Staff
CHRIS BACA: Executive Director
Chris provides leadership for all phases of operations, with special emphasis on long-range planning, program impact, client services and community partnerships. This includes overseeing and ensuring coordination of programs, staff, service delivery, community relations, marketing, fundraising, events, board relations and volunteer activities. He brings to Meals On Wheels West a passion for working with underserved communities. His extensive non-profit experience includes his role as Regional Director for Community Healthy Charities of America overseeing efforts in nine states in the Western Region. Mr. Baca also served as Executive Director for Community Healthy Charities California working in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties with a variety of clients including Kaiser, Toyota and the City of Los Angeles. A longtime music business executive at Capitol Records/EMI, leading music business consultant and artist manager he brings an entrepreneurial spirit to MOW West. A graduate of SAMOHI and a longtime resident of the Westside, Chris is excited to bring his leadership skills to Meals On Wheels West.
Email: chris@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 4
KEVIN MCNULTY: Chief Administrative Officer
Kevin’s twenty-four years of experience at Meals On Wheels West has familiarized him with every aspect of Meals on Wheels’ operations and programs. He assists the Executive Director and Board of Directors in the completion of approved initiatives ensuring the success of MOW West’s mission. Kevin’s expertise in direct mail, human resources, accounting, program administration, policy and procedures are instrumental to the success of MOW West.
Email: kevin@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 5
ANGEL HOWE: Director of Operations
Angel Howe oversees the Operations Department works closely with our meal provider and is responsible for communications with current and potential clients. Angel responds to clients’ needs including special meal preferences, and delivery scheduling. They receive all incoming client inquiries and conducts intake interviews. Angel is the liaison to client’s primary physicians, verifying special diet requirements. Angel’s patience, understanding and kind demeanor has endeared them to clients and volunteers alike. They manage the Operations staff.
Email: clientservices@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 1
JESA TOWNSEND: Director of Development and Community Relations
A servant leader with a wealth of experience in operational strategy and community-building, Ms. Townsend is responsible for overseeing all fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation, and community outreach efforts. The latter includes working closely with local businesses, community organizations, and government officials. Furthering Meals on Wheels West’s community relations, Ms. Townsend is an award-winning researcher who is passionate about socioeconomic equity. She utilizes her deep understanding of social policy and intervention to cultivate meaningful connections with key stakeholders.
Ms. Townsend is a founding member of the Arts and Culture Advisory board at Nevada State College, and the recipient of multiple fellowships due to her advocacy work. She studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Lorenzo de’ Medici University, University of Peace (United Nations), and holds a master’s from Johns Hopkins University. When Ms. Townsend is not having a laugh, you can find her covered in paint. She is a celebrated public artist who adores animals, her family, and traveling (44 countries and counting).
Email: jesa@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 6
NEELEY PINCKNEY: Health and Wellness Coordinator
Neeley joined our team early 2022 and is our Health and Wellness Coordinator. With her eight years of experience working in the healthcare field, Neeley brings her passion to help those in need of more than just a meal. Neeley collaborates closely with the Community Connections Volunteer Manager to ensure all client needs are met, by providing community resources and assisting in maintaining independence and all-around healthy living.
Email: neeley@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 7
MARGARET TALAI: Community Connections Volunteer Manager
Margaret has dedicated thirteen years to the mission of Meals on Wheels West. She schedules Community Connections Friendly Calling volunteers and manages the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles community service program. Margaret also assists with client services. Margaret has developed strong relationships with many of MOW West’s volunteers.
Email: margaret@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 3
JENNIFER TINSLEY: Delivery & Operations Volunteer Manager
Jennifer’s experience and education in human development, production, and nonprofits brings an innovative addition to Meals on Wheels West’s volunteer experience. She is in charge of training, retaining, and recruiting volunteers and coordinating corporate and community groups. She performs community outreach with schools, universities and hospitals and organizes volunteer programs. She strives to enhance the volunteer experience.
Email: jen@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 2
CHRISTIAN WISE: Social Media & Operations Coordinator
Christian coordinates social media content and communications across Meals on Wheels West’s online platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Christian works closely with the Executive Director and the Director of Development and Community Relations, as well as external partners such as Meals on Wheels West’s supporters, volunteers, and clients to create consistent and engaging messaging. He brings experience in and passion for working in social media and addressing food insecurity.
Email: socialmedia@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (424) 902-4687
LILA AVENDAÑO DREYFUSS: Executive Assistant
Lila assists the Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer with data entry, organization of invoices and donations, and acts as a liaison between Spanish speaking clients and Meals on Wheels West. She also works closely with the Director of Operations and the Health and Wellness Coordinator, through completing intake assessments with new clients, and providing mental health, housing, healthcare, and transportation services referrals. Lila brings experience in working with Spanish speaking clients and is passionate about community mental health.
Email: lila@mealsonwheelswest.org
Phone: (310) 394-5133