduced me to the benefits of membership about 20 years ago and since then I’ve been a member. While living in Merced Jean Okuye and I became good birding buddies. She asked me to join the Board which I did for several years. I welcome the opportunity to be a Board member again.
I’m a retired teacher, a mother of 2 daughters, and 4 grandchildren. I spend my spare time registering people to vote, trying to persuade elected officials to protect our environment, and enjoying the theater and concerts - of course not during the last seven months!
I look forward to getting involved with FCASMC again.
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER
Jean Okuye, Past President, Ordo Amicus became aware of this advocacy organization many years ago in 1965 when her father, who was a member, died. She became a member soon after thinking, "we never know when our time comes."
After caregiving for three loved ones who died within 5 months, Jean realized how important it is to know where to go for information. She has been involved with this organization since 2002 as a volunteer. Jean is a retired teacher, a farmer, and an advocate for sustainable living.
Note: All Board of Directors were elected to serve from October 2020 to October 2021 and serve the FCA on a 100% volunteer basis.