Board of Directors

Debbie Zimmerman, President

Debbie started her career in Human Resources 14 years ago. Her background includes working for large organizations such asLiberty Mutual, Fireman's Fund, GE, and Lonza Biologics. In the last 5 years she has joined smaller firms to build the Human Resourcefunctionin the company. She enjoys the HR Manager generalist role and loves recruiting, employee relations, coaching and organizational development.

Debbie is originally from New Hampshire. She moved to Marin county in 1994. She has been teaching aerobics for over 20 years and she enjoys hiking and personal training in her free time.

Jana Lalander, Vice-President

Jana became a member of the MHRF shortly after joining San Rafael-based Eber International/KN Karen Neuburger as their HR Manager in the fall of 2004. “The monthly speakers help me stay current and provide a fun and easy way to remain connected with other HR professionals in my community.” Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Jana worked as Employee Relations Director at the Texas headquarters of a multi-state retail chain called Academy Sports & Outdoors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in sociology, from University of Houston in Texas, and completed her certification for Senior Professional in Human Resources in spring 2006.

Debi Geller, Membership Co-Chair

Debi Geller is proud to be Regional Account Manager for Perfect Timing Personnel Services, Inc., in Larkspur. Debi has a diverse professional background of retail, advertising sales, teaching elementary school, and non-profit fundraising. A San Rafael native, Debi is happy to have the chance to raise her daughters in her home town. She is very well-connected in the business and non-profit communities here, volunteering for various organizations including Girl Scouts, Hospice of Marin, and Ritter Center, and local schools. Debi serves on the Board of Directors for the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce, and as a committee member for the San Rafael Chamber’s Women for Success group. Debi earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University.

Debi can be reached by email at debi@perfecttiming.com or by phone at (415) 461-6450.

Lorraine Gauthier, Membership Co-Chair

Lorraine Gauthier has more than 23 years of experience in HR and staffing and is currently working at Nelson Associates. Lorraine has been the co- membership chair for a year and a half. She says she particularly enjoys the opportunity to represent the Marin HR Forum from a business spokesperson's perspective. She is also a member of the San Rafael Chamber and serves on three committees, the Women for Success and Membership Committee and is an Ambassador representing the chamber. She also volunteers and fundraises for local non-profits. Recently, she worked with The Hospice of Marin's annual fundraiser. In her spare time, she is a "closet race car driver." "I have a vintage sports car I drive around the back roads of West Marin," she says.

Being part of the Marin HR Forum has helped her gain a keen understanding of the Forum's commitment to support all members thought the services and programs offered. "The list is long and full of value and translates to a big return on investment if members are willing to get involved," she says.
Lorraine can be reached by email at lgauthier@nelsonandassociates.com or by phone at (415) 446-0258.

Gerry Palter, Secretary

Gerry is the Human Resources Coordinator for CSW/Stuber-Stroeh in Novato, one of the largest civil engineering firms in the North Bay. She joined the company in 1991 and has seen it grow from 23 employees to the current 65. Before her daughter was born she worked in San Francisco as an office manager, but decided to return to work part-time and close to home while she was young. She found the perfect fit at CSW. Gerry thought she'd stay for a few years and then get a "real" job, but as the company grew, so did her job.

In 1999, Gerry was asked if she would be willing to take over the Human Resources function for the company. She was apprehensive because she had no experience in H.R., but agreed to give it a try - and "I'm still trying every day!" Gerry comments, "I've learned a lot over the last few years - although sometimes it feels like it's just how much I still don't know. The Marin HR Forum has been an invaluable resource and every meeting provides me with new ideas to bring back to CSW."

Jennifer Thompson, Facilities

Jennifer has worked as the Human Resources Coordinator at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael since January 2006. She graduated from California State University, Chico in December 2005 with a degree in Business Administration emphasizing Organizational Management. Jennifer also earned a minor in International Business while studying for a year in Copenhagen, Denmark. While at Chico she served as Executive Vice President of the Human Resource and Management Association as well as participated in Butte County Human Resources Group. Jennifer is also an active member of the GDB Toastmasters club where she holds the secretary position on the board.

Jennifer can be reached at Jthompson@guidedogs.com or 415-492-4172.

Susan Prnjak, Immediate Past President

Susan Prnjak has served in the human resources profession for the past 12 years, currently at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. Previously she worked as the Regional Manager of Human Resources for the east and west coast subsidiaries of Donnelly Marketing and infoUSA. Earlier, Susan worked as the Director of Human Resources for the five regional campuses of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, with the main campus in Mill Valley.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree at San Francisco State University, Susan later achieved certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. A member of Tiburon Baptist Church, Susan is also a volunteer for Gilead House, Habitat for Humanity and serves as a trainer for various disaster relief efforts.