Board of Directors

“Financial support represented so much more than money. It represented someone’s belief in me, my talents, my capabilities, and my future.”

Antonio “Tony” Avila has been the Principal Architect and the Director of Design with Darden Architects. He is a licensed architect and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Tony is a native of Fresno and a product of Fresno Unified Schools. As a graduate of Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals Downtown Academy inaugural class and a contributing supporter to the Better Blackstone Design Challenge, he believes strongly in the betterment of the greater Fresno community. Tony is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and has provided award-winning architectural services to clients throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

“College was the first time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone and was present with people that weren’t the same as me, people who thought differently than I did.”

Robert “Bob” G. Nelson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at California State University, Fresno, and the Founder and CEO of #MilitantPositivity, LLC, an educational organization specializing in speaking, consulting, and podcasting. With over seven and a half years of experience as the Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District, he led a transformative era of student success, strengthened employee relations, and fostered expanded community partnerships in California’s third-largest school district. Graduating from the University of Southern California (USC), he completed his Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision at Fresno State and then received his doctoral degree at USC. He has spent most of his career directly impacting Fresno Unified, starting as a teacher in 1991 at Burroughs Elementary School. Bob is the first internal employee to serve as Fresno Unified Superintendent in 30 years.

“Just when I thought college wasn’t an option, I received 3 scholarships that changed my life.”

Misty Her was appointed Interim Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District in May 2024. Stepping into this role has allowed her to continue to improve student progress, build and develop employee relations, and expand community partnerships on a deeper level. Misty has been a part of Fresno Unified for her entire career, starting as a preschool aide and teacher in grades second through sixth. She became the first Hmong Vice Principal in Fresno Unified School District, and two years later became the very first Hmong woman principal in the United States. She has also served as an Instructional Superintendent with School Leadership. Misty believes her calling is to lead educational missionary work to change the lives of children and their families in a positive way. She knows the decisions she makes have a direct impact in changing the trajectory of minds and inspiring hope. Misty believes the greatest gift we can offer someone is the opportunity to see their full potential. It is incredibly powerful to invest in and inspire HOPE in our youth.

“You have the confidence within you to do what you really want in life. During the challenging moments, remember that you have the ability to overcome obstacles by tapping into your resiliency and asking for help.”

Elizabeth “Beth” J. Dooley has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) since December 2007. Prior to joining EECU, Ms. Dooley was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Credit Unions for the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) by Governor Gray Davis, continuing her service under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Beth oversaw the regulation of all state-chartered credit unions in California. Beth earned her B.A. in Economics from Mills College and her J.D. from Western State University College of Law. She is a member of the California Bar and is actively involved in the community serving on a number of boards and advisory committees.

“I was a statistic on track to fail.”

In 2017, Pao Yang became the Fresno Center’s third Executive Director and first President and CEO. In its 30 year history, The Fresno Center (TFC) has grown from three employees to over 130, serving diverse communities throughout more than twenty established local, state, and federal programs. These programs purposely encompass a wider scope and breadth in response to growing needs in all traditionally underserved communities. TFC now has a multi-cultural focus and works to provide an array of culture-based services that support self-sufficiency, economic viability, and empowerment. The Center is proud to help other organizations and individuals reach their cross-cultural goals and engage with their target audiences.