Board of Directors
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Meet Our Directors
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Executive Team
- Melanie Sauer, Executive Director
- Arvin Varma, Chief Operating Officer
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Nicholas Fisher, Senior Director of Development
Board of Directors
Officers
John L Mothershead - Board Chair
John currently serves as Managing Partner of JLT, a small real estate investment group, and previously founded Backyard Technologies, a computer software and systems analysis firm. A dedicated member of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center community, he has been a Masters swimmer at RBAC for more than ten years and strongly believes in the positive impact swimming and water fitness have on both physical and mental well-being. Before becoming Board Chair, John served as Chair of the Development Committee. He is also an Emeritus Board Member of Huntington Medical Research Institutes, where he has held leadership roles including Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Treasurer since 2010. In addition, he has served on the Huntington Hospital Board and held board positions at Ojai Valley Community Hospital, where he helped establish its foundation. John earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of the Pacific and is an active member of the Association for Computing Machinery. Outside of his professional and philanthropic work, he is an avid swimmer and Ironman triathlete.
Robert Kamins - Immediate Past Chair
Bio Coming soon...
Amanda S. Georgino - Vice Chair
Amanda S. Georgino is an attorney in the Office of General Counsel for the California State University system, where she provides legal counsel and representation to campus and system leadership on complex legal, regulatory, and risk management matters. She believes the programs offered by the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center help build character, strengthen community, and foster compassion.
Alison Edwards Laster, Ph.D. - Vice Chair (City Appointee)
Dr. Alison Edwards Laster is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Pasadena, where she works with adolescents and adults. For more than 25 years, she has combined her professional expertise with extensive volunteer leadership experience to help individuals and organizations thrive. Through both her daughter’s involvement in competitive swimming and her own service to the organization, Alison has witnessed firsthand the positive impact aquatics can have on physical health, confidence, community, and personal development.
Lyn Beckett Cacciatore - Secretary
Lyn Beckett Cacciatore is a retired Deputy City Attorney for the City of Santa Monica and currently serves as a Trustee of the Santa Monica City Employees Coalition Benefit Trust. She is also an active member of the Assistance League of Pasadena. A dedicated advocate for aquatic fitness, Lyn believes the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center serves individuals at every stage of life by promoting health, wellness, and community connection.
Erik Larsen - Treasurer
Erik Larsen is a Private Banker at City National Bank, where he specializes in serving law firms and attorneys with customized financial solutions and strategic banking services. A lifelong swimmer, Erik has a deep appreciation for the positive impact aquatic facilities have on individuals and communities. As Chair of the Finance Committee, he brings financial expertise and leadership to the Board, helping support the organization's long-term fiscal sustainability. He believes the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center provides a safe and welcoming environment where people of all ages can come together to enjoy aquatic activities and improve their quality of life.
Directors
Pat Amsbry
Pat Amsbry is a digital media entrepreneur, agency owner, and co-founder with extensive experience helping brands grow through innovative and data-driven marketing strategies. He first became involved with the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in 2008 when his son began diving lessons and has remained a dedicated supporter of the organization ever since. A former Board Chair and current member of the Executive Committee, Pat contributes expertise in marketing, fundraising, and community engagement.
Roy Ashford
Dr. Roy Ashford is an orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in patient care, health and wellness, and long-range planning. As a longtime lap swimmer, he understands the important role aquatic exercise plays in maintaining physical health and quality of life. Roy brings valuable medical expertise and strategic insight to the Board, helping support initiatives that expand access to aquatic fitness, rehabilitation, and therapeutic programming. He is committed to advancing opportunities for individuals of all ages to benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of aquatics.
Mari Berkemeier
Mari Berkemeier is a management consultant specializing in practice management, negotiation, and mediation of accounts receivable within the medical, dental, chiropractic, and legal industries. She is a passionate advocate for aquatics as a vital community resource and currently serves as the City of Pasadena's District 5 Senior Commissioner. At RBAC, Mari serves on the Development and Strategic Planning Committees, where she has helped secure corporate support through fundraising initiatives. She believes access to aquatic programming promotes safety, confidence, wellness, and community connection for individuals of all ages.
JR deSouza
JR deSouza is a World Champion athlete, Olympian, inventor, entrepreneur, and technology executive who has held leadership roles with organizations including Disney, DreamWorks, Samsung, and TiVo. He is also the co-founder of Outex.com and brings extensive experience in innovation, strategic planning, and business operations. A longtime supporter of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, JR has been a patron and Masters swimmer for more than 25 years. He serves as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and contributes to development, fundraising, operations, and volunteer initiatives. His diverse professional background and passion for aquatics help support RBAC's long-term growth and community impact.
