Board of Directors

Chair

A native of Bakersfield, CA, Lisa has never lived beyond the borders of California. Lisa has been especially close to her parents, who inspire her to appreciate seniors, find great joy in their company, and advocate for their rights.

Vice Chair

Toni Olson and her husband Richard have lived in Simi Valley for 26 years. They have four children,ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Toni is a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in nursing and healthcare her entire career, and she says her hope is to “enhance senior’s lives through her experience and expertise”. Toni’s last position prior to retiring was Director of Acute Rehabilitation at Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.

Toni has served on our Board of Directors for the past three years. Previously she was an Ombudsman serving residential and long-term facilities in Ventura County. Toni has been active in VCAAA for ten years, four of which she served as Chairperson. In 2018 she received the VCAAA Advocacy and Leadership award. Toni also served on the Simi Valley Council on Aging for nine years, six years as Chairperson. In 2015 she received the Wayne Templeton Award for outstanding volunteerism; and in 2017 she was voted Simi Valley Community Volunteer of the Year.

Treasurer

Dana Bowen, Treasurer, has served on the Board of Directors since the year 2000, formerly as board chair – two terms – and currently as treasurer. A CPA for 29 years, Dana brings a wealth of expertise in her role. She is actively involved in the financial stewardship of Long Term Care Services, and over the years has provided hundreds of hours of professional pro bono services. Currently she is a partner in BSI Energy Partners, LLC., where she also serves as the Chief Financial Officer.

Dana says, “Being able to help create a better life for our seniors in long term care through the work of the Ombudsman Program brings me great personal satisfaction and joy. This work is a gift to me.

Secretary

Fran Rifley joined the Board of Directors in 2014. A registered nurse for 48 years, Fran completed her career with her retirement from California Forensic Medical Group. She has lived in Ventura County since 1967 when she moved here with her husband, Bryan, from Phoenix, Arizona. They have three married children and enjoy seven grandchildren, all in Ventura County.

Fran says, “After learning of the Ombudsman program in Ventura County, it did not take much to realize the important mission and amazing commitment of this organization to the seniors in our community. I’m proud to become a part of the VC Ombudsman Program and hope to be able to contribute to the mission of ensuring quality of life to those seniors in need of a voice.

Member

Robert Higham has been a Ventura County resident for 45 years and is deeply rooted in the Conejo Valley community. He and his wife, Tiffany, have been married for 33 years and are proud parents of three adult children, all of whom also live locally. Robert earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and the University of Nebraska. He has been a licensed Physician Assistant (PA-C) for the past 26 years, following seven years of service as a paramedic in Ventura County.

Robert’s career has remained centered on improving patient care, with extensive experience in clinical practice, medical affairs, and patient-centered research. He currently serves as the Head of Global Advocacy at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., where he works to elevate the voices of patients and caregivers navigating an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

“I am honored to support an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my lifelong commitment to patient advocacy. Ensuring that seniors in long-term care are heard, respected, and protected is a responsibility I am proud to help carry forward.”

Member

“I am extremely glad that I’m part of this organization that advocates a high quality of life for long-term care recipients. This is critical particularly with the growing number of people aging in the community. By being part of this organization, I hope that I will be an instrument of change for improving the lives of long-term care.”

Member

Jackie Lacombe has served on the Board of Directors since January, 2008. A native of Michigan, Jackie has lived in Old Agoura for the last 25 years. She attended Moorpark College and CSU Channel Islands as a Psychology Major with an emphasis in Gerontology and is employed by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. Jackie has long been an advocate of the elderly, serving as a volunteer for Westlake Village Meals on Wheels for 15 years.

“My involvement with LTC Services began in 2006 with the Ventura Ombudsman Senior Santa program. I was very impressed with the organization’s leadership and compassionate treatment and advocacy for Ventura County Seniors. LTC Services is an amazing program and I am honored to be a part of their efforts to improve the lives of seniors and long term care residents of Ventura County.”

Member

Board member Allison Peck joined the Ombudsman Program in January 2021. Born and raised in Santa Barbara and having lived in Ventura for 23 years, she is deeply rooted in our wonderful southern California lifestyle.

Allison brings a wealth of leadership and community service experience to the organization. Prior to becoming an Ombudsman Board Member, she held the role of staff Program Coordinator and Field Services Manager. She is a former board member of the Camarillo Amber’s Light Lions Club, a member of the Santa Barbara Riviera Association, and Miramar Beach HOA. Allison is also the proud mother of a teenage daughter and takes great pride in raising a young adult to have altruistic values and a heart for giving back.

“I feel so blessed and grateful to have found a role and organization that allows me to give back and make a difference while deeply enriching my life.”