Staff

LEN LANZI: Executive Director

With over 35 years of leadership in non-profit management, fund development, and entrepreneurial community building, Leonard M. Lanzi is recognized throughout Southern California for advancing innovation and community impact.

Immediately prior to this role, Len served as Managing Director of the Preccelerator Program, where he advised early-stage founders and cultivated one of the region’s strongest startup and investment communities. Previously, he was Executive Director of the Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) from 2007 to 2020, leading strategic initiatives and educational programs for the region’s startup ecosystem. His diverse career includes executive roles with Junior Achievement of Southern California, the Boy Scouts of America, and advocacy for children through Court Appointed Special Advocates.

A lifelong learner, Leonard holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rochester and a professional certification in Private Capital Markets from Pepperdine University. He is deeply involved in community service, currently an active member of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica.

Other leadership roles include the immediate past Board Chair of Meals on Wheels West, Past Board Governor for StartOut (championing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship), and past director for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

Outside of work, Len is passionate about futbol, holding season tickets for Los Angeles Football Club and Angel City Football Club, and is an ultra-fan for Italian Club Frosinone Calcio.

Email: director@mealsonwheelswest.org

Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 4

CHRISTOPHER CROWLEY: Director of Development & Community Relations

Christopher is a results-driven nonprofit leader and strategic development expert with over two decades of experience in high-impact fundraising and organizational growth.

Based in Los Angeles, Christopher excels at building lasting donor relationships, and leading cross-functional teams to exceed budgeted target. His expertise is inclusive of corporate sponsorship acquisition and board transformation.

Email: development@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

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

EMMA EASTMAN: Health and Wellness Coordinator

Emma works intently with the Community Connections Volunteer Manager to provide extensive resources for our clients so they can maintain healthy and fulfilling lives. During the 2020 pandemic, Emma realized she wanted to do more to help her others, so she earned a Master’s of Public Administration in Nonprofit Sector Management from California State University Northridge. She fiercely believes in advocating for those in need and creating a better world for generations to come!

Email: communityconnections@mealsonwheelswest.org

Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 7

LAURA LOHNES: Accounting Coordinator

Laura is responsible for all accounting activities and coordinating the annual audit. Before joining the staff at Meals on Wheels West, Laura worked in local government for twenty-two years, beginning her career as a financial professional and retiring as the Civil Service Manager for the City of Torrance in 2013. Since then, Laura has worked for local nonprofits and has extensive experience in nonprofit accounting and grants administration. In addition to her work at MOWW, Laura enjoys cycling, gardening, and reading.

Email: laura@mealsonwheelswest.org

DAISY RAMOS VARELA: Volunteer and Operations Assistant

Daisy administers Meals on Wheels West’s Volunteer Dispatch Desk and assists the Operations Director on tasks to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Daisy is the first point of contact for Delivery Volunteers arriving at our office, working closely with the Delivery Volunteer Manager to check in and distributes route sheets and additional materials to the volunteers. She also supports the Operations Director by implementing meal orders and reporting on deliveries. In her free time, Daisy enjoys running, scrapbooking, and going to the beach.

Email: wellness@mealsonwheelswest.org

Phone: (310) 394-5133, extension 1

SHANE SEARS: Operations Assistant

Shane facilitates the daily operations and checks in on clients’ well-being at Meals on Wheels West. He works closely with the Director of Operations to ensure meals arrive on time and go out to the clients in a timely fashion. He also assists volunteers to setup for their deliveries. He is always happy to help wherever it’s needed, whether it’s delivering a meal himself or reaching out to clients to offer further assistance.

Email: operations1@mealsonwheelswest.org

Phone: 310-394-5133, ext 6

JACOB CHERRY: Operations Assistant

Jacob serves as part of the front-line of the daily delivery service at Meals on Wheels West. He works every day to organize the meals from our kitchen partners and makes sure they are delivered to our neighbors’ doorsteps. He is always happy to assist volunteers, deliver routes himself, and personally check in on clients’ well-being both over the phone and in-person.

Email: operations2@mealsonwheelswest.org

Phone: 310-394-5133, ext 3

CHRISTIAN WISE: Communications and Social Media Manager

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 Senior 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: (310) 394-5133, ext 8