David A. Greene
David A. Greene is a creative and civic leader whose career has spanned journalism, television, and nonprofit governance. He was a founding editor of Dwell magazine, an arts columnist for The New Yorker and The Village Voice, and has written and directed numerous comedy and documentary television programs for major cable networks. A longtime member of the RBAC community, Dave is the parent of a water polo athlete and has spent nearly two decades supporting aquatics as a coach, volunteer, and booster club leader. He serves on the DEI and Community Engagement Committee and brings expertise in governance, community organizing, and public service to help expand access and opportunity throughout RBAC programs.
Marcos Gutierrez
Bio coming soon...
Matt Hawkesworth (City Appointee)
Matt Hawkesworth is a public administration professional with more than 30 years of experience in local government leadership, finance, and operations. He currently serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Pasadena, overseeing Finance, Planning, and a variety of strategic initiatives and special projects. As the City Manager’s appointee to the RBAC Board, Matt provides valuable insight into municipal partnerships, public finance, and long-term planning. He also serves on the Executive Committee and helps support collaborative efforts related to the 2028 Olympic Games and other regional initiatives within the Arroyo.
Margaret McAustin (City Appointee)
Margaret McAustin is a retired commercial real estate asset manager and former member of the Pasadena City Council. She has been an active participant in Rose Bowl Aquatics Center wellness programs since the facility reopened in the early 1990s and has long championed the benefits of aquatics for individuals of all ages. Margaret brings valuable experience in public service, community engagement, and local government to the Board. She is passionate about ensuring access to swimming, diving, fitness, and aquatic recreation opportunities for youth, adults, and seniors throughout the Pasadena community.
Betsy Mitchell (City Appointee)
Betsy Mitchell has dedicated more than 35 years to educational leadership, coaching, and athletic administration, serving as a coach and athletic director at universities and high schools across the country. A two-time Olympian, world and American record holder, and member of the 1994 U.S. Rowing World Championship Team, she is a lifelong advocate for sport, physical fitness, and youth development. Betsy holds degrees in Education and Sports Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of two books examining the role of sport in society. She brings a collaborative leadership style and a deep commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive through athletics and wellness.
John Naber (City Appointee)
John Naber is an Olympic champion swimmer, broadcaster, author, speaker, and longtime advocate for the sport of swimming. As a member of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s founding Board of Directors, he has played an important role in supporting the organization's growth and impact since its earliest days. John contributes expertise in communications, fundraising, and community engagement, helping advance RBAC's mission of serving Pasadena and surrounding communities through aquatics, wellness, and education.
Michael Ross (City Appointee)
Michael Ross has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC) for more than 20 years, overseeing operations for several of Pasadena’s premier venues, including the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Pasadena Ice Skating Center. He brings extensive experience in facilities management, operations, marketing, and community partnerships. Michael joined the RBAC Board to help strengthen regional collaboration and support opportunities surrounding the 2028 Olympic Games. He holds a master’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Central Michigan University and previously served on the Board of the First Tee of Pasadena.
Ivan Shin
Ivan Shin is an advancement executive with more than 20 years of experience leading philanthropic, communications, and engagement strategies across academic medicine, medical research institutes, higher education, and community-based nonprofits in the United States and Australia. He currently serves as Director of Principal Gifts at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he helps align philanthropic strategy with institutional priorities and board leadership. As the parent of children involved in RBAC programs, Ivan values aquatics as a foundation for youth development, water safety, and community wellness.
Linda Sindell
Linda Sindell spent her career as a marketing executive, creating entertainment-driven campaigns for globally recognized brands including Disney and Nestlé. Known as a connector and strategic thinker, she has built a reputation for developing innovative ideas and turning them into successful initiatives. A lifelong swimmer and Masters swimmer at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center for more than 25 years, Linda is deeply committed to promoting aquatics and community wellness. She serves as Co-Lead of the Development Committee, supporting fundraising efforts, community outreach, and board development. In addition to her work with RBAC, she serves mission-driven organizations throughout Pasadena, including Pasadena Humane and USHS.
Jay L. Walters
Bio Coming Soon...
Jenny Yu
Jenny Yu is a law firm partner specializing in employment law, class action litigation, complex litigation, and wage-and-hour matters. Through her children’s participation in swim lessons, she has experienced firsthand the value the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center provides to families throughout the community. Jenny contributes legal expertise to the Board and is passionate about supporting RBAC’s mission of advancing water safety, accessibility, and inclusion.
On a yearly basis, the RBAC will collect names of individuals interested in volunteering for board or committee positions. For more information about this process, please contact us at: board@rosebowlaquatics.org
