Board of Directors

Board of Directors for the Sierra Pacific Region (SPR) of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA)

Governor Pam Taylor

Greetings Sierra Pacific Region. Thank you for the honor of being your Governor for this biennium. I look forward to the challenge and learning experience that lays ahead for me.

I was born in Redlands, Ca. My family came to Merced in 1966, I was in the first grade. Yes, I am a product of the Merced School system. I was married for 32 years and am proud of my son, Dale Taylor 37 and Catrina Larsen 34, they were 10 & 6 when I joined Soroptimist.. These two have blessed me with three granddaughters, Madison Taylor, 13, Abbigale Larsen, 11 & Katie Larsen 9. Catrina and her family lives in Sweet Home, Oregon, so any time off I get you will find me in Oregon. I rescued two wonderful dogs last summer Gracie & Ella. I also, have one brother who lives in Carlsbad with his wife, daughter and son.

I have worked for UC Merced for 13 years. I am a founding staff member and love working for the first Research University of the 21^st Century. I am currently a Business Officer for the Administrative Coordination Team. We are a shared services department and I was able to help create this department from scratch. That is the excitement about working for this great University. We are pioneers in developing this campus.

I joined Soroptimist International of Merced club in June 1991 and have served that board for at least 15+ years. I have been in every seat except Secretary (not my best duty). I have served on the Sierra Pacific Region board as the District IV Director and Treasure in the last 9 years.

I was drawn to Soroptimist for many reasons however, the most important one to me is our Mission. I believe education brings independence

Governor-Elect Charlie Rodger

Hello and thank you for allowing me to serve the Sierra Pacific Region as Governor-Elect as we begin the new Biennium. I joined Soroptimist International of Modesto in 1997 and have served on that board for at least 10 of those years (6 of those as Treasurer). I also served as the last Treasurer of the Sierra Pacific Soroptimist Foundation which dissolved in 2006. I was drawn to Soroptimist for a variety of reasons and I stay because of our mission of improving the lives of women and girls.

I was born and raised in the central valley, but went out of state for college and spent two and half years in Pullman, Washington. My husband Pete and I were married in 1982 over winter break of our junior year at Washington State University. Family brought us back to the valley and we put down roots (in the form of Almond and Walnut trees on the family farm) that have kept us here. Our children actually grew up in Soroptimist. Daughter Jordan was 10 and son Jack was 6 the year I joined and they have put in their own hours helping in club projects. They have both moved back to area (only a mile and half from the farm) and Jordan brought along our son-in- law Aaron!

Treasurer Jane Hokanson

Thank you so much for giving me a chance to be your District III Director for the next two years. I am looking forward to visiting all the clubs in District III and meeting even more of the wonderful women who help make up our Soroptimist Sierra Pacific Region. I joined the SI Clovis Soroptimist group in 2011 and have enjoyed every minute of service since then. I have been Treasurer for 4 years and President for 1 year. Our mission of working to improve the lives of women and girls is close to my heart.

I was born in Minnesota and graduated from college in 1968. Since then I have lived in California, Texas, and Florida. Karl & I married in 1988 in Alameda, CA. I have no children. Karl has a son, a granddaughter and now a great grandson. I had a yacht management business and was involved with the marine community. Eventually we moved to Florida. After Karl retired and we spent a year on the road in our motor-home, we went to work as a management couple in the self storage industry. We managed for 8 years in Florida and now for 7 years in Fresno. I am an Ambassador with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and really involved in our local community. I may not have been born in California, but I am a California woman at heart.

Soroptimist – Sierra Pacific Region

Helping Women and Girls Live Their Dreams