PROFILES

Walter Grubbs
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Walter joined FamiliesFirst in 2003 as a member of the Board of Directors and in 2005, became the agency’s President and CEO. His career entails over 25 years of management experience. Prior to joining FamiliesFirst, Walter was the Vice President of Human Resources at Vision Service Plan (VSP), the nation’s leading provider of eye care health benefits.  During his tenure at the company, Fortune Magazine noted VSP as being one of the best places to work in the country for seven consecutive years. Outside of the office, Walter has also been active in other community affairs, including the Alcohol Safety Action Program (Portland, Oregon), Simi Valley (California) Hospice, Los Angeles Urban League, youth sports, youth education, board service and the Sacramento County Local Child Care and Development Planning Council.

John Kniep
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

John joined FamiliesFirst in April 2004 as Finance Director and in August 2004 was promoted to CFO.  Between August 2005 and January 2006, John also served as the Interim President and CEO of FamiliesFirst.  His career encompasses 35 years in financial management and accounting, commencing his initial audit experience with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co. in Los Angeles. He has held positions as a partner in charge of Audit and Accounting Services with McDougal and Co., Inc., and principal of his accounting and financial consulting practice for 12 years. He also served as CFO and principal in commercial real estate development in the Bay Area. John received his B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from Los Angeles State University in 1968. He was also the recipient of the 1968 John Forbes Gold Medal for the highest score in California on the CPA exam.

Jennifer Hintz
Executive Director, Human Resources

Jennifer started her career with FamiliesFirst in February 1996 and has over ten years experience in social services and human resource management. Jennifer is a Human Resources Generalist and is experienced in all functional areas including benefits, safety, workers’ compensation, employee relations, training and development, employment, and compensation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communications from California State University Sacramento and received her Senior Professional in Human Resources certification in December 2001. Jennifer is a member of the Sacramento Area Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Laura Heintz
Executive Director, Residential Services

Laura has been with FamiliesFirst for over 10 years in a variety of positions including Foster Care Counselor, Social Worker, Foster Care Supervisor, Program Analyst, and Program Manager of the Yolo Crisis Nursery.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Bachelor's degree in Human Development, a Master's degree in Holistic Studies, and a Doctorate in Psychology.  Laura is certified as an Executive Coach and as a Group Home Administrator.  Laura serves as a (statewide) Prevent Child Abuse Advisory Committee Inaugural Member and serves as a member of the Yolo County Children's Alliance and Child Abuse Prevention Council.

Roland Udy
Executive Director,
Community Based Services and Program Development

Roland came to FamiliesFirst in April 2001 with over 20 years experience in the field of social services, and an expertise in grant and program development. Most recently, Roland was Director of Community Services at Sacramento Children’s Home. He received his Master’s in Social Work from California State University Sacramento in 1982 after earning his Bachelor’s in Social Work at Brigham Young University in Utah.

David Newell
Executive Director, Foster Care Services

David joined FamiliesFirst in May 2006 with over fifteen years of behavioral healthcare experience in direct service and leadership roles. In partnership with his wife, Theresa, David also came to the agency with over fourteen years experience as a therapeutic foster and adoptive parent. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of Denali Family Services, and he was the Chair of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association from 2002-2005.  David received his Certificate of Nonprofit Management and M.S.W. from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and his B.S. in Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  He is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.

Privacy Policy & Legal Notices
© Copyright 2006 Families First, Inc. All rights reserved.