Akilah Templeton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Village of San Diego, the largest non-profit veteran service organization in San Diego County. Each year, Veterans Village of San Diego serves thousands of veterans in overcoming homeless and related challenges through its core programs that include transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, substance use treatment, case management, employment services and temporary financial assistance. Under Akilah’s leadership, the organization has expanded its partnership with the Cohen Veterans Network to now operate 3 outpatient mental health clinics serving San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. Akilah is an experienced organizational change expert and leader whose career in mental health, substance abuse, veteran services, and homeless services spans more than 30 years. Akilah is a master’s Level Addiction Specialist and a recognized expert in the veteran and homeless services spaces. Akilah sits on the Board of CAVSA (the California Association of Veterans Service Agencies) and holds a seat on the Governance Advisory Committee for the local Continuum of Care. As a member of several community-based work groups including the City of San Diego Community Action Plan on Homelessness and the Leave no Veteran Homeless initiative, Akilah works with leading service providers and government agencies to develop solutions to homelessness and veteran homelessness countywide. Akilah holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California with a sub-concentration in Military Social Work; a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from California State University – Northridge; and a Bachelor of Arts – Sociology from California State University-East Bay.
Michael W. Farrier, II is the Chief Operating Officer of Veterans Village of San Diego and is a veteran of the United States Army. Throughout his career, Michael has held pivotal executive leadership roles that promoted strong organizational culture founded on integrity, honesty, transparency, and a dedication to servant leadership principles. Michael is a multitalented operations manager and people leader with wide experience building and managing key programs and strategic partnerships for a large metropolitan county government who excels at winning interagency and community collaboration. He has a strong background in program development and execution, goal setting, KPIs, financial management, budgeting, recruiting, training, and mentoring engaged, productive teams. Michael’s past executive experiences have provided him with an intricate understanding of the issues associated with persons experiencing mental health needs, substance addiction, and homelessness.
Michael holds a Master of Arts Degree in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Science Degree on Criminal Justice focusing on Emergency Management from Saint Leo University, and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Arizona.
As the Chief Financial Officer, Kena leverages a wealth of expertise to drive VVSD's strategic financial initiatives. With a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mindset, she advises the CEO and senior management on crucial matters of financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow. A skilled communicator, Kena effectively bridges the gap between management and the board and audit committee, ensuring that critical financial insights are clearly articulated at board meetings. Committed to fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, Kena tirelessly collaborates with leadership to shape VVSD’s goals and maximize organizational impact.
20+ years Senior & Executive Level Management in the areas of fiscal, operational and project management, financial strategic planning, leadership, and development, change management, and over $85 million in multi-revenue stream management within for-profit and non-profit industries. Kena thrives on driving fiscal excellence and organizational growth. In her previous role as Regional Financial Controller, Kena skillfully navigated the financial complexities of twelve sports and event venues, optimizing resource allocation and maximizing revenue streams. Also, her extensive experience with diverse grants aimed at bolstering Veteran Services Programs highlights her passion for dynamic nonprofit management. Committed to operational efficiency and precise accounting practices, Kena embrace challenges and exceed expectations on every frontier.
Kena has experience with creating and managing multi-million-dollar budgets, developing efficient workflow streams utilizing lean manufacturing methodologies and Key Performance Indicators. Experience with contract and grant compliance related to the Management of Business Oversight Principles and Policies with the Federal Government. As well as leadership oversight for small and large Finance/Accounting departments in for-profit and non-profit industries.
Kena is a seasoned project team leader with a passion for operational efficiency, adept at implementing cost-effective processes that elevates organizations operating income. Leveraging her expertise in lean manufacturing and meticulous analysis of time studies, Kena have successfully streamlined operations by identifying waste and enhancing productivity. Kena develops actionable insights that drive improvements across organizations. Kena’s commitment extends to efficiently training staff and managers on fiscal management, ensuring a nimble approach to resource management by establishing clear measurement baselines, she enables organizations to assess advancements and make informed decisions for continuous growth.
Shari is thrilled to bring her more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and clinical experience to the clinic, with a long history of deep ties to the local community.
Shari has spent many years in nonprofit service in San Diego. For eight years she served on the Board of Directors of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, as well as the Social Action Collaborative. Additionally, she served on the Council to End Homelessness during its inception. She also received commendations from the Mayor of San Diego from 2009 to 2014 for excellence in treatment programs; recognition for innovation from the United Way of San Diego for creating the Recuperative Care Unit for medically fragile homeless and in 2007 she received the San Diego Business Journal’s Woman of the Year award.
A licensed marriage and family therapist, Shari received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Prior to her appointment to the Cohen Clinic, she was the Executive Director of Peninsula Shepherd Center and prior to that was the Vice President of Clinical Programs for San Diego Rescue Mission. She enjoys utilizing her skillset and experience to manage effective treatment programs that assist veterans in attaining recovery, self-sufficiency, and healing.
Having grown up with a father who served in the Air Force and in a military city, Shari knows it is an incredible honor to provide care to those who served our country. She also understands the endless stress and sacrifice military families experience and looks forward to providing care for all military family members, including children and spouses.
Shari currently resides in San Diego with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, swimming and playing with her dogs.
