Archives: Directors

Steven M. Nuñez

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.

Max Foster

A long time advocate of civic duty and philanthropy, Max has been a key part of helping grow multiple businesses and helping various foundations over the last 10 years. After moving back to San Diego in 2015, he has continued to work in real estate development and investing. Max’s family has been a key factor in helping grow the city of San Diego for well over 100 years, a tradition which he has strived to continue.

In addition to his work with STAR/PAL Max has been involved with organizations such as Americans For Safe Access, Francis Parker School, Words Alive and more. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the La Mesa Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Max joined STAR/PAL in 2022 and serves on the Development Committee.

Chief Jose Tellez

Chief Jose Tellez has 34 years of law enforcement service with the National City Police Department and was promoted to Chief of Police in March 2019.  He graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from National University.

Chief Tellez supports Community Engagement Programs that promote trust and respect between law enforcement and they communities they serve. STAR/PAL is one of those programs as it provides academic support and valuable activities for San Diego Youth.

Dr. Robert Lee Brown

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.

Chief Charles Kaye

Chief 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

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.

Brad Wiggins

I am so proud of the kids in our STAR/PAL programs and I am inspired by the volunteers, officers, and staff who devote their time, energy and hearts to connect in meaningful ways.  Our kids deserve the chance to fulfill their dreams, and STAR/PAL is creating positive pathways to get there – it’s a team effort and I’m honored to participate

Monica Ball

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.

Jack Berkman

In today’s complex society, trust and the foundational understanding of the roles of police and sheriff has taken on new meanings and challenging perceptions. I have no doubt our STAR/PAL interactive programs, activities and ongoing mutual dialogue consistently provide measurable positive effects on building a bond of trust and mutual understanding between students and law enforcement. We must generate a sustained new vision and messaging for our youth and law enforcement, especially those who expectantly will become our future community leaders.