Serving San Diego Gounty Youth Since 1998

Archives: Directors

  • Kurt Smith

    Kurt Smith

    Kurt Smith

    Public Safety Technology Consultant

    Kurt Smith has been involved for over 30 years in how police and community information turn into action and positive outcomes.  He spent a decade as a San Diego first responder, primarily working in patrol and specialized assignments as a San Diego Police Officer.  Kurt spent another decade in public safety roles that include leading crime and intelligence analysis at San Diego Sheriff and Redlands Police, as well as managing police and security technology for the Port of San Diego, and all aspects of IT for the City of Redlands, where he became their first Chief Information Officer. The third decade of his career Kurt spent in community, corporate and independent consulting roles serving those who serve public safety.  He currently consults and manages projects for organizations committed to real change.

    Kurt has always kept some direct community connection through work or volunteering.  Notably, he served as Community Safety Director for Price Charities’ City Heights Initiative – a time of coming full circle back to a neighborhood he learned and loved on patrol. Kurt collaborated with our region’s grant-makers to understand, fund and support safety initiatives.  He supported other non-profit organizations on hiring, program review and evaluation committees.

    Kurt holds Masters in Public Administration and Bachelor of Geography degrees.  He served a decade in active and reserve roles as an Army intelligence professional.  Kurt and his high school sweetheart, Theresa, a Kaiser IT director, have been married all along, and have raised their son and daughter to adulthood in San Diego.

  • Randy Grossman

    Randy Grossman

    Randy Grossman

    Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP

    With nearly three decades of experience in private practice and as a prosecutor, including his recent service as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, Randy focuses on government and internal investigations, white collar and civil litigation, and corporate compliance counseling for Manatt. Immediately before joining Manatt, Randy served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California. As the chief federal law enforcement official for the district, Randy was responsible for prosecuting federal crimes committed throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

    Randy started his career as a Deputy District Attorney for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, where he tried more than 70 criminal cases to jury verdict, including high-profile murder and gang violence cases.

    Randy is also a leader in the community. He is a Master with the Hon. J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court, a former trustee for the California Western School of Law Board of Trustees, a former president of the San Diego Association of Business Trial Lawyers, and a former board member for Walden Family Services Adoption and Foster Care Agency.

  • Steven M. Nuñez

    Steven M. Nuñez

    Steven M. Nuñez

    Board Governance Committee Chair

    I am an example of what a safe place to study and learn and a healthy relationship with law enforcement can engender.  My family started off in Baldwin Park, a suburb of L.A. with an underfunded school system and an increasing problem with violence.  My parents worked hard to leave once we all saw a gun battle outside my bedroom.  But while my family moved, my father began a career as an L.A. County Firefighter/Paramedic stationed in Baldwin Park.

    I grew up in a somewhat diverse community with a solidly middle class school system.  And, I had a good relationship with law enforcement, eventually going on ride-alongs and bringing friends, not with my city’s police department, but with the department that covers Baldwin Park.  Eventually, I embarked on a journey to become an attorney, attending UC Riverside for my undergraduate work and Columbia Law School for my J.D.  I have been in private practice for nearly 30 years, most in San Diego.  I currently represent victims of Ponzi schemes and other similar large financial frauds.

    My commitment to making this community and the world a better place extends well beyond the courtroom. I have been a member and director of Old Mission Rotary for over 15 years.  I have also served on the board of the San Diego Education Fund, stewarding fundraising efforts and an endowment to provide scholarships for underserved students and especially those aiming to become teachers in the community.

  • Anthony Lacey

    Anthony Lacey

    Anthony Lacey

    Kearny Mesa Ford
    Special Finance Director

    ***Bio Coming Soon***

  • Dr. Robert Lee Brown

    Dr. Robert Lee Brown

    Dr. Robert Lee Brown

    Vice Chair
    SDSU Graduate Homeland Security Department
    Chief Executive Director Program Management

    Dr. Brown earned a Doctorate in Leadership Studies and a Masters in Cross-Cultural counseling. His numerous leadership experiences, and professions includes;

    Vice President (CHRO)-human resources, CRO-Chief Risk Office, extensive mediation and arbitration, Equity-Diversity & Inclusion, Financial Services in Insurance, Director of Program Management, Senior Project Management, Law Enforcement Oversight- Collaboration-Wellness, Auditing, Governmental Reporting and Compliance, University Research, Collective Bargaining, Contracts, Executive Coaching, Community Mental Health Engagement, and Cross-Cultural Workplace Energy Designs.

    In addition, he has served on numerous industry and civic boards; McGill School of Success, California State University (CSU)-Risk Management Authority (CSURMA), CSU-Auxiliary Organizations joint powers authority, Urban League of San Diego County, San Diego NAACP, and San Diego ASPCA-Humane Society.

    Dr. Brown designed Workers’ Compensation-Captive insurance, and Cyber Liability financing programs that saves California State Universities and other entities hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

    Dr. Brown is also the longest serving President of the University of Southern California’s Trojan Football Alumni.

  • Charles Kaye

    Charles Kaye

    Charles Kaye

    Chair
    Former Chief of Coronado Police Department

    Charles Kaye grew up right here in San Diego County and graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication and later attended National University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. With over 30 year in law enforcement experience, Chief Kaye has an extensive background in neighborhood policing including leading homeless outreach and public information services.

    Chief Kaye joined the STAR/PAL Board of Directors in 2019.

  • Robert Brewer

    Robert Brewer

    Robert Brewer

    Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek
    Of Counsel

    Mr. Brewer, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California from 2019 to 2021, has served on the board of directors at STAR/PAL since 2015. His dedication to the youth and law enforcement of San Diego is exemplified through his commitment to supporting STAR/PAL and it’s mission.

  • Brent Gastineau

    Brent Gastineau

    Brent Gastineau

    Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
    Gatto, Pope & Walwick, LLP

    ***Bio Coming Soon***

  • Monica Ball

    Monica Ball

    Monica Ball

    Secretary
    UPLIFT San Diego

    Supporting STAR/PAL in connecting youth and law enforcement in healthy recreational activities early and often is a goal Monica sees as vital in building stronger community trust and cultural understanding between officers and kids.

    Maximizing all available resources and facilitating collaboration between groups is a priority to her. She believes working as a team is essential to address our challenges of social justice, racial equity, literacy, multi-generational poverty, mental health, homelessness, housing and employment.