After serving San Francisco schools for eight years, the SF office launches its first Board of Directors. Meet our inaugural Board below:
Ruth Beauchamp
Ruth is a self proclaimed “evangelist of engaging learners.” Her company, Oranda, is launching its first product: RECESSITATE, instant tools that refresh your class this fall. When not enterprising, Ruth teaches teachers with the California State University system. She has 20 plus years as an educator under her belt with an enthusiasm for play, mindfulness, movement and dance and their positive effects on learning. You can reach Ruth at: ruth@oranda.org
Betsy Burroughs
Betsy Burroughs is president of FocusCatalyst which provides guided brainstorming consulting to innovators seeking new insights and solutions to business problems, all based on the latest neuroscience research about insight. She is also the author of FOCUS. The Catalyst for Innovation, Guided Brainstorming for Innovators. She has over 25 years experience in major ad agency account management, as president of her own ad agency and as VP marketing at several companies. You can reach Betsy at: bb@focuscatalyst.com
Neil R. Hiltz
Neil Hiltz is vice president of strategic planning for U.S. Bank’s internet and mobile channels. He was introduced to Playworks when he moved to San Francisco in 2007, and has been an advocate ever since. Neil has volunteered extensively with other child-specific non-profits prior to joining Playworks including ComfortZoneCamp in Richmond, Virginia, and The Jenna Druck Foundation in San Diego. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and his MBA from the University of Michigan. His career has led him from automotive to banking to e-commerce through a variety of positions in sales, marketing, business development, product development, and high complexity project management. Neil is not all work and no play, however. His hobbies include paragliding, golf, biking, guitar, and travel, and he’s always up for kickball. You can contact Neil at: neil.hiltz@gmail.com
Kevin Mirsky
Kevin Mirsky has been in the commercial risk management and insurance business for the last twenty years. He is a principal with Barney and Barney, one of the largest insurance brokers in the Country. Kevin’s focuses on a variety of industries including Technology, Life Sciences, Financial Services and Non-Profits. Kevin lives in San Anselmo with his wife and three young children and is active in the community. He is an avid surfer and enjoys teaching his kids to surf and coaching youth sports. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from the University of Colorado at Boulder, but recalls fondly that it was in the early 70’s at Homestead grammar school in Mill Valley, California, that he first became “serious about play.” You can reach Kevin at: kevin.mirsky@barneyandbarney.com
Pat Rawa
Pat is a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams. As a principal with Dynamic Consulting Group, he helps organizations in identifying, developing and retaining top talent. Pat refined his talent management proficiency through both internal and external consulting roles along with gaining invaluable experience holding P&L responsibility and leading successful sales organizations at both Target and the Good Guys. He also works as an advisor to the Alliance of CEOs organization here in the Bay area where he is part of their leadership team. You can reach Pat at: patrawa22@gmail.com
