Seacrest Foundation Board Members 2024-2025
Wayne Otchis – President
Wayne graduated from Stanford University in 1965 and after a 3-year stint in the Army, worked at Price Waterhouse before forming his own CPA firm in 1975. He and his wife, Linda, moved from Los Angeles to Del Mar in 2002. They have two boys and four grandchildren living in Colorado and Texas. Wayne’s mom, Lee, was a proud resident in Seacrest Independent Living for 10 years until her passing in January of 2015. Wayne and Linda were inspired to become members of The 211 Club and have been supportive of the charitable care program for many years.
Devin Chodorow - Vice President
Devin moved to San Diego in 2002 from the East Coast to join his parents and grandmother in paradise. He currently owns, manages and operates several business entities, developing and commercializing health care and personal care products sold into hospitals, home care and retail store locations globally. Devin has been involved and interested in Seacrest Village from the time his grandmother moved into the home in 2002. He has been actively involved on the board of the Guardians of San Diego, serving as the sitting President for past three years. Devin has recently joined the Seacrest Foundation Board following in his late father, Ingram’s, footsteps in securing funds for those in need. He is the Annual Giving Committee Chair, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and serves on the Investment Committee. Devin resides in San Diego with his wife, Jessica, and their two children.
Mary Epsten - Secretary
Mary is a 2nd generation native San Diegan, and has been married for 35 years to her husband, Jon. They have two children, Michael (Rebecca) and Alana (Jared), and three adorable grandchildren. Mary is a Registered Nurse, and works with the Sharp Healthcare system in cardiac rehabilitation. She enjoys tennis and spending time with her family and many friends.
Mary’s passion and commitment to Seacrest Village began in her teen years as a volunteer at the 54th Street Home. Inspired by her interactions with these seniors, she has continued throughout her life to support and promote care for seniors, especially those less fortunate. Mary has an extensive history of involvement in San Diego Jewish and other charitable organizations, notably the Salvation Army, where she was named a Woman of Dedication in 2010. She is a member of Temple Emanu-el, and has been a Board Member. She helped raise almost 8 million dollars for their Capital Campaign in 2004. She has served as President of the Seacrest Village Women’s Auxiliary since 1993, and has been a member since 1989. Additionally, Mary serves on the Seacrest Foundation Board, including the Budget and Finance Committee. Previously, she was a member of the San Diego Hebrew Homes Board of Trustees for many years.
Mary has received many awards and honors for her passionate dedication to her philanthropic causes; she was honored at the Seacrest Village Gala in 2009 for her tireless commitment to the needs of the residents and their quality of life.
Suzanne Cohen – Treasurer
Born and raised in New Mexico, Suzanne made her way to San Diego after college. She currently serves as a Vice President at Private Asset Management, Inc. In addition to the Seacrest Foundation Board, Suzanne serves on the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Board and is a past Chair of the Advisory Council for Girls on the Run San Diego. At home she chases around her lovable son and their dog.
Suzanne was originally introduced to San Diego Hebrew Homes by her uncle, Stephen J. Cohen, a Past President of the Homes. As she learned more about the organization, it won a place in her heart as Alzheimer’s care and the loss of independence have been an interest since college. At the Homes, she understands how, with assistance, one can continue to live with dignity. Knowing some very happy residents over the years cemented her commitment to support the Seacrest Foundation. As a member of the Seacrest Foundation Board, Suzanne is honored to take that support to the next level and hopes her involvement will make a greater difference in the lives of seniors in our Jewish community.
Earl Altshuler
Earl’s association with the Homes dates back to his childhood. Many of his family members have been residents of the Homes dating back to the 1950’s. He is a native San Diegan who attended Crawford High School where he was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1968. He attended UCLA on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Earl has been in the insurance business for 39 years with his own company, Altshuler Insurance Services, Inc. Earl served on the Seacrest Village Board of Trustees from 2003-2016. He served on the Executive Committee, the Financial Resource and Development Committee, and the Governance Committee.
Earl has been an active lifetime member of the Guardians of San Diego since 1996 and previously held the position of President for 11 years. He is currently on the Guardians of San Diego Board, serving on the golf and tennis event committee. Earl lives in Point Loma with his wife, Sandra, and enjoys film, theatre, traveling, golf and tennis; however, baseball is his passion. Earl and his two sons, Ryan and Brent and their families, along with Sandra and her two sons, Robbie and Alex, are enjoying life to the fullest.
With a lifetime of experiences at the original San Diego Hebrew Homes and now Seacrest Village, Earl’s goal, through his work on the Seacrest Foundation Board, is to help the frail and elderly have a wonderful life.
Frances Berger
Frances Berger graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada with a BSc(N) in Community Health. She later acquired an MPH in Health Services Administration from San Diego State University. Early work experience in an evolving community-based health care model in the Province of Quebec influenced a professional career that focused on non-institutional-based health services. After moving to San Diego, Frances was involved in the startup of the Sharp Health Care Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. After graduate school she became the Administrative Director of Scripps Health Home Health Services. This was followed by the position of Administrative Director of Community Health at the Scripps Center for Community Health and Advocacy and then the Operations Manager of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine at Scripps Clinic. Her professional career continued at Kaiser Permanente in Primary Care Services and then as the Department Administrator, Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Diseases, for the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Region.
