Board of Directors

Marguerite E. Adams

Marguerite E. Adams partners with social impact leaders who are ready to invest in their growth and lead with greater clarity and confidence. With 30 years of experience at one of Orange County’s largest employers and as a Human Resources professional, she brings deep expertise in organizational development, hiring strategy, performance management, and leadership training.

Marguerite’s coaching style combines thoughtful inquiry with practical organizational experience. She is known for creating a grounded, supportive space where leaders can work through real challenges, build resilience, and grow into the next version of their leadership. Clients value Marguerite’s ability to stay alongside them through challenges and her commitment to meeting them exactly where they are in each conversation.

John Benner

John Benner. It has been a great pleasure to have worked with OC nonprofits for the last 25 years specializing in strategic planning, non-profit funding, financial management, and board relationships, but mainly just listening and thinking together with my clients.

Volunteering and assisting the Orange County nonprofit community has been my second career. I have served on the boards of: Hoag Hospital, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, Charitable Ventures, and The Cambodian Family. My business background of financial and general management positions with major national food drug chains has proven to be applicable to even the smallest of nonprofits.

Karen Haren

Karen Haren. Let me help you achieve your goals, resolve challenges and problems and lead others to accomplish your organization’s mission. My special areas of expertise are strategic planning, fund raising and development, board development, leadership and sustainable growth.

Prior to joining EC of OC in 2016, I had a 40-year career as a CEO for nonprofit organizations. I also bring a business perspective and I have an MBA. Most recently I was the CEO of a regional food bank that grew sustainably, received numerous recognitions and raised over $100 million during my tenure.

Monica Horner

Monica Horner. I am a non-profit fundraising professional and executive coach, with more than 20 years of management and leadership experience working with local organizations dedicated to meeting human service needs in Orange County. With a proven track record of raising millions of dollars in the nonprofit industry, I specialize in donor cultivation, Board development and empowering teams with the vision and direction needed to exceed their fundraising goals.

As a seasoned Executive Coach with a demonstrated history of management coaching in the nonprofit industry, I help my clients identify and actualize their talents so they are able to reach their full potential by setting specific goals and solving difficult issues in a confidential setting.

Shaheen Husain

Shaheen Husain  is the Principal at Accelerating Impact, a practice focused on fundraising strategies for nonprofits. She is creating impact in Orange County with her involvement in Girls Inc., United Way, Working Wardrobes, and OneOC.

Shaheen’s career began in banking and shifted to architecture, then higher education, and nonprofits. Her personal and professional experiences have driven her to focus her efforts on education, income, and social responsibility, both on an individual and corporate level. Shaheen was born in Khartoum, Sudan and was educated on four continents before high school!

Martha Ryan

Martha Ryan. I began my career in technology at General Electric and later served as CIO of a large international corporation. That leadership path led me to focus on helping nonprofits. While working in San Francisco, I served on the Board of Directors of The Women’s Building and coached corporate high achievers through Mentium 100. I also served on the Board of Directors for WISEPlace in Santa Ana, CA. as Chair, Fund Development for 2 years and Board Chair for 3 years. As an executive coach with Executive Coaches of Orange County,

I have served as Board Chair, Leadership Council member, CEO, and Chair of the Marketing Committee. My expertise includes leadership, board development, strategic planning, fund development and work/life balance. I help clients reach their full potential through clear goals, strategies, action plans, and accountability.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith. I am the owner of Growth Source Coaching, an Orange County, CA based business and executive coaching company, that specializes in helping business professionals become extraordinary leaders, savvy business owners and confident marketing strategists. I co-hosts a business podcast called The Business Wingmen and is the author of, leadership Axioms- Timeless Principles for Leading in Business and Life.

I work to help non-profit executives to develop clarity and inner confidence. I will help you become a stellar communicator and a strategic thinker who will have executive presence. I will also teach you the very important skill of delegating.

Larry Tucker

Larry Tucker. Let me help you engage your staff and your board. My 25-year career consulting with clients on people issues, gives you access to my knowledge and experience in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, retaining and engaging employees. Also, my experience in serving on nonprofits boards, including as chair, will provide you with valuable insights on board engagement, recruitment and development.

My experience also extends to working with nonprofit boards in developing effective board retreats and practical strategic plans, both of which require a comprehensive process of planning and partnering between staff and board.