"We are fortunate to live in an area where giving and caring play such an important role. At NVCF, we consistently witness how good things happen when people with big hearts share ideas and collaborate."
— Alexa Benson-Valavanis, NVCF president and CEO
Common Ground For Common Good
How businesses, nonprofits and government shape a better community
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Noon-2 p.m.
Sierra Nevada Big Room
Panelist:
Tom Lando
Longtime Chico city manager and community volunteer
Panelist:
Taylor Bunch
Executive director, True North Housing Alliance
Panelist:
Matt York
Executive director, illuminAid, founder of Videomaker Inc.
Moderator:
Alexa Benson-Valavanis
President and CEO of NVCF
— Alexa Benson-Valavanis, NVCF president and CEO
Panelist:
Tom Lando
Tom Lando has dedicated his career to public service, city planning and local government leadership. He retired after 26 years with the City of Chico, including his final 13 years as city manager. Throughout his career, he also served as city planner, planning director and community services director, helping guide the community through decades of thoughtful planning and civic leadership.
Tom earned his bachelor's degree from the University of the Pacific, master's degrees in public administration and city and regional planning from The Ohio State University, and a doctorate of public administration from the University of Southern California. He has taught planning, finance and public policy at The Ohio State University, Chico State and USC.
Today, through Tom Lando Consulting, Tom continues to support cities, special districts and other organizations throughout the region, providing expertise in local government, planning and organizational management. He also was elected to serve on the board of directors for the Chico Area Recreation and Park District.
Panelist:
Taylor Bunch
Taylor Bunch has served as executive director of True North Housing Alliance, which operates the Torres Shelter, since January 2022. In her role with True North, Taylor has led the charge on expanding homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing programming, as well as creating the innovative Howard Slater Navigation Center.
She has a long history of engagement in public service, beginning with her role as a Butte County Office of Education instructional aide to students with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities when she was just 18.
Taylor earned her master’s in social work at Chico State. She has also managed a vocational and social/emotional training program for impoverished youth with mental illnesses living in Plumas County; served as a Camp Fire recovery counselor with the Butte County Office of Education; and worked as an instructor of social work and human services at Feather River College, where she created innovative degree and job-skills programs for students.
Panelist:
Matt York
Matt York is the executive director of illuminAid, an international nonprofit utilizing video technology to educate and empower isolated communities worldwide. A pioneer in the video industry, Matt founded Videomaker, Inc., in 1986. Under his leadership, the company became a premier authority on video production, employing 42 people at its peak and teaching generations of creators via multi-platform media and hands-on conferences.
In 2008, Matt channeled his technical expertise and humanitarian vision into founding illuminAid. He spearheaded the development of low-cost, durable video equipment designed specifically for off-grid environments. By equipping local organizations in 70 developing nations, illuminAid facilitates life-saving behavioral change communication in agriculture, public health and literacy.
Matt graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in communications and English.
Our Mission
The Philanthropy Council unites leaders from the nonprofit, public and private sectors to network, inspire one another and foster innovation. This alliance of community members creates a space for meaningful dialogue, builds partnerships and encourages collective action to make our communities better.
Philanthropy Council Planning Committee
Alexa Benson-Valavanis
President and CEO
Megan Smith
Senior Digital Content Creator
David Little
Executive Vice President
Nadia Hill
Digital Content Creator
Morgan Warnock
Engagement Coordinator
Christine McAdams
NVCF Cares Program Coordinator