Frances’ childhood experiences in Montreal were based in a community that flourished in Jewish history, culture and values. She is delighted to be involved with San Diego Hebrew Homes in a capacity that embraces these values and recognizes the importance of maintaining the aging population in a stimulating, safe, homelike living environment.
Frances lives in La Jolla, tirelessly trying to keep her Goldendoodle “Hope” sufficiently walked and happy.
Cindy Bloch
Cindy and her husband, Larry, have been patrons of Seacrest for over 15 years. They have supported Seacrest’s annual campaign efforts as well as capital drives for building new facilities. With Larry’s mother now residing in the independent living community on the Encinitas campus, the Blochs are truly considered part of the Seacrest Family. Cindy attended Parson’s School of Design in New York City and had a very successful career in sportswear design. After an early position as an assistant designer at Ellen Tracy, she was recruited and worked as Design Director for several well-known brands including Leslie Fay, Evan Picone and J.G. Hook. In 1993, the Bloch’s moved to San Diego, with their twins, Reisa and Matt, and Cindy began her involvement in the community by joining the Women’s Division Board of UJF.
In 1995, Cindy was a Founding Member of Kids Korps USA, a non-profit that engaged children, ages 8 through 18, in community based service. Cindy served as the Inaugural Rancho Santa Fe Board President and helped lead Kids Korps’s growth to 80 chapters over the next decade. Cindy served that organization in many roles during this time and her family received the Kids Korps USA National Service Award in 2005.
Cindy is also a founding member of Circle of Angels (COA), a Women’s Philanthropy Circle, whose purpose over the past twelve years has been to identify grass roots organization focused on the disabled and disadvantaged population within San Diego County. COA assists with funding for capital expenses, scholarships and job training.
She is also working to ensure the future of Jewish aging as a Seacrest Foundation Board member and Chair of the Legacy Committee.
Debby Cushman-Parrish
Debby earned a B.A. degree in business administration from the University of San Diego. She is co-owner of Selma Investments, Director of Cush Enterprises, and Secretary/Treasurer for the Cushman Foundation. Debby formerly co-owned businesses in the automotive and travel industries. She currently serves on the Jewish Community Foundation Board of Trustees, San Diego History Center Board of Trustees, CalPrivate Bank Advisory Board and is a former member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and USD Alumni Association boards. A Girl Scout leader for 13 years, Debby has mentored more than 20 Girl Scouts who achieved their Gold Awards. Debby’s great-grandmother, Selma (Levi), was on the original Women’s Auxiliary board for the San Diego Hebrew Home of the Aged, dating back to 1944. She’s very proud of her family’s history in San Diego since 1860. Genealogy research is one of her favorite hobbies. Debby and her husband, Kent, are parents to Nikolas (Kristen & three grandchildren) and their daughter Britny (Tony & two granddaughters).
Leonard Gregory
Leonard Gregory was born and raised in Oakland, California. His parents, Boris and Irene, settled there after fleeing their respective countries of birth, China and Germany, during the war.
Following his graduation from the University of California, Berkeley, Leonard spent a year on a kibbutz as a civilian volunteer during the Yom Kippur conflict. This not only deepened his connection to Israel and the Jewish People, but it also introduced him to agriculture and horticulture and the technical innovations taking place in Israel at that time.
Upon returning to California Leonard received a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Management at UCLA and proceeded to spend several years in finance with two different firms.
At the age of twenty-nine Leonard realized that his real passion was in growing things. Thus, he moved from San Francisco to Palm Desert where he founded a commercial landscape and irrigation company. After this company was successfully sold, Leonard purchased a small distributorship of landscape and irrigation products in San Diego. Over the course of thirty plus years his company, Turf Star Inc, grew into one of the nations largest distributorships of products for golf courses, parks, schools, stadiums, and commercial and residential landscapes with facilities in multiple states.
Leonard met Pam Ferris, the former CEO of Seacrest Village, in a CEO group they both were involved with. With her encouragement Len joined the Seacrest Board. During the succeeding years he developed an understanding of retirement communities and what differentiates the poor from the average and the average from the best. Leonard is proud to be a part of the best: Seacrest Village with its non-profit status, its outstanding management team, and its mission to treat its residents and employees with the greatest of respect.
Len has two adult children who grew up in San Diego. His son Tye currently is the CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Counsil of the San Francisco Bay Area and his daughter Sari has recently completed her doctorate in psychology and is now finishing her internship in Minneapolis, Minn.
Robert Haimsohn
As a second generation San Diegan, Robert Haimsohn has a long history with the San Diego Jewish Community and San Diego Hebrew Homes. As President of San Diego Hebrew Homes, he played a leading role in a successful capital campaign to expand the Encinitas Campus. He was instrumental in the creation of Seacrest at Home, which is a Home Care Agency now serving clients throughout San Diego County. Robert previously served as the president of Seacrest Foundation with a goal of significantly growing the Foundation’s assets to ensure a brighter future for Jewish San Diego.
