Pacific Crest’s Office Manager & Bookkeeper, Betty Yoder, retired on August 31st, after 21 years with Pacific Crest.
Betty came aboard in 1996, the year her son, DJ, performed with Pacific Crest. She was an active volunteer that year, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1997 to help run Corps at the Crest. Alan LaBounty, our founding Treasurer, resigned in 1999, and Betty succeeded him in that position.
“At the time, we were a fledgling organization that served 50 – 60 students,” according to Executive Director Stuart Pompel. “I had recently took over the CEO position, and Betty and I ‘grew up’ together at Pacific Crest.”
Betty took over Corps at the Crest, and helped build it into one of the premier DCI events in the country — raising significant funds for the corps. She helped the organization take on a second show in Oceanside in 2008, and oversaw the move of the “home show” from Mt. SAC to the Rose Bowl in 2015.
“Without her efforts, we wouldn’t have had the resources to move into DCI’s World Class. Corps at the Crest is a significant program. Funds raised from its ticket sales have helped make our national tour possible,” said Pompel.
Thanks to a 2010 grant from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Betty’s position was upgraded to a half-time position. She was receiving a small stipend before that, and for the first 10 years of service, she volunteered all her time! During her 21 years here, Betty developed financial policies and procedures, and helped Pacific Crest stake out a position as one the most well-run corps in the country.
Betty is followed by Jenifer Guldner, who started on September 1 as Pacific Crest’s Business Manager. Jen understands the drum corps activity — an alumnae of Esperanza and Blue Devils. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and works as Human Resource Administrative Coordinator for Creative Costuming & Designs. She also happens to be married to Tim Tintari, who performed with Pacific Crest in 1998 and 1999.
The change is bitter sweet for Pompel. “I am so excited to have Jen on board, but we are all going to miss Betty. She is such an important part of the Pacific Crest, and has played a huge role in our financial sustainability. A new person brings new opportunity, however, and I look forward to Jen’s contributions to Pacific Crest.”
While Betty has retired from the Office Manager & Bookkeeper position, she will continue volunteering as the organization’s Ticketing Manager for Corps at the Crest. Those who know her will see her at our events this coming summer.
