Meet the people behind the friendly faces of your ESDCAR staff!

R. Alan Smith, Executive Officer

I’m the new kid on the block, having started at EDSCAR on July 15, 2010. I’m as pleased as can be to be working with the wonderful leaders and members of this association, and to be joining a very capable and friendly staff.

Practically a native of Southern California, I moved to Los Angeles from Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 1. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and Orange County until moving to the Palm Springs area during my junior high and high school years. I came to San Diego in 1971 to attend the University of San Diego School of Law, from which I graduated in 1974.

I’ve worn many professional hats since 1974: attorney, political strategist, government affairs professional, association executive, and executive coach. The unifying theme: helping individuals (especially leaders) and organizations build and sustain momentum for their ideas, initiatives and future.

As Executive Officer I view my role as that of a shepherd: serving and maintaining the flock, increasing its size, promoting its health and well-being, leading it to green pastures (e.g. prosperity and happiness), and protecting it against all external threats.
ralan@esdcar.org

Sally Valdez, Accounting

I was born and raised in San Diego. I attended Helix High School, Grossmont College, and San Diego State (Major: Business Administration – Finance, Minors: Accounting & Real Estate). I was hired by ESDCAR in 1989, working part-time while attending State. Go Aztecs!

Anyone who knows me knows I love Yosemite. In fact, growing up I wanted to be a forest ranger -- then reality set in and I realized I’d be the ranger in the middle of the desert looking at the cactus grow. Inherited from my family (actually I think it was a prerequisite) was the love of sports: Chargers, Padres, NASCAR (#48!), and of course, hockey.

I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and I am thankful for every day that I share with the people I love.
sally@esdcar.org

Dawn Manley, Events Coordinator

I came to work at the association as the receptionist in 2001. Since then I have been promoted to Education and Special Events Coordinator, adding ESDCAR Professional Standards Liaison to my job description in 2007.

I was born and raised in San Diego, and currently live in the East County. My husband and I have two beautiful children, of whom we are so very proud. They never cease to amaze us by how fantastic they are at becoming their own individuals.

Family time is most precious to us; we enjoy being together, whether it’s going to a movie or just hanging around the house watching a Charger game.
dawn@esdcar.org

Rosalina Osuna, Receptionist/Membership Coordinator

Originally from San Jose, I moved to San Diego with my parents when I was 10, and went to Crawford High. I began working at ESDCAR in 2006, and really enjoy the teamwork.

Two of my favorite hobbies are basketball and cleaning, and I also really like R&B. I have a young son, Julius, who loves to play Xbox with his mom. Julius and I have two parakeets.

I speak Spanish and one of my favorite places to go is Sinaloa, Mexico. I never get tired of eating at the restaurant Siete Mares.
rosalina@esdcar.org(619) 579-0333