Robert is the President of Robert M. Haimsohn, Inc., and consults for companies outsourcing products from Asia. He is married to Merrill and has two beautiful children and two very special grandchildren whom he adores.
Jeffrey Lipinsky
Jeffrey is considered a philanthropic leader in San Diego for his longtime efforts on behalf of the community’s less fortunate. He is no stranger to the San Diego Hebrew Homes with his family being amongst the original founders of The Homes, recognizing the need to provide care for Jewish seniors. He and his wife, Sheila, continue their legacy with continuous philanthropic work throughout San Diego. Both native San Diegans and alma maters of San Diego State University, they have given generously to SDSU in support of the School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in the form of scholarships and gifts. Jeffrey and Sheila have also been honored as major longtime sponsors of the arts and arts education. Jeffrey served on the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Hebrew Homes for many years and now serves on the Board of Seacrest Foundation.
Sheila Lipinsky
Over many years, Sheila has contributed tirelessly toward cultural and philanthropic organizations in San Diego. She is a pioneer in the education of children with special needs, and her innovative models resulted in the start of the Itinerate Program in the Chula Vista and South Bay School Districts. Sheila graduated from UCLA and completed her graduate studies at SDSU. With her husband Jeffrey, they generously sponsor local theatre and Sheila serves on the board of directors of The Old Globe Theatre. Sheila has been the chair of numerous events for the San Diego Hebrew Homes, has served on their Board of Trustees for many years and now serves on the Board of Seacrest Fountation.
Brian Miller
Brian and his wife Danielle have been fans of Seacrest for many years. Danielle's grandmother was one of Seacrest's oldest residents to the age of 107! And more recently, Brian's mother spent her last year there with wonderful care.
The Millers have two sons who have also seen firsthand what an incredible place Seacrest is for their family members and seniors.
Brian and Danielle own Geppetto's Toy Stores. Brian graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and worked for large retailers before returning to San Diego to grow his family business in 1992.
Brian enjoys community involvement and has served on several community boards including The Lawrence Family JCC, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Federation, Words Alive and Kids Included Together as well are long time supports of Jewish Family Service and Hillel. The Millers live in La Jolla, belong to Congregation Beth El, and when not playing with toys, enjoy family time, cooking, travel, art and cultural experiences.
Anne Nagorner
Anne Nagorner has a long and special history with Seacrest Village. She served on the Seacrest Operating Board, and was one of the first, and remains a current board member of Seacrest at Home. Anne now serves on the Seacrest Foundation Board and is a member of the Legacy Committee.
Anne and her family have been instrumental in the creation and success of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, Seacrest at Home, and Seacrest Foundation. Having had family members who resided at the Encinitas Campus, Anne knows first-hand the work that is done on a daily basis. Anne believes that we must secure the future for Jewish San Diego and is very passionate about building the Seacrest Foundation so that it can support those who are in need for generations to come. Having been involved with the Jewish Community Foundation, served on the Jewish Federation Women’s Board, Hillel and Temple Beth Israel Boards, Anne is also a Wexner Heritage Alumni.
Robert Oren
A 50 year resident of San Francisco, having been born and raised in the Boston area. Retired after a successful 30 year career in the Men’s Luxury Retail and Custom Menswear industry. Passionate about the care and well being of our elderly Jewish community. Following in the footsteps of my philanthropic father, Jere Oren, who has lived in Goldberg Healthcare for the past six years.
Jane Ottenstein
Jane Ottenstein has been involved with Seacrest Village for many years and is a member of the Seacrest Foundation Board. She and her late husband, Victor, were instrumental in the expansion of the Seacrest Encinitas Campus having named the Ottenstein Vitality Center. Jane is a member of the Jewish National Fund Board of Directors and President Advisor, and World Chairman Council member. She has devoted herself to her family’s business and philanthropic interests including the development and funding of the Ottenstein Family Biochemical Research Laboratory at Brandeis University, The Ottenstein Family Hall at the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, CA, the Jewish Chapel project at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and the Ottenstein Center for Prostate Cancer Research at Suburban Hospital in Washington, DC. Jane is currently President of the Ottenstein Family Foundation and is actively involved with the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and the San Diego Opera and supporter of the Fire Department and the Police Department. Jane’s experience and passion for the elderly will make significant contributions as a Reunion Gala Co-Chair.
Mitchell Surowitz
Mitch learned the importance of supporting our seniors from his father, a longtime board member and supporter of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. Mitch grew up volunteering at foundation events and feels honored to continue the legacy at the Seacrest Foundation. He is the Area Vice President for Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, a global insurance brokerage and risk management services firm. Mitch received his Bachelor of Science and Master in Business Administration from the University of Southern California where he met his wife, Lindsay.
Mitch currently holds board positions on the Boys and Girls club of Greater San Diego and he is a founding member of the Summit Springs Charter School Foundation. In this capacity he provided scholarships to low income households and children in